Collin County assistance programs.
Struggling families in Collin County Texas can get financial assistance from one of the local charities, churches, government agencies or non-profits. Agencies near you, listed below, provide funds to help pay for electric bills or housing in Collin County, rent, or they help with security deposits. Other services in Plano TX and the county include free food, school supplies for kids, medical or dental clinics, credit counseling courses, Christmas toys, and even affordable housing in the county. Both loans and government assistance are also options in an emergency.
There may be transportation help provided in Collin County TX for school, work, or job training reasons, and this may include free gas for low income families. There may also be help paying for car repairs or bus tickets or charities will even drive the elderly to a medical appointment or deliver a meal. More details on these emergency financial aid programs, transportation, and case management services are below.
Emergency financial assistance in Collin County, Plano, McKinney and Dallas area
Grants for utility bills are available from the state, federal, and local Collin County government. The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs Funds will often provide funds to the local community action agency. If you need help with paying your energy bills, contact Community Services Inc. They have several offices in the region, but they are located in Corsicana and they provide help with paying energy bills for low-income residents living in Anderson, Collin, and other local counties and cities.
The funding is being awarded to Community Services as part of the state of Texas Department’s Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program, which is a utility co-payment assistance program that also helps eligible households, including low to moderate income, as well as elderly, better manage their energy consumption for a safe, affordable environment. The program begins in January, and funding is provided each year.
The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs assists over 60,000 people each and every year, and they are mostly low-income Texans through CEAP services. It provides grants to help people pay their bills, and other services to help them reduce their energy usage. They can also refer people to other local charities and aid organizations. Contact the local Community action agency at (903) 872-2401.
A local agency, Allen Community Outreach, administers free services and several assistance programs that will help families when they are facing a short term hardship or in times of emergency. The types of assistance they can provide is extensive, including money to pay rent and utility bills, free food, clothing and more. Find examples of some of their services.
- They run a food distribution center, known as the Allen Food Pantry, that provides free groceries and food vouchers to those struggling to provide for their families.
- Household items, clothes, and other items are provided. Get winter coats, school clothes and shoes, and much more.
- A program known as care and share provides such essential items as diapers, personal hygiene items, paper products, toiletries and other essentials.
Contact the outreach program at 972-727-9131.
Another option that may be able to help is the Assistance Center of Collin County. phone 972-422-1850. They can offer low income and other qualified applicants with emergency medicine and access to medical and social services, free food, shelter, and clothing. Some housing assistance is available from ACCC as well, including grants for paying rent or funds for security deposits for the currently homeless. They also have information on Collin County transitional housing units as well.
They can also refer people to other Texas and federal government programs, as well as local charities. This is a leading non-profit to call for help. Read Collin County assistance center.
The Salvation Army Of Collin County, which is based in Plano Texas but has other Family Service Centers in the county, also offers numerous assistance programs. Among the services and resources they provide include electric and Gas Bill Payment Assistance, financial assistance for paying rent, prescription expense assistance, an on site food pantry, counseling, and more.
Christmas and holiday assistance (such as meals and free gifts) can be offered to Plano and Mckinney families as well from programs such as Angel Tree. Or immigrants and low income parents can apply for free back to school supplies or clothes. Call the agency at (972) 423-8254. Read Salvation Army Collin County assistance programs.
Mckinney Rural Development, phone (972) 542-0081, provides both Rent Payment Assistance and Weatherization Programs to those who need help.
Frisco Family Services Center - This site is a non-profit organization that provides financial assistance and supportive services to individuals and families in Collin County Texas. Among other services, the agency can provide emergency financial assistance with housing needs such as rent or mortgage payments, utilities, gas vouchers and prescriptions. Any type of support is combined with Adult Education Services for increasing income or finding employment. there are even such activities as selling hair for extra money.
Financial help from FFS can also pay for work related supplies such as professional certifications, uniforms, supplies, clothing, and educational scholarships. Other programs include a food pantry, a free back to school program and thrift store. Holiday meals and gifts (Christmas and Thanksgiving) can be offered, as well as debt and career counseling services. 8780 Third Street, Frisco, Texas 75034, call (972)335-9495. Or find additional help from Frisco Family Services.
Collin County Christian Community Action offers many resources across northern Texas. While they do prioritize senior citizens, others can get help too. One partnership is with Women’s Foundation, which helps with transportation. There is also a free food pantry at the charity, medical care from the Adult Health Center, and referrals to emergency financial aid programs. Click here for details on Collin County Christian Community Action Agency.
