Taylor County assistance programs.

Locate rent and housing assistance

Two local charities and nonprofit organizations in the Abilene Texas area were provided over $500,000 in federal stimulus government funds to help families and individuals avoid homelessness and also provide rent assistance to people in need.

The groups provided the funds were the Salvation Army ((325) 673-0223), which received $400,000 and the Betty Hardwick Center ((325) 690-5100), which was formerly known as the Abilene Regional Mental Health Mental Retardation Center, was awarded $84,297 from the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs. The money came from the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Assistance Program. The federal government money, which is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, is meant to fund two years worth of housing assistance.

Unfortunately in today’s economy it is fairly common for people to be struggling with housing costs, or maybe experience a disruption in housing, so these two organizations will be able to use the federal money to pay for back rent, rental deposits, utility bills, and other rent assistance while families get back on their feet.

The assistance program will give either short-term or medium-term rental assistance, moving cost assistance, housing relocation and stabilization services, such as mediation, rent and energy bill assistance, case management and even non-profit credit counseling services. While the program is not intended to be a long-term form of support and is not a “never ending” program, financial assistance is limited up to a still long period of 18 months.

 

 

 

Assistance from the Love and Care Ministries

Love and Care Ministries, which is located in Abilene, has decided to provide more aid by changing its focus to focusing on more of a back-to-basics approach in terms of helping people with essential items, such as food, small amounts of rent assistance, and funds for utility bills. Phone (325) 670-0246.

Emergency financial help

• FaithWorks
  This organization specializes in helping people get a better, professional career, and also may help with job training. Phone (325) 437-2272.
• First Baptist Church’s City Light Community Ministries
  This charity can also provide some limited funds for energy bills, food, and maybe some housing costs. Funding is limited, but money may be available for bills.
• Christian Service Center’s Operation Blue Jeans
  A program that has helped provide children with clothing and various types of school supplies. They also refer people to other solutions such as Texas dental clinics. Phone 325.673.7531.
• Community Action Program, Inc. of Taylor County
  This local non-profit can offer low income and others who need help a variety of assistance programs. They provide short term help, and programs to aid people in becoming self-sufficient. Learn about and apply for programs for paying utility bills, weatherization programs, free food programs, and learn about both Texas and federal government assistance programs.