Houston assistance programs.

Below are a few resources specific to the City of Houston. However, individuals have many more options at their disposal. You can find additional Harris County resources and assistance programs that can provide you with help.

Rent, mortgage, utility, and food assistance

One of the resources to use in Houston to receive a variety of assistance is Catholic Charities (phone 713-526-4611). They provide help to all people, regardless of faith. The Guadalupe Center on South Jensen Drive is the primary location.

Those in need can receive food assistance, which is provided from Basic Needs Services. In addition, rent assistance, medication, and utility bill assistance and grants are available to both families and individuals who are experiencing a short term crisis.

The center offers rental assistance to Houston families families who are in a crisis. The case managers will also work with individuals during this timeframe to help them get job training, locate jobs, and will also help them find permanent stable housing if needed.

In order to be eligible for mortgage/rent assistance, clients must have an eviction or vacate notice or an eviction notice. The grants provided are in the form of a one-time rental assistance (1 month), utility bill assistance, or short-term rental aid. If funding is available, rent/mortgage assistance provided is limited to 1 month's rent/mortgage, with a maximum provided of less than $800. If someone needs utility help, the Houston resident must have a cutoff notice for utility bill assistance. Grants and cash provided for utility bills are limited to 1 month, with a maximum of $100. In addition, note that clients are limited to receive assistance just one time per year.

 

 

 

Another agency that may be able to provide mortgage or rent help is Windsor Village United Methodist Church. Among other options, they administer the federal government funded Emergency Food Shelter Program (EFSP). This program and church organization may be able to provide periodic federal government funded mortgage, rent, and food assistance to people who need help. Dial (713) 551-8792.

Some other Houston Texas specific agencies to call for financial assistance with bills, rent, food, and more include Neighborhood Centers Inc. (713-665-3600), Northwest Assistance Ministries (281-583-5600), and West Houston Assistance Ministries (713-977-9942).

Free fans in Houston

The Salvation Army is passing out thousands of free fans to residents to help them stay cool this summer. The charity organizations will pass out fans, and also cases of water, for free at the six Salvation Army Community Centers which are located in in Houston, Conroe, and Pasadena. Wal-Mart and the Salvation Army will also be giving out 50 free air conditioning unites to people in dire need. (713) 650-6530.

Access to food aid

Target Hunger, a United Way supported agency, assists individuals and families who live in the inner-city neighborhoods of Houston who are food insecure and can’t provide for themselves. Almost 10,000 people are provided food each and every month, and the organization continues to grow and distribute more food to people in need. You can dial 713-226-4953 to reach the non-profit.

The above is just one example of a food bank in the Houston Texas area. Dozens of others exist and operate throughout the city and suburbs. Click here for more food banks and pantries.

Health care

The San Jose clinic provides low income and uninsured with access to medical care, medications, and dental services. Click here to learn more about this organization.

That is just one of the clinics that operate in the Houston Texas area. In total individuals and families have several dozen locations to choose from. Find a listing of more Houston clinics.

Additional Harris County Programs

Get information on other Harris County Texas assistance programs.