Assistance programs in Texas

[Nelson Obeng]

I have been ill for the last 6 months until I was working. I have been taking care of my 8-year-old son and my 74-year-old mother now my 70-year-old cousin has moved to Texas with stage 4 cancer and now I'm taking care of her. I have fallen back on my household bills; lights are about to be turn off. I haven't even gotten anything for Christmas for my son and the only thing he asked me for was a Ps4 it breaks my heart. I have always provided for my family. My mom has surveyor COPD and son has Asthma.

[Baldwin]

Hi, my name is Abby and I'm looking for some help. I'm I don't know what I need to do or who I need to talk to. But I need help with my rent and bills. I believe my landlord is going to evicted me soon he gave me late notice of payment. I'm a single mother and we moved here to Texas from Minnesota to try and change my life and I lost my job and it's been downhill from there.
Now it's only me and my daughter here all my family is in Minnesota so I have no one in Texas. I'm wondering if you can send me some resources or send me to the right person that be highly appreciated. Thank you for your time. You email me at
Thank you
Abby

[Admin - Jon McNamara]

Hi all,
This information is really for anyone (all) in this thread. If anyone says they were illegally fired, then obviously that is a concern. There are free legal services in TX to try. As workers do have guaranteed rights, etc. - even in Texas where often times "anything goes!".

[Seth]

Hello,
My name is Nakima. I am the single mother of an 11 year old daughter with chronic asthma and severe allergies. We relocated to the State of Texas in 2019 from the State of Georgia. I could no longer sustain the emotional and physical abuse by family members. Since relocating in Texas, I've had my fair share of employment but been fired illegally multiple times.
I've been a Parole Officer for adults, Correctional Case Manager for juveniles, Level II Commissioned Security Guard at The Star for the Dallas Cowboys and most recently a Police Cadet at Texoma Police Academy at Grayson College in Denison, Texas. They fired me as I am a minority. I possess a master’s degree in Psychology and a Bachelor's in Social Work from Troy University in Alabama and LaGrange College in LaGrange, Georgia.
I am writing this letter to ask for financial assistance from your organization or help from a lawyer for these illegal terminations. There has been some recent unexpected events that occurred over the last 4 months that have placed my daughter and I in a financial burden and I have fallen behind in our monthly expenses. As of January 2024, I am in deficit of $1700 for rental expenses. In November 2020, my personal vehicle, a 2014 Nissan Juke became inoperable.
I was able to get a diagnosis on the vehicle (transmission) and the repair cost is $4,000.  On 5 different occasions, I returned the vehicle to the dealership where it was purchased and unfortunately they refuse to repair it. I filed a claim with Nissan Corporation and unfortunately, they could not assist me with repairing the vehicle because of the current mileage on the car. Next, I desperately attempted to trade the vehicle into another dealership to obtain another vehicle and was unfortunate because the negative equity on the car was $10,000. Since my personal vehicle became inoperable, I've missed several professional interviews and on some days had to walk to work.
Not to mention, the re-occurring payments from the loan company Ally Financial. I went from $3,000 in monthly income to $500-$600. I filed for assistance with Health and Human Services and they only provided me with $15 in SNAP Benefits.
Currently, I'm employed at Pet Smart Store in Sherman, Texas and working only 13-15 hours per week.
Although I'm grateful for this opportunity, this income has only allowed me to cover utilities, gas, and water which I'm subjected to put on payment plans. Once I'm able to overcome this crisis, my plans are to become a Texas Police Officer, 911 Operator or a Child Protective Services Investigator.
However, with limited transportation and stress from this situation, I'm unable to do so at this time.
Please help. I'm in a dire situation for the first time. This financial crisis has thrown me off balance and I'm desperately trying to prevent homelessness and possible termination of tenancy with my leasing agency. I do not have any financially stable family members or friends for I am a first generation graduate from college. If you could assist us, we would be most appreciative. I'm asking all donations to be forwarded to my landlord at:

[Shopper]

Hi my name is Emily, I finally found a place that I can afford in rural Texas which is a major step but I need assistance to pay the utility deposit and first months rent. I was homeless off and on for the last 5 years or living with other people across Texas. I got a job that I love now and am trying to get my son in my life more. I was accepted to an awesome studio and my boss vouched for me to the landlord. Friday at 3pm I am meeting the landlord but need to come up with $1500 to get the keys md to turn on the electric. I am doing what I can and asking everyone I know but I'm only at $250 so far.
If you can help with any amount it would change my world. And if I need to do some volunteering or even pay it back I will. I just desperately need to be in my own home.

