Harris County assistance programs.

Programs and resources that offer help and assistance.

If you are a low or moderate income individual or family living in the Houston Texas or Harris County area, the Gulf Coast Community Services Association (GCCSA) is an organization that can provide you with short term help on bills and expenses, and at the same time ensure you have access to longer term support. They are a private, nonprofit organization that is Texas' largest Community Action Agency. Some of the programs offered by GCCSA include Rental/Mortgage Assistance, Prescription Voucher Program, Head Start and Early Head Start services, Transportation Assistance, including Housing Counseling, Furniture Voucher Program, Food Pantry, Clothes Closet, Employment Skills Program and Individual Development Account Program, After School Program, Back to School Program a Community Learning Center Services, and Senior Services. They have 35 locations throughout the county and Houston area. A sampling of the programs offered are below. However, there are others. Contact them to apply or to learn more.

• Emergency Rental Assistance and Grants - The organization provides emergency payments and grants for people who have received eviction or vacate notices. It is required that the person be facing imminent threat of an eviction. 
• Direct Energy Utilities Program (Neighbor II Neighbor Program) - Utility bill assistance is provided to help clients who are struggling with paying and who are behind on their utility bills. Funding comes from Direct Energy, and a disconnect notice on your utility service is not required to receive aid.
• Utility Bill Assistance From Reliant Energy Utilities Program (Care Program) - Help is is offered to people who are behind on paying their electric and utility bills, and funds are provided from Reliant Energy. Similar to the program mentioned above, a disconnect notice is not required for this program either.
• Prescription Assistance - A prescription gift cards is provided to families and individuals that can assist them with their prescription medication needs. Find addition ways to get free prescription drugs.
• Prescription Discount Program - The Gulf Coast Community Services Association provides prescription drug savings and discount cards to families to assist them with paying for their medications, and help them meet their prescription needs. Average savings from the program is over 20%.
• Foreclosure Prevention Services and Counseling - Extensive housing counseling services are offered to people facing a foreclosure. The typical process will include the creation of forbearance plans and client advocacy are facilitated at the Central Office by a certified mortgage and housing counselor. Locate additional government foreclosure programs.
• Emergency Mortgage Assistance - Grants and financial assistance are provided by GCCSA, and the funds are used to help clients who are behind on one of their mortgage payments. A default letter is needed in order to qualify.
• Emergency Utility Bill Assistance - In addition to what is mentioned above, GCCSA also provides emergency energy bill assistance to clients who have received a disconnect notice from their utility or gas company. A disconnect notice is required to qualify for this service.
• Free Health Care - There are several facilities in the Texas are that provide underinsured and uninsured patents with free health and medical care. Click here to find more information.
• Q Cards/Bus Passes - A Metro Q-Card can be obtained for transportation assistance. The service is accessible at the various Outreach Sites around Houston and Harris County.
• Dress for Success - Need a job and are interviewing? You can get professional business attire to help you make a good impression in job interviews.
• Eyewear Vouchers - The GCCSA community service organization works in partnership with The Gift of Sight Organization. They provide free vouchers that can be redeemed for free eyeglasses and eye wear.

The above are just a sampling of the programs offered by the Harris County community action agency. The main office is at University Business Park, 5000 Gulf Freeway, Building One, Houston, Texas 77023. The phone number is 713 393-4700. Contact them to learn more about these and other assistance programs, or to apply.

 

 

 

Help with getting out of debt

Consumers can both improve their credit scores and reduce their credit card and medical debts by taken advantage of credit counseling from the Houston Area Urban League. Learn about credit repair programs, debt management plans, and other options available. Call the Urban League at 713-393-8735. Find other debt help programs.

Money Management International, Inc. of Houston will work with individuals to set up a repayment schedule to the client's creditors, including credit card companies, medical bills, etc.  If the debt repayment program involves reduced payments or past due accounts for the applicant of the program, the client may enroll in a Debt Management Program. Call (713) 923-2227

Harris County Texas programs and agencies that cover the entire state

Find a listing of programs and agencies that provide rent, food, housing, foreclosure, and other assistance to all of Houston Texas and Harris County.

• Texas Section 8
• Texas mortgage and foreclosure assistance
• Texas HUD foreclosure and housing counseling
• Texas utility bill help
• Texas free health centers and community clinics
• Texas free legal advice
• Texas food banks
• Dental clinics and centers. Read more.

