List of financial resources needed in Killeen TX

[Ram]

I have since lost my job because they found out o was living in a tent. Also, I am staying with a friend but I can't stay with them long and I will be back in the tent out in the cold weather.
EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE GRANT APPLICATION
Request for Rent Deposit and Housing Stabilization
Applicant Information:
Amy
Currently living in a tent in Killeen, Texas - no permanent address
Grant Request Amount: $5,000
Breakdown of Requested Funds:
• Security Deposit: $400
• First Month's Rent: $675
• Utility Connection Fees (electric, gas, water): $250
• Essential Move-in Items (bed, bedding, kitchenware): $500
• Transportation costs (getting to work from new location): $200
• Work clothing and professional necessities: $150
• Emergency fund/buffer for stability: $2,825
Total Requested: $5,000
URGENT NEED STATEMENT:
I am requesting emergency financial assistance of $5,000 to secure permanent housing and establish stability. I have been homeless and living in a tent in Killeen, Texas since August 2025 - nearly 4 months - despite working full-time. I have been approved for housing at The Grove apartment complex with a move-in date of January 1, 2026. The move-in costs total $1,075 ($400 deposit + $675 first month's rent), but I need additional funds beyond just move-in costs to establish true stability and prevent returning to homelessness.
This situation is urgent and unsustainable. I have survived 4 months in a tent through Texas summer heat and now approaching winter, but this is dangerous, damaging my health, and threatens my employment.
HOUSING OPPORTUNITY:
Property: The Grove Apartments
Address: Killeen, Texas
Monthly Rent: $675
Property Manager:
Move-in Date: January 1, 2026
Lease Term: 1 year
Required Move-in Costs:
• Security Deposit: $400
• First Month's Rent: $675
Total Move-in Required: $1,075
CURRENT EMPLOYMENT SITUATION:
Current Employer: WalMart, Killeen, Texas
Position: Event Liaison/Coordinator
Employment Status: Part-time (35 hours per week)
Length of Employment: 1 month (since approximately October/November 2025)
Gross Monthly Income: $800
Take-home Monthly Income: $775 (after taxes/deductions)
I recently transitioned to this position at Brick and Barrel after working as a server at Black Bear Diner. This new position offers:
• More stable hours (35 hours/week vs 28 hours/week)
• Significantly higher hourly wage than server wages
• More professional work environment
• Potential for advancement and additional hours
• Better income stability
PREVIOUS EMPLOYMENT:
Position: Server
Hourly Wage: $2.15/hour (server wage) plus tips
Hours: 28 hours/week, volunteering for extra shifts whenever available
Duration: September 2025
I worked at WalMart while living in the tent, consistently volunteering for extra shifts to try to increase my income. Despite working and taking every shift available, the combination of server wages and limited hours made it impossible to save for housing costs while surviving in a tent.
My transition to Brick and Barrel represents progress toward stability, but I still cannot accumulate the $5,000 needed for comprehensive housing stabilization while living in a tent.
EMPLOYMENT WHILE HOMELESS:
For the past 4 months, I have maintained employment while living in a tent:
• Worked as a server at WalMart (August - October/November)
• Transitioned to Event Liaison/Coordinator at WalMart (1 month ago)
• Never missed work despite living conditions
• Maintained professional appearance despite no access to proper facilities
• Volunteered for extra shifts to try to improve my situation
• Successfully secured a better position with more hours and better pay
This demonstrates extraordinary work ethic and determination. I have consistently prioritized employment and improving my situation despite extreme circumstances.
CURRENT SITUATION - LIVING IN A TENT SINCE AUGUST 2025:
I have been living in a tent in Killeen, Texas since August 2025. I have now endured nearly 4 months of tent living while working, first at Walmart and now at Brick and Barrel.
The reality of living in a tent for 4 months in Killeen while working includes:
• No access to shower or bathroom facilities
• Exposure to extreme Texas summer heat (August-September, temperatures over 100°F)
• Now facing Texas winter weather and cold nights
• Constant fear for my safety, especially as a woman alone at night
• No security for my belongings - items have been stolen/damaged
• Extreme difficulty maintaining professional appearance for work
• Getting to work from tent location in Killeen
• Physical and mental exhaustion from unsafe living conditions
• No way to prepare food or store perishables
• Health concerns from unsanitary conditions and weather exposure
• Risk of violence or theft
• My belongings have deteriorated from weather damage over these months
• Paying for gym membership just to shower before work
Despite enduring these extreme challenges for 4 months while working two different jobs, I have never missed work and even secured a better position. This demonstrates extraordinary commitment, but I cannot sustain this much longer. My physical and mental health are deteriorating.
IMMEDIATE RISKS AFTER 4 MONTHS IN A TENT:
After 4 months of tent living in Killeen while working:
• I am at serious risk of losing my new job at Brick and Barrel
• My health has significantly deteriorated from exposure and chronic stress
• Texas winter weather is making this situation increasingly dangerous
• I am at constant risk of violence, particularly as a woman living alone in a tent
• I have no way to adequately rest and recover for work
• My belongings, including work items, have been damaged by weather
• I am mentally and physically exhausted
• My employer does not know I am living in a tent
I have survived 4 months and even improved my employment situation, but this is an emergency that requires immediate intervention. The January 1 move-in date gives me hope, but I need assistance to make it happen.
ABILITY TO SUSTAIN HOUSING:
Monthly Rent: $675
My Monthly Take-home Income: $775
Amount remaining after rent: $100
While my income is limited at 35 hours/week, the rent of $675 is affordable and represents 87% of my take-home pay. This is manageable, especially with:
• Potential for additional hours at Brick and Barrel (I am requesting more hours)
• Possibility of advancement in my Event Liaison/Coordinator role
• Eligibility for utility assistance programs
• Connection to food assistance programs (SNAP)
• Support from case management services
• Significantly reduced expenses once housed
Once I have stable housing, my monthly expenses will actually decrease because I won't be spending money on:
