Economic Opportunities Advancement Corporation of Planning Region XI programs.
The main resources offered by the non-profit Economic Opportunities Advancement Corporation of Planning Region are part of a service known as Community Programming. Programs are available in the counties of Hill, Falls, McLennan, Bosque, Freestone, and Limestone. Qualified low income families may receive assistance with their rent and housing needs from Tenant-Based Rental Assistance Program (TBRA). Other programs offered include weatherization, utility bill assistance from CEAP, and Head Start.
There is an increasing need for emergency financial aid and other resources in Texas. Much of it is for rental and utility assistance. A key resource in Texas is the CEAP - Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program. As part of this, there may be one time grants available to pay utility bill as well as free conservation measures.
Weatherization Assistance provides help to working poor as well as other low-income households. It will help them save money on their bills as the result of free energy conservation measures.
The Economic Opportunities Advancement Corporation of Planning Region Weatherization program may perform minor repairs to windows, walls, doors, ceilings and floors. The objective of this is prevent cold winter air and also hot summer air from entering the home. It will keep a families home more comfortable and just as importantly save people money on their energy bills.
Examples of homes that need weatherization in counties such as Hall or McLennan are those that will typically have cracks, holes, and other places where air leaks. In many cases, the weatherization program coordinated by EOAC will address these issues. The exact type of work done on each home will be different based on amount of energy used to heat and cool the residence, the overall home condition, and also program guidelines that are set by Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs.
Direct financial assistance may be offered by CEAP . This is funded by the state of Texas as well as the federal government. Families that need help with paying their cooling or energy bills can apply for a cash grant. If they are found to be qualified, the funds can be applied to a portion of their bill.
Help with rent and housing needs is part of the Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) Program. Using federal government grants, EOAC can help pay the rent or security deposits for families in Bosque, Freestone, McLennan, Limestone, Hill, and Falls Counties.
Most of the aid is for very low income households, the disabled, or seniors. TBRA can also help with security and utility deposits. However the focus of the program is on providing loans or some other form of rental subsidy for up to two years. Clients will also be enrolled into case management that is coordinated by Economic Opportunities Advancement Corporation of Planning Region.
While there is normally a waiting list, TBRA can be an effective resource for low income families. Not only can it help pay for deposits and recurring rental expenses, but the case management sessions will help clients gain self-sufficiency.
The EOAC Head Start and Early Head Start programs are funded by the federal government. They are early child development services for infants, pregnant women and toddlers under the age of 6. Social services for parents are also offered by Economic Opportunities Advancement Corporation (EOAC).
The program will engage families and help ensure that children receive the very best in health services, education and socialization. Head Start will help these children prepare for school and be ready to learn. Both programs are available for free and also offer services for those with disabilities.
Subsidies for paying for child care are available. The assistance is offered for low income parents who are working, in job training or going to school. This community action agency program is offered in all counties, including Bosque, Freestone, McLennan, Limestone, and Hill. It is provided in partnership with the Texas Workforce Commission as well as the Heart of Texas Local Workforce Development Board.
Note that the vouchers from Economic Opportunities Advancement Corporation of Planning Region will not pay the entire cost of day care. Parents need to still contribute as well, and they will be required to pay the provider as well. The amount will be based on their income level and the number of children needing care.
While there are several centers in the region, the main EOAC Office is located at 500 Franklin Avenue, Waco, Texas 76701. Call (254) 753-0331 for more information on these or other programs.
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