Harris County Catholic Charities

The Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston (phone (713) 526-4611) offers various services and resources. They can provide food, rent help, utility bill assistance, and prescription drug medication assistance and more.

The Rental Assistance Program focuses on individuals and families who are in a short crisis. Case managers and housing counselors will work closely with individuals during this time to help them locate jobs, provide job training and help them find permanent housing. They provide one time rental assistance (up to 1 month's rent), short-term rental, utility assistance and counseling and case management services, as funding is available.

Financial Assistance

The Salvation Army of Houston, which can be reached at (936) 760-2440, offers several services including Mortgage and Rent Payment Assistance, Water And Utility Bill Payment Assistance, and also free food.

Another charity organization to turn to for help in Houston is Society of St. Vincent de Paul. They help people of all religions. The organization is a partnership of Catholic churches in Bexar and Harris County that provide emergency financial assistance in the Houston-Galveston area. Get help with utility and gas bills, rent, medications, and much more. (281) 485-2976

 

 

Southeast Area Ministries - Helps low income and other qualified applicants. They can help by giving limited financial assistance and grants that can be used to pay for housing, utilities, rent and security deposits, medicine, gas vouchers, as well as job related tools and expanses. The aid doesn’t stop there though. They also offer clothing, household items, furniture, referral counseling, and information on Texas and federal government programs for all other needs. (713) 944-0093

A variety of assistance programs are offered by the Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church Social Service Center. They offer the Emergency Food Shelter Program, which can provide qualified Houston Texas individuals with funds for paying their rent, mortgage, and housing expenses. In addition, they may also provides financial assistance and cash grants up to once per 12 month period for families or individuals with delinquent rent or mortgage as well as delinquent water, light, and gas bills.

Bear Creek Assistance Ministries - Provides rent, money and financial assistance and other financial hardship assistance to qualified people. Houston Texas. (281) 550-8949

Baytown Resource & Assistance Center - Provides grants and vouchers for food, utilities, and rent help. (281) 424-5752

Christian Community Service Center, Inc. - Houston Texas (713) 871-9741. the agency assists low-income clients of all religions with emergency free food and groceries, clothing, and limited financial assistance for bills and housing expenses. Emergency dental and health care, assistance with prescriptions and medical equipment are also available.

Cypress Assistance Ministries - information and referral, clothing, household items, general counseling, and  limited financial assistance. (281) 955-7684

Larkin Community Center - Special attention is offered/available to Senior Citizens and families with children. The non-profit center helps with Utility Bills and Rent Assistance on a limited basis. (713) 869-9143

MANNA (Ministry Assistance of the Near Northwest Alliance) (phone (713) 682-7556) provides emergency electric, gas and utility bill help, as well as rent payment assistance for those in need.

Memorial Assistance Ministries runs the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program. The program provides financial assistance with paying for rent, utilities, case/care management, debt and budget counseling and credit repair, and free legal assistance for those who are homeless or at risk of being homeless.  Call (713) 574-7544.

Northwest Assistance Ministries - Offers low income, the working poor, and others with emergency assistance with food, natural gas, water bills, rent, and mortgage. Houston (281) 583-5600

St. Pius Catholic Church - Provides free food every 3 months and financial assistance for bills once every 12 months when funds are available. Pasadena Texas. (713) 473-9484 ext. 316

My Brother's Keeper Outreach Center offers the Emergency Food Shelter Program to Harris County families.  This EFSP program provides federal government funded rent, utility, and mortgage assistance when funds are available. Houston (281) 498-9933.

Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Harris County - A partnership of churches that provide emergency financial assistance and cash grants. Funds are limited. Get help for utilities (water, gas, electric bills) and rent. Some locations have an on site food pantry. In addition, all locations provide vouchers to St. Vincent de Paul's thrift stores where clients can receive appliances, clothing, and furniture. Call (713) 741-8234.

Houston Texas based St. John Vianney Social Ministry - This non-profit charity offers rent assistance and utility bill assistance, clothing from Joseph's Coat Resale Clothing Shop, and free food from pantry. Call (281) 497-4434.

St. Justin Martyr Social Ministry - Provides low income, the unemployed and working poor help on a first come first serve basis assistance with electric, water bills, gas, rent, or housing expenses.