- Gym membership for showers ($40/month)
- Laundromat for all clothing and work uniforms ($40+/month)
- Replacing items damaged by weather over these 4 months
- Extra transportation costs from tent location
- Higher food costs (inability to cook or store food)
- Storage fees for work belongings
Over 4 months, I have spent hundreds of dollars on these survival costs that could have gone toward savings if I had housing.
My income has already improved by transitioning from WalMart ($2.15/hour server wage, 28 hrs/week) to Brick and Barrel (Event Liaison, 35 hrs/week, better hourly rate). I am actively working to increase hours and advance in this position.
WHY $5,000 IS NECESSARY AFTER 4 MONTHS IN A TENT:
While the move-in cost is $1,075, I am requesting $5,000 because after 4 months in a tent in Killeen:
1. **I have NOTHING usable**: Four months of Texas weather (extreme heat, rain, storms) has destroyed what few belongings I had. I have no furniture, no kitchenware, no bedding, no household items. Many possessions have been stolen, damaged, or worn out.
2. **Work necessities for new position**: As an Event Liaison/Coordinator, I need professional clothing appropriate for the position. My previous server uniforms and limited clothing have been damaged by weather and 4 months of wear while homeless.
3. **Health and hygiene needs**: After 4 months without proper facilities while working two jobs, I need basic items to restore normal hygiene and health.
4. **Preventing immediate return to homelessness**: With only $100 remaining after rent each month and no savings after 4 months of tent living and changing jobs, any unexpected expense could result in missed rent and immediate return to homelessness. A financial buffer is absolutely essential.
5. **Utility deposits and connection fees**: These are required at The Grove but separate from rent, and I have no funds for them after surviving 4 months.
6. **Emergency buffer**: After 4 months of instability while working two different jobs, I need a cushion to prevent one crisis from leading back to the tent.
7. **Starting the new year and new job with stability**: The January 1 move-in date aligns with establishing stability in my new position at Brick and Barrel. Stable housing will allow me to focus on excelling in this role and securing additional hours.
This $5,000 represents true housing stabilization and the ability to transition from 4 months of tent living to a functioning household with basic necessities, while maintaining my new position.
WHAT 4 MONTHS IN A TENT HAS TAUGHT ME:
Living in a tent for 4 months in Killeen while working has:
• Proven my extraordinary determination and work ethic
• Shown me the value of stable housing
• Made me deeply committed to maintaining housing once I have it
• Connected me with support services
• Taught me extreme budgeting and resourcefulness
• Motivated me to secure better employment (transition to Brick and Barrel)
• Demonstrated that I will do whatever it takes to improve my situation
I have not given up despite 4 months of extreme hardship. I improved my job situation and secured housing approval. I am ready for stability.
BARRIERS OVERCOME:
Despite living in a tent since August 2025 in Killeen, I have:
✓ Maintained continuous employment for 4 months through two different jobs
✓ Worked as server at Black Bear Diner, volunteering for every extra shift available
✓ Successfully secured better position as Event Liaison/Coordinator at Brick and Barrel
✓ Survived extreme Texas summer heat and now winter weather
✓ Completed rental application and background check for The Grove
✓ Been approved for housing with January 1 move-in date
✓ Located affordable housing within my limited budget
✓ Demonstrated extraordinary determination and resilience
✓ Connected with support services and case management
✓ Never missed work despite living in a tent for 4 months
The fact that I have maintained employment, improved my job situation, and secured housing approval while living in a tent for 4 months demonstrates exceptional resilience and commitment.
HOW THIS $5,000 GRANT SOLVES MY IMMEDIATE CRISIS:
This comprehensive assistance will:
• End 4 months of dangerous tent living in Killeen immediately
• Allow me to move into The Grove on January 1, 2026
• Provide safe, stable housing essential for succeeding in my new position at Brick and Barrel
• Give me access to shower, bathroom, kitchen, and basic human dignity for the first time since August
• Allow me to focus on excelling as Event Liaison/Coordinator
• Enable me to request and handle additional work hours
• Provide security and safety, especially as a woman living alone
• Allow me to maintain professional appearance appropriate for my coordinator role
• Replace belongings damaged or lost during 4 months outdoors
• Create financial buffer to prevent returning to tent living
• Provide permanent address for employment records
• Begin healing my physical and mental health after 4 months of trauma
• Enable me to advance in my career at Brick and Barrel
• Restore basic human dignity and stability after months without it
This is truly life-saving assistance. After 4 months in a tent while working, the January 1 move-in date represents a new beginning.
REALISTIC PLAN FOR SUSTAINABILITY:
My plan for long-term housing stability includes:
• Requesting additional hours at Brick and Barrel (currently 35/week, seeking 40)
• Excelling in Event Liaison/Coordinator role to secure advancement
• Working with case manager on budgeting and financial literacy
• Applying for utility assistance programs (LIHEAP, etc.)
• Maintaining SNAP/food assistance to reduce expenses
• Building emergency savings from the buffer provided
• Connecting with job training programs for career advancement
• Utilizing community resources in Killeen (food banks, clothing closets)
• Eliminating expenses currently spent on surviving tent living
After 4 months of making my limited income work while homeless and transitioning jobs, I know I can manage a tight budget once housed. My improved position at Brick and Barrel provides a better foundation for stability.
SUPPORT SYSTEM IN KILLEEN:
I am working with the following support services:
• Case Manager: [Name, Organization, Phone]
• [Homeless outreach services in Killeen]
• [Employment services/job counseling]
• [Benefits assistance - SNAP, utility assistance]
• [Health services if applicable]
These professionals can verify my situation, including that I have been living in a tent since August 2025 while working at Black Bear Diner and now Brick and Barrel, and my approved housing at The Grove. They are committed to helping me transition to housing on January 1 and maintain stability.

COMMITMENT TO SUCCESS:
I have proven my extraordinary determination by:
• Maintaining employment while living in a tent for 4 months in Killeen
• Working at Black Bear Diner and volunteering for extra shifts despite circumstances
• Successfully securing better position at Brick and Barrel
• Surviving Texas summer heat and approaching winter in a tent
• Never giving up despite overwhelming challenges
• Securing approval for housing at The Grove with January 1 move-in
• Finding affordable housing within my budget
• Connecting with comprehensive support services
• Showing up to work every day for 4 months despite living conditions
After surviving 4 months in a tent while working two jobs and improving my employment, I will absolutely maintain housing once I have it. This experience has shown me I have the strength and determination to succeed. The January 1 move-in date at The Grove represents hope and a fresh start.
This $5,000 investment provides comprehensive stabilization and literally saves my life after 4 months of extreme hardship while working.
TIMELINE:
The Grove will hold this unit for me with a move-in date of January 1, 2026. I need the $5,000 by late December to ensure I can move in on time with everything needed for stability.
Without assistance, I will lose this housing opportunity and continue living in the tent through Texas winter, facing increasing danger and likely losing my new position at Brick and Barrel.
This is urgent. I have survived 4 months and improved my job situation, but every additional day in the tent increases risks to my safety, health, and employment. I am so close to stability with the January 1 move-in date.
I sincerely appreciate your consideration of my application. This $5,000 grant would be truly life-saving. I have worked continuously for 4 months while living in a tent in Killeen - first at Black Bear Diner, now at Brick and Barrel. I have proven my determination and even improved my employment situation. I just need one real opportunity to achieve safety and stability after months of extreme hardship.
No one should have to work full-time and live in a tent for 4 months.
This grant represents an investment in someone who has shown extraordinary resilience through 4 months of the most difficult circumstances while maintaining employment and improving their job situation. I have housing approved for January 1. I just need help to make it happen.
Respctfully submitted,
REQUIRED ATTACHMENTS:
□ Lease agreement from The Grove showing move-in costs ($400 deposit + $675 rent) and January 1, 2026 move-in date Haven't signed lease
□ Previous employment verification from Black Bear Diner (if available)
□ Documentation of current situation (if safe and appropriate)
□ Budget worksheet showing planned expenses
For Verification:
Housing Verification:
Property: The Grove Apartments, Killeen, Texas
Property Manager/Leasing Office: Spoke with Manager on the phone and through email
Move-in Date: As soon as funds can be secured.
I have been in this living situation for this long and no one knows. I don't want anyone to know. My mental health and my peace of mind are in bad shape. I've been able to stay at friend's but only for a few hours at a time. Food is scarce and I don't feel very safe, day or night. Im here in this situation because I chose to rent a room with an individual who assumed I would pay him in some other way, than money. When I said no, and after some struggle, I was immediately tossed out. No reasoning with him, just put all of my belongings out along with me. I just want a roof over my head and to be safe so I can be clean when I go to work and have a bed to sleep in when I get home.
Thank You,
Amy

[EnriqueEr]

I have to be out of my apartment by the 27th. I live in Bell County. I have reached out to so many agencies in Killen seeking assistance all dead ends. Salvation Army will not help me, Christian Assistance Network will not help me. These are funded agencies. If go to a church a lot send donations to these agencies that don't help you. It makes you wonder.
The Texas 211 will have a list of places that are dead end. I will attempt to contact all the big churches and tell then no help out there. I am disabled have to be out of my apartment by the 27th. Don't have the high deposit require in this area to move. Need a more organized and no discouraging way of helping people. I will share my story of the dark places of not being able to get help when get on feet. If you live in my area long enough you will know if it’s a yes or no that's sad.
God Bless

[Admin - Jon McNamara]

Hi Brianna
Killen is where most of the programs are based as that is the largest city in Bell County. However since you really need "everything" (rent help, food, car assistance, etc) the options will be limited. You more than likely need to apply at multiple places, but here is a list of financial assistance programs for Killeen TX area.

[Rick]

Good morning,
My name is Brianna and I am needing financial support to pay my monthly bills. I live in Killeen Texas & my residence is in Bell County. I have my car payment, mortgage, food, etc. Is there any other financial avenue that you can help me with? I do not receive any government assistance due to my income level, however I have been out of work for 2 weeks now due to COVID & my job does not pay for to be out. My bills are also more than by income every month and I am trying to gain better employment opportunities. I just need a little help until then. I apologize for my lengthy email. I hope to hear back from you soon. Thank you so much!