Collin County assistance programs.

Grants for utility bills

The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs Funds is providing almost $5 million to the local community action agency. If you need help with paying your energy bills, contact Community Services Inc. They have several offices in the region, but they are located in Corsicana and they provide help with paying energy bills for low-income residents living in Anderson, Collin, and other local counties and cities. Contact the local Community action agency at (903) 872-2401.

The funding is being awarded to Community Services as part of the state of Texas Department’s Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program, which is a utility co-payment assistance program that also helps eligible households, including low to moderate income, as well as elderly, better manage their energy consumption for a safe, affordable environment. The program begin in January, and funding is provided each year.

The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs assists over 68,000 people each and every year, and they are mostly low-income Texans through CEAP services. It provides grants to help people pay their bills, and other services to help them reduce their energy usage. They can also refer people to other local charities and aid organizations.

Emergency Financial Assistance in Collin County and Plano

A local agency, Allen Community Outreach, administers free services and several assistance programs that will help families when they are facing a short term hardship or in times of emergency. The types of assistance they can provide is extensive, including money to pay rent and utility bills, free food, clothing and more. Find examples of some of their services.

• They run a food distribution center, known as the Allen Food Pantry, that provides free groceries and food vouchers to those struggling to provide for their families.
• Household items, clothes, and other items are provided. Get winter coats, school clothes and shoes, and much more.
• A program known as care and share provides such essential items as diapers, personal hygiene items,  paper products, toiletries and other essentials.

Contact the outreach program at 972-727-9131.

 

 

 

Another option that may be able to help is the Assistance Center of Collin County. phone 972-422-1850. They can offer low income and other qualified applicants with emergency medicine and access to medical and social services, free food, shelter, and clothing. They can also refer people to other Texas and federal government programs, as well as local charities.

The Salvation Army Of Collin County, which is based in Plano Texas, also offers numerous assistance programs. Among the services and resources they provide include. Electric and Gas Bill Payment Assistance, Financial assistance for paying rent, Prescription expense assistance, an on site food pantry, counseling, and more. Call the agency at (972) 423-8254.

Mckinney Rural Development, phone (972) 542-0081, provides both Rent Payment Assistance and Weatherization Programs to those who need help.

Frisco Family Services Center - This site is a non-profit organization that provides financial assistance and supportive services to individuals and families in Collin County Texas. Among other services, the agency can provide emergency financial assistance with housing needs such as rent or mortgage payments, utilities, gas vouchers and prescriptions. Financial assistance can also pay for work related supplies such as professional certifications, uniforms, work-related supplies and educational scholarships. Other programs include a food pantry and thrift store. Holiday meals and gifts (Christmas and Thanksgiving) can be offered, as well as debt and career counseling services. 8780 Third Street, Frisco, Texas 75034, call (972)335-9495.

Community Lifeline Center – Learn about and apply for information and referral to government programs and local charities. Emergency financial assistance may be offered for free food, for rent, utilities, new or gently used clothing, life and job skills training, and prescription drugs. 503 N. Kentucky, Suite A. McKinney, Texas 75069. Call (972)542-0020

Anna Christian Community Outreach – Can offer free food and one time funds up to $300 for electric/utility bills. Anna, TX 75409, (214)884-6871

Salvation Army Plano – This is a second location of the Salvation Army, and can offer advice, financial counseling, and other support. 3528 E. 14th Street, Plano, Texas 75074. Telephone number - (972)423-8254

Lifesource Ministries - Provides electric assistance, food, groceries, and clothing assistance to low income in the City of Plano Texas. Offers various utility and electric assistance programs, including LIEAP Electric Bill Payment Assistance and others. 1815 W. 15th Street, Plano, TX 75075. Call (972)633-0165

Christ Cares For Princeton Church Of Christ – This church may have limited financial assistance for bills and expenses, in addition to a food pantry and thrift store. 301 East Princeton Drive, Princeton, Texas 75407. (972)734-3355

Job Placement and Counseling

If you have recently lost your job or had a reduction in income, Allen Community Outreach may be able to help here as well. Counselors will work with people trying to find a job, and the agency also keeps an updated job bank featuring current listings of employment opportunities in Collin County Texas. The job finding program is a collaborative effort with North Texas Work Force in Plano and McKinney has been developed to give individual assistance in finding employment. Contact ACO at the number above to find job help. (972) 727-9131.

 

 

Foreclosure prevention and counseling services

Neighborhood Housing Services Of North Texas, Inc. also serves homeowners in Plano and Collin County Texas. They can help people get back on track with their mortgage payments, and offer struggling homeowners foreclosure prevention advice and tactics. Dial (817) 624-9454.

Health care clinics and medical care

Some of the local health care clinics include the following. They may be able to provide patients with low cost or free medical care (in limited cases). Most of the clinics can also refer people to various programs and resources at their disposal. For example, they may be able to advise people on how to negotiate medical bills. The options include:

• Child & Community Health Center Of Mckinney - This is a community/public clinic. (972) 547-0606.
• Collin County Adult Clinic - It is open Tuesday and Thursday, and based in Plano. Limited medications may be available. Dial (972) 423-4891.
• Plano Children's Medical Clinic - Offers health care for children from age 0-18 who do not have health insurance. Dial (972) 801-9689.
• Presbyterian Community Medical Center - Phone (972) 509-4554.
• If the facilities above can’t meet your medical needs, find more Collin County community clinics.

Debt Help

If you have recently received some type of assistance for paying your rent or other bills,  Consumer Credit Counseling Services of McKinney ((972) 542-0257) offers financial classes and debt reduction programs for local families and individuals. Learn more about debt help programs.

The consumer credit agency will provide budgeting skills as well as financial education for families with proper tools to budget, save money, reduce their credit card and medical debt and prioritize financial needs.

Food vouchers and assistance in Collin County Texas

Many people and their children are going without food in this weak economy. If you need help providing food, groceries, or maybe some limited household products or supplies, contact the following.

• Allen First United Methodist Church Of Allen - Runs the Angel Ministry program. For $30 you receive a large quantity of nutritious food. (877) 366-3646
• Blue Ridge Community Food Pantry / First Baptist Church - If you are facing a crisis, this charity provides emergency food. Dial (972) 752-5611.
• Community Food Pantry, which is based in McKinney Texas, is a local food pantry. (972) 547-4404.
• Saint Michael's Saint Vincent Depaul - (972) 562-1107
• Plano Food Pantry - Holy Nativity Episcopal Church - Provides food to people in an emergency. (972) 704-5689
• Individuals and families in the greater Plano Texas area and across Collin County have a number of other churches, charities, and non-profits to call for free groceries, food, and meals. Rarely will anyone be turned away by the centers. Find more food pantries in Collin County.