[Callie]

I need help with cell phone bill, Hud housing, or HUD apartments and stable living. As I was fired, I think illegally, from my job.
I also need free gas vouchers to make the accomplishments to go to college, free tutoring studying classes or any organization that can help me with studying my English's, math skills to join into a college in Texas.
How to get section 8- Hud housing assistance one single woman on the Address Confidentiality Program. I need help applying for HUD , or affordable housing in Texas.
Free emergency dental care near me- I live in Beaumont, Texas Jefferson County. I have cavities that are causing me pain. I am trying to keep my teeth as clean as I can, but I can't afford the expense because I am poor.
Free stuff near you - I need help paying bills financial help or hardship programs that I can be approved for. I need Human or social service's office support. I am very low income, and living in poverty due to being illegally fired from my job. I need hardship programs or financial assistance.
I need college supplies and support
I need a college laptop from best buy, computer desk, college advisor to find out what degree field of study I want to go for, charity free vehicle SUV giveaway because I can't afford a vehicle.
I had my vehicle repossessed by kia Sportage 2020 because the kia dealership didn't help me fix my vehicle.

[Admin - Jon McNamara]

If you were really, truly illegally fired (as most people aren't as there are 2 sides to a story), then try legal aid. But once again most people think they were mistreated and in fact were not...as the fact is no one is guaranteed a job and employment is At-Will, meaning both employer and employee can end it at any time. Anyhow, here are resources for your area.
https://www.needhelppayingbills.com/htm ... grams.html

No job, no $$$, no vehicle, need help with divorce, and would like to pay husband off for home living in since he is never home. Water, electricity, insurance, and taxes on Texas house all help wanted.

[chelsea]

No job, no $$$, no vehicle, need help with divorce, and would like to pay husband off for home living in since he is never home. Water, electricity, insurance, and taxes on Texas house all help wanted. Job of course with management and business degree as I was illegally fired from Dell in Texas Interviews but no call backs. Actually have 92 vehicle which needs repairs.

[Be White]

I need to find out what I can do to get assistant with rent and utilities in Dallas, TX. I am 62, laid off in January, and have no income at this time. I didn't want to do it but I applied early for my SSI just to get some money so my pets and I can eat. I've never had to ask for help but I used what money I had from that last job to pay down bills as much as I could. My phone is about to be shut off, gas, water and electric are next. I have a car payment but they generously postponed the payments so I don't have to pay till April 4th so I don't lose my only transportation. I've borrowed my son crazy and he can't help me anymore. My rental company is unforgiving on lateness so I'm looking at April 1 coming up. Help please.

[Admin - Jon McNamara]

Try some of these programs for rent help in Beaumont Texas.
http://www.needhelppayingbills.com/html ... sista.html
Maybe Americorps also has some suggestions for you on short term help. They can often be a good resource.

I’m living with my roommate and it's currently temporary until I go to AmeriCorps. It's a good place and she's willing to work with me but I'm short on rent this month. My new job is barely working me and doesn't pay enough to cover rent and buy groceries. I'm only staying till October in Texas when Americorps starts but if I move out now I'll have to pay for a deposit and months’ rent up front which I don't have.

[KStewart]

I need the I am going on street tomorrow at noon. Please help. I am at motel 6 in
Northlake Texas, 76262. I have applied for and I think supposed be am move on to Richland Texas, I have no money or food.
I lost three days of work, I need 1004.00 by 22th or they are sell my car. I want little and I have nothing. My family sold all my stuff and clothes and furniture and collect pictures. I need help....Please help me. I am 61 and widow of Navy man and raise 7 kids. I have a disabled of polio. I can't work because I can't stay on my feet very long.

