Texas community action agencies assistance programs.
Low income families in Texas can get help from a community action agency. These are non-profit organizations that are focused on providing services to the unemployed, working poor, low income, and the disadvantaged. While some of the Texas centers may have financial assistance for your basic needs, a focus is really on helping people overcome their hardship. So services offered by an agency can be career counseling, assistance with finding a job, and services like budget and credit counseling.
Some of the funding for the agencies comes from the government and much more may come from donations. Keep in mind that the demand for help is very high, so not everyone can receive assistance. The exact type of programs will also vary by town and county in Texas, and sometimes the program will end if those funds run out. More information on services and agencies to call by county is below.
Programs for children such as Head Start
The federal government funded Early Head Start as well as the related Head Start programs are comprehensive family and child development resources that prepare young children from birth up to age five years of age. Services are offered that can help children become successful school students and further down the road productive members of society. This program is a multi-faceted partnership involving the federal government, community action agencies, local education resources in Texas, social service and health organizations. Children and low income families participate in the program on the basis of eligibility criteria as determined by the government.
The goal of the Early Head Start Program is to provide high quality child care. It will really focus on the health, nutrition, and overall well-being of both the family and the child. Community action agencies strive to support and enhance the overall parent-child relationship.
There is also a home-based component of Head Start that provides service to pregnant mothers and infants in Texas that are younger than six weeks old. The home based component provides services and assistance through one home visit per week.
While it does not directly benefit residents of the state, the Child and Adult Care Food Program reimburses day care home providers, child care centers and adult day care centers for part of the cost that is associated with providing food, snacks, and meals to children. Hundreds of thousands of children in Texas receive meals from this government resource.
Some of the main goals of the CACFP programs are to improve and maintain the health and nutritional status of infants, children and even their parents. It promotes the development of good eating habits as case managers can also help people integrate nutritious food service with organized day and child care centers.
Community action agencies work to give students the free educational and school supplies they need as well. It be be for migrants in Texas, elementary to college age and other kids. Computers, shoes, tablets, calculators and much more is given. Get free school supplies.
Community action agency grants
Applications are processed at community action agencies for energy bill assistance. Case managers can go over the resources with you and help you apply for CEAP/Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program or weatherization.
CEAP is a state of Texas and Federal government funded grant program that was designed to assist low-income persons and seniors who are experiencing difficulties in paying their energy or cooling bills. It can provide relief to consumers for energy expenses, promote self-sufficiency, and also help people when their power or electricity is about to be shut off.
Most of the grants go to families with a young children, elderly, or disabled member. A few components are the Energy Crisis (which is for disconnections) as well as an Elderly/Disabled Component (which assists seniors and disabled).
If your furnace or air conditioner is broken, then the CEAP Heating and Cooling Component may be able to help. It addresses inefficient home cooling and heating appliances through replacement, retrofit, or repair equipment. The program can pay for or fix refrigerators, home heating and cooling appliances, and water heaters.
Weatherization may be offered as well as the CEAP Co-Pay Component. These can provide assistance to households in developing goals for energy self-sufficiency. Also material installation may be provided for low-income persons to aid in the reduction of heating and cooling bills. These resources, which are coordinated by community action agencies and paid for by government grants, can provide for weather-stripping, door and window repair, caulking and sign people up for a utility co-payment plan.
Texas employment and education services
While a community action agency can refer people to cash assistance programs for paying their bills, this alone will not lead to long term success. So various counseling, job training, and education type services are administered as well. As a good, well paying job can break the cycle of poverty and move people to a more stable position. A community action agency in Texas may even have information on work from home opportunities that can be done on a part time basis by the disabled or retirees.
Job Readiness Training can provide instruction on pertinent job-related areas such as resource and resume review, interviewing skills and dressing for success. Get feedback on your approach, and learn about some successful techniques that are effective with Texas employers.
The workshops are held in many locations across Texas. Sessions address resumes/cover letters, job search techniques, occupational trends and projections, labor market information, mock interviews, and other types of professional/personal development training.
Education is key, so GED preparatory instruction may be offered to clients seeking their GED. Other similar employment services can include English as a Second Language and information on potential scholarships.
If there is a valid reason that someone struggles to make it to a job site, then an at home position may be a good option. There are some valid opportunities out there, such as for call center jobs. While they are hard to get, thousands of individuals in Texas are employed in the field. Locate details on working from home.
The Workforce Development Programs primary goal is provide clients with the training, resources, and professional support necessary so they can either get a job or gain a new skill. Case managers can help people prepare to enter the workforce and economic mainstream. Community action agencies maintain close and continuous contact with area corporations and businesses. Many locations can refer qualified candidates for potential employment opportunities or job training programs. All services are free and could ultimately lead to full time, long term employment that allows individuals to contribute to society.
Several other employment programs are offered for the unemployed, part time workers, and individuals in Texas who want to acquire new skills. Many are offered in partnership between non-profit community action agencies and Workforce Centers. Find more job training in Texas.
Budget counseling is offered by specialists in Texas. Counselors can assist clients with creating and maintaining their finances and a manageable budget. Many agencies can also help people deal with housing issues, include a delinquent mortgage. Most services are provided for free by a certified housing counselor.
Texas Community Action Agencies also coordinate with local credit counselors as well as volunteer specialists in an effort to help families get out of debt. There are too many predatory lenders in the state, such as payday loan companies or banks targeting seniors or immigrants. The agencies can help residents address these challenges.
Family self-sufficiency and case management is offered as well to the unemployed and low income. This is a process developed by the nationwide network of community action agencies and is inclusive of assessment, referrals, and intake. The ultimate goal of any of these agencies are to transition income-eligible customers out of poverty.
The foundation of any Texas organization is known as the Community Services Block Grant Program. It provides for all programs of the community action agency and offers emergency services, information and referral, and case management services. Almost every location will partner with local non-profit area service providers and will maintain a database of resources.
The various case management and self-sufficiency programs offered are designed to assist clients desiring to become self-sufficient over the mid to long term. Staff can counselors from your community action agency in Texas provide services and advice such as budget counseling. Work with a specialist in establishing short term and long range goals. The resources administered can provide on-going assistance to help people gain achieve self-sufficiency.
Centers serve local families and residents with education, counseling, employment, information, and referrals. Caseworkers have focused on the goal of enabling disadvantaged citizens to attain the knowledge, skill, and motivation