West Houston Assistance Ministries runs the CARE Ministry. Phone number (713) 977-9942. The ministry provides low income clients with short-term solutions, resources and self-sufficiency. The predominant needs addressed are: housing assistance (such as rent and even mortgage), utility, cooling bills assistance, free food and clothing. Houston and Harris County TX.

Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church Social Service Center (phone number (713) 747-7101) provides limited forms and amounts of financial assistance and cash grants once per 12 month period for delinquent mortgage payments or rent as well as overdue light, gas and water bills.

Interfaith Caring Ministries offers the following programs. The federal government funded Emergency Food Shelter Program (EFSP) offers utilities, food, and rent help. Homelessness Prevention & Rapid Re-Housing, which is from stimulus funds, pays for moving costs, back rent, and offers services such as debt reduction and credit repair. (281) 332-3881

Katy Christian Ministries - Provides assistance with paying for utilities, rent, case/care management, job search/placement, and career counseling. Katy Texas. (281) 391-5261

Tomball Emergency Assistance Ministries - Clients of this non-profit agency are helped with prescription drugs, rent aid, money for cooling bills and utilities, gas, and overnight lodging, on a limited basis. Tomball Texas located. (281) 351-6700

Bering Omega Community Services of Houston Texas (phone (713) 529-6071) offers residential housing and rent help.

AIDS Foundation Houston, Inc., 3202 Weslayan, Houston, (713)623-6796. Persons with HIV/AIDS can get up to 12 months of rental assistance, help for cooling and electric bills, and other aid.

Asian American Family Services, 9440 Bellaire Blvd., Suite 228, Houston, (713)600-9400. The Harris County Asian Community can get help for utilities, rent, and free legal advice.

Harris County Community Services, 1310 Prairie, Suite 1000, Houston, (713)696-7900. Indigent families can access short-term assistance, case management, and help for bills, and the government agency also provides temporary financial assistance for paying for food, shelter, utilities, and groceries.

Wesley Community Center, Inc., 1410 Lee Street, (713)223-8131. Apply for rent, cooling and utility bill assistance, credit/budgeting classes, free pro-bono legal services, case/care management, and emergency financial support.

Water and sewer bills - Seniors, low income families, and disabled individuals who are facing a shut off of their water service may be able to qualify for financial aid to pay their water bills. A limited amount of cash assistance may be offered up to twice per year. Read more on Houston water bill assistance.

Social services - Individuals who are faced with an emergency, and who meet income guidelines, can be able to qualify for financial assistance, grants, and free advice from the Harris County Community Services Department. Services are wide ranging, and the organization can offer housing assistance, help for energy bills, public aid, referrals and more. Read more.

Houston foreclosure and mortgage assistance

Get free foreclosure counseling and advice from the Houston Area Urban League, Inc. They are a HUD approved agency, and provide solutions to a homeowner facing a crisis. They work directly with the homeowner and borrower and have extensive resources to bear. Call the Urban League at (713) 393-8700 to learn more and apply for foreclosure help.

Non-profit agencies -Get information on non-profit organizations and counselors in the Harris County and Houston area that provide solutions to a foreclosure. Read more.

Credit Coalition - Provides free foreclosure intervention counseling. (713) 224-8100

Humble Area Assistance Ministries, 1302 First Street, Humble, (281)446-3663. Get mortgage and housing help.

Low income legal assistance

Lone Star Legal Aid provides free civil legal assistance to low-income individuals and families, the elderly, and others who have immediate needs for advice but cannot afford an attorney. The programs can help with foreclosures, debt issues, child custody, and more. Click here to learn more, or call them at (713) 652-0077.

Job Finding Services

Career and Recovery Resources, Inc. administers an Employment Programs that help participants prepare for entry into the job market, improve their skills, identify employment opportunities, and learn job retention techniques. In addition, Career Counseling services offers educational and vocational guidance. (713) 754-7000.

Free Health Care in Harris County Texas

Legacy Community Health Services, Inc. is a health clinic that will provide free, no-cost or low-cost healthcare services to over 20,000 men, women and children each year. They help with an extensive list of medical conditions and health care needs. Call them at (713) 830-3000.

If you do not have health insurance, the San Jose Clinic is the only clinic in the Houston Texas area that is dedicated to providing free medical care to the uninsured. Over 1.1 million people in the county do not have health insurance, so the demand for its services in very high. There are some income guidelines as well in order to be eligible. Patients of the clinic are able to receive free medical, pharmacy, dental, medications and other social services. Call the clinic at 713-228-9411, or read more on free medical care.