[Pink]

I have just moved into San Antonio TX from California. I did have medical, food stamps and cash aid assistance in California for myself, my son and boyfriend whom we plan on getting married in May. As of now I’m hoping to get the TX assistance that I am in need of.
I understand I may need to go into the office to give all the needed info. With me being new to the area though I am hoping you could provide me with the address and phone number.

[Swimmer]

I'm disabled heart patient who loves life and who lives in Texas. I just for once (since I been disabled since I had to quit my job in 2009) wish to have a Thanksgiving and Xmas at a place of my family. I come to been homeless since my pace maker was paid for. I was struggling since January, but my birthday is on February 3.
I be 50 soon, my bank is closed and I just need help with deposits so to hold me a home. I get SSI and SSA. I only get 897 and if I get it my daughter said once she get her check she will help. But a month after she give notice to her grandma I am losing my storage.
It will be sold this weekend. The company, San Marcos storage, has my bed, clothes and more but if you can help me I appreciate it.
This year my family has been in California. We lived there 38 years since September 7 and my oldest son is 30. His birthday is this Sunday. My 2nd daughter will be 27 and I'm a grandma Of 3 girls. I love all my kids. I'm a chatter box but if someone need help more info than or can help, then God bless them and their needs.

[Admin - Jon McNamara]

That is great that the 22 year old son is also looking for work. While the husband is out of work for 2 or so months, he should apply for short term disability in Texas. This was created just for a scenario such as this one. It is a short term safety net program for people that need financial help while they are out of work. So look into that, as well as these other Texas programs. http://www.needhelppayingbills.com/html ... grams.html

[Admin - Jon McNamara]

We are not sure if you can get gasoline in Texas, but food pantries are common. Or instead of a hotel for one night, a shelter is much more likely to be able to accommodate you. As far as being religious or Christian, funding does not discriminate based on that. It won't hurt or help your application to financial aid in Texas. But call around and see what you can be qualified for.

[Marshall]

In an emergency for gasoline and food and possibly a hotel for one night. My baby is 8 months old today and I am a single mother who was living with a friend in Midland Texas which turned into a very bad environment for my baby and was kicked out at lunch today.
I have no gas and my home town is Beaumont Texas. Which is all the way across Texas and a hard trip for a baby in a car seat. If anyone could help or willing to help. Please do so. I am a good Christian mother who was fired and then just stuck in a bad time wanting the best for my baby which is why I moved to Midland. I was promised a good job paying enough to support my child and I. Thank you for your time. Also prayers would be nice. Thank you.

[SandyAla]

The Doctor took my husband off of work for at the very least a couple of months. It could be much longer. They'll know at his next Doctor appointment. He is the bread winner in the family so the wife is looking for work in El Paso Texas and so is their 22 year old son (they have 3 children).
I'm trying to find help for them and they're letting me thank god. If you can either contact her by email or her phone. Or if you can't get ahold of her you may contact me I would sure appreciate it. They were renting to buy their kids a bunk bed with a full on the bottom for the kids to sleep on but they had to send it back so I'm taking over air mattresses for them today. I hope you can help guide them into getting some help. Thank you and take care.

[MaxieMooCow]

I’m living with my roommate and it's currently temporary until I go to AmeriCorps. It's a good place and she's willing to work with me but I'm short on rent this month. My new job is barely working me and doesn't pay enough to cover rent and buy groceries. I'm only staying till October in Texas when Americorps starts but if I move out now I'll have to pay for a deposit and months’ rent up front which I don't have.

[Admin - Jon McNamara]

There are many places that offer advice and counseling in Texas, and community action agencies can be a great resource. The staff there will talk to you. Do you have family outside of the state? As if you have negative balance in the bank account and are way behind on rent, then options are limited. But try the contact information we gave you, as they are local and may have suggestions on resources. Locate Texas non-profit community action agencies.

[Admin - Jon McNamara]

Sorry to hear about your child. When it comes to rental assistance, it may be challenging if you have left 6 jobs. The agencies in El Paso, like everywhere, want to see people able to afford the housing on their own to sustain it. And they may frown on that lack of jobs. But find our El Paso emergency rental assistance programs and call them to see what they can do.