Community Lifeline Center – Learn about and apply for information and referral to government programs and local charities. Emergency financial assistance may be offered for free food, for rent, utilities, new or gently used clothing, life and job skills training, and prescription drugs. 1601 N. Waddill St., Ste 102, McKinney, Texas 75069. Call (972)542-0020
Anna Christian Community Outreach – Can offer free food and one time funds up to $300 for electric/utility bills. Anna, TX 75409, (214)884-6871
Salvation Army Plano – This is a second location of the Salvation Army, and can offer advice, financial counseling, and other support. 3528 E. 14th Street, Plano, Texas 75074. Telephone number - (972)423-8254
Social services and cash assistance - Collin County Texas does have a social service office that can help people apply for government and public assistance. Food and meals can be provided for the low income, including single parents and children. Uninsured and low income families can receive information on free or affordable medical care. Even learn how to save money on your prescription medication or get help in paying funeral costs when the family has no cash or savings. Read more Collin County public assistance programs.
Lifesource Ministries - Provides electric assistance, food, groceries, and clothing assistance to low income in the City of Plano Texas. Offers various utility and electric assistance programs, including LIEAP Electric Bill Payment Assistance and others. 1815 W. 15th Street, Plano, TX 75075. Call (972)633-0165
Christ Cares For Princeton Church Of Christ – This church may have limited financial assistance for bills and expenses, in addition to a food pantry and thrift store. 301 East Princeton Drive, Princeton, Texas 75407. (972)734-3355
Summer cooling assistance and fans are available in McKinney Texas. Several non-profits participate in the Beat the Heat program and work with utility companies such as TXU Energy. The air conditioners, fans, and other assistance tends to be offered to seniors, families with young children and/or the disabled in the community. More on McKinney Texas free fans.
Catholic Charities is a regional non-profit that is partly made up on by local churches. While funding is limited, the agency may offer emergency rental, water, gas bill and electric assistance. Another resource is a food pantry that is available to low income families.
A senior center provides Collin County residents aged 60 and older with free meals, education, social services, welfare counseling and information and referral. Clinics are offered too. Other resources include transportation and outreach as well as free Christmas assistance to low income families and children. The two main centers can be reached at 214-376-2560. Or find how much cash assistance is available.
Network of Community Ministries Agency (Richardson) is a not for profit that offers families access to the following. Clothing closet and food pantry are on site. Or look into free bus tickets, gasoline vouchers, and prescriptions. Other aid includes financial assistance with rent, mortgage, water, electric and natural gas bills. Last, but not least, staff can give out referrals for medical and dental services, temporary shelter and other aid. 972-234-8880
Society of St. Vincent DePaul mostly helps with rent and utilities, however some other resources may be offered too. One key program is the Thrift Store, which has free furniture, clothing, and similar items. Education and job placement type programs are part of the Collin County Back on Track program, and other social services are provided by the churches. Rockwall, Texas 75087, call 972-542-7170, or find details on St. Vincent programs in Collin County
Richardson East Church of Christ is located at 1504 E. Campbell Rd. Distributes limited emergency assistance with water, rent, gas and electric. Also a free food pantry is available for selected zip codes. 972-231-8231
Collin County Veterans Service Office works with neighboring counties too. The location may have grants available to assist Veterans and their families with basic needs. Get help with mortgage, rent, utilities, prescriptions, and medical bills. 972-692-4939.
St. Michael church assists Northern Collin County residents. They operate a free food pantry. Elder care, home repairs, and limited financial resources are offered. 411 Paula Rd., McKinney, Texas 75069. Telephone - 214-314-5698
The regional Housing Crisis Center address a number of housing issues. One time financial assistance may be available as well as referrals and case management. Funds, or emergency loans, can be used to pay for rental costs, security deposits or utility bills. Also get information on shelters and more. (214) 828-4244
Collin County community action - They administer the state’s primary utility bill assistance program known as CEAP, as indicated above. However the agency offers many other resources for seniors, the disabled, and low income families, especially those with children. Contact them for referrals to free food, emergency funds for back rent, weatherization, and educational programs such as Head Start. More on assistance from Community Services.
Centers for free basic needs, furniture and clothing - Low income families may receive items such as free furniture, Christmas assistance, school items or work clothing, and household supplies. More moderate income families in Collin County can receive low cost goods. Non-profits, including local churches, offer many of these clothing assistance programs. Other items provided may include appliances, furniture, holiday gifts, and other aid, with a focus on children. Read free clothing closets, furniture and school supplies Collin County.
White Rock Center of Hope may offer some limited support to Collin County residents. Look into programs for housing needs, such as rent or utilities. Clothing, food, and other aid is offered too. Most of the available funds would come from the federal government FEMA program. 214-324-8996.
HUD funded eviction prevention programs may be available from time to time. Based on money provided to charities in Collin County, there may be everything from rehousing to grants for rent arrears. Other uses of funds can include to pay for a motel for a night or two in Plano, credit counseling, and assistance for moving costs. More on eviction help in Collin County.
Farmersville Ministerial Alliance offers emergency funds, food and cash assistance for residents of the Independent School District. In addition, qualified low income residents of Copeville with a Farmersville mailing address may apply for help too. 1st Baptist Church Of Farmersville, 124 S Washington, Farmersville, TX 75442. Call 972-782-8428.
Free holiday assistance is provided by charities, the local government, and churches. There are agencies that can provide children with free toys and Christmas gifts, or a struggling family a box of food or Thanksgiving meal. Other Plano Texas agencies deliver Christmas meals to the disabled, elderly, and homebound. Read Collin County free holiday assistance.
Emergency rental assistance - Across the county are churches, non-profits and charities that can help families facing eviction or the currently homeless. Examples of resources may include loans for expenses such as rent, they operate shelters, and there are referrals to rapid rehousing and security deposit programs in Collin County. Learn more emergency rent help in Collin County.
Urban League of North Central Texas can be reached at 214-915-4600. This national organization may assist low-income families, members of minority groups and other members of the community. Resources available include educational guidance, career counseling, literacy enhancement, youth academic skills building, housing and social service. Classes on computer, internet, software and technical skills training are offered too. Other resources include natural gas bill assistance for Atmos customers, rent help, and electricity assistance for Direct Energy and First Choice only.
Job placement and counseling
If you have recently lost your job or had a reduction in income, Allen Community Outreach may be able to help here as well. Counselors will work with people trying to find a job, and the agency also keeps an updated job bank featuring current listings of employment opportunities in Collin County Texas. The job finding program is a collaborative effort with North Texas Work Force in Plano and McKinney has been developed to give individual assistance in finding employment. Contact ACO at the number above to find job help. (972) 727-9131.
Foreclosure prevention and counseling services
Neighborhood Housing Services Of North Texas, Inc. also serves homeowners in Plano and Collin County Texas. They can help people get back on track with their mortgage payments, and offer struggling homeowners foreclosure prevention advice and tactics. Dial (817) 624-9454.
Health care clinics and medical care
Some of the local health care clinics include the following. They may be able to provide patients with low cost or free medical care (in limited cases). Most of the clinics can also refer people to various programs and resources at their disposal. For example, they may be able to advise people on how to negotiate medical bills. The options include:
- Child & Community Health Center Of Mckinney - This is a community/public clinic. (972) 547-0606.
- Collin County Adult Clinic - It is open Tuesday and Thursday, and based in Plano. Limited medications may be available. Dial (972) 423-4891.
- Plano Children's Medical Clinic - Offers health care for children from age 0-18 who do not have health insurance. Dial (972) 801-9689.
- Presbyterian Community Medical Center - Phone (972) 509-4554.
- If the facilities above can’t meet your medical needs, find more Collin County free community clinics.
Eyewear and exams are pricey too. Local community clinics in Collin County try to address this need. they help children, seniors, and others with vision problems. Find a list of free eye exams near you.
Debt help
If you have recently received some type of assistance for paying your rent or other bills, Consumer Credit Counseling Services of McKinney ((972) 542-0257) offers financial classes and debt reduction programs for local families and individuals. Click here to learn more about assistance paying debt..
The consumer credit agency will provide budgeting skills as well as financial education for families with proper tools to budget, save money, reduce their credit card and medical debt and prioritize financial needs.
Free food vouchers and assistance in Collin County Texas
Many people and their children are going without food in this challenging economy. If you need help providing food, groceries, holiday meals, or maybe some limited household products or supplies, contact the following.
- Allen First United Methodist Church Of Allen - Runs the Angel Ministry program. For $30 you receive a large quantity of nutritious food. (877) 366-3646
- Blue Ridge Community Food Pantry / First Baptist Church - If you are facing a crisis, this charity provides emergency food. Dial (972) 752-5611.
- Community Food Pantry, which is based in McKinney Texas, is a local food pantry. Call (972) 547-4404.
- Saint Michael's Saint Vincent Depaul - (972) 562-1107
- Plano Food Pantry - Holy Nativity Episcopal Church - Provides food to people in an emergency. (972) 704-5689
- Individuals and families in the greater Plano Texas area and across Collin County have a number of other churches, charities, and non-profits to call for free groceries, food, and meals. Rarely will anyone be turned away by the centers. Find more free food pantries in Collin County.
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