Patients who can’t afford to pay for medical or hospital bills can also turn to the Houston based Good Neighbor Healthcare Center. Dial 713-529-3597 for an appointment or to learn more. No patient is turned away, no matter their income. A sliding fee scale is in place for those on a limited income. Receive access to general health care, dental services, behavioral health, optometry, and other free health care.

Shalom Health Ministry, which can be called at (713) 454-6474 and is located on Broadway Street in Houston, provides patients of all ages with primary health care and immunizations. Charges and expenses due by the patient will be based on a sliding scale. A registration fee needs to be paid though.

 

 

People without insurance or any other source of money for paying for treatment may be able to get medical care from Christ Clinic. They provide dental care to those without insurance or the means to pay for medical services. (281) 391-0190

Harris County Hospital District is a public health clinic that offers medical care on a sliding fee scale. The community clinic provides primary health care, pharmacy and medications, podiatry, nutrition and health education, and social service referrals. Phone (281) 837-2700. More on prescription medications.

Central Care Community Health Center - Provides low income as well as uninsured with primary health services. Houston Texas based. (713) 831-9654

Northeast Community Health Clinic (dial (713) 331-2560) offers patients with a community clinic which provides preventive and supplemental services and care in primary services.

Christ Clinic of Katy Texas - This community clinic provides medical care to those without insurance or any other source or income for treatment. (281) 391-0190

Get a listing of additional Harris County clinics.

Low Interest Car Loans

Family Services of Greater Houston (713-861-4849) administers the Ways to Work program, which provides low interest care loans to people who need a car for their job. Program participants can qualify for a low-interest car loan that can be applied towards buying a new or used car.

Financial services and loans

A new credit union has been open in the Gulfton/Sharpstown which is catering to low-income families in the  area. Neighborhood Centers Inc. is the organization that is running the center, and has worked with other local groups to establish it. It is intended to help people who do not have a bank account or a traditional banking relationship, and it can help these individuals build credit, reduce debts, qualify for home and car loans, and much more. Dial 832-239-8599. Learn more on credit unions and stretch pay loans.

In addition to applying for loans and receiving financial advice at Neighborhood Centers Inc., there are several other debt and credit counseling agencies around Harris County Texas. They can provide everything from debt reduction, credit repair, and foreclosure prevention to low income clients. Read more on non-profit credit counseling.

Free food and pantries in Harris County and Houston

• Faith Presbyterian Church - Baytown Texas. (281) 422-2938. Food pantry
• Gulf Coast Community Services Association - Good Neighbor Food Pantry provides food. Baytown TX. (281) 426-4757
• Bellfort Seven Day Adventist Church - (713) 738-0840. Canned food and groceries.
• Christian Community Service Center, Inc. - 5 days of food provided. (713) 871-9741. Houston.
• East Spring Branch Food Pantry - (713) 464-0852
• Jordan Grove Baptist Church - A Houston Texas based food pantry. Call (713) 522-8000
• Restoration Assistance Ministries - Help for families facing a hardship. (281) 873-4726
• St. Charles Borromeo - (713) 692-6303
• Many other food distribution centers are located across Harris County and Houston Texas. Find more food banks in Harris County.

Child Care

Some of the organizations or places to call for information on free or reduced priced child care in HArris County and Houston Texas include Collaborative for Children. They are the leading Local Childcare Resource & Referral Agency. Call 713-600-1100.

For information on agencies that run the Houston Head Start and Early Head Start programs, call these providers. Gulf Coast Community Services Association, Inc. 713-393-4726, Avance Inc. (713-812-0033), Harris County Department of Education (713-273-3211) and also the non-profit Neighborhood Centers, Inc. (713-273-3211).

Houston Texas and Harris County job training and employment

With tens of thousands of people unemployed or looking for new jobs across the region, there are several organizations that focus on helping people finding a new job, enhancing their skills, or improving their employment opportunities. Some of the options available include the following. Houston Area Urban League, phone number 713-393-8700, Macedonia Outreach & Career Center, phone 713-674-8898 and the Career & Recovery Resources, Inc., phone 713-754-7000.

 

City of Houston

Find some information on a few resources specific to Houston. Agencies and organizations may cover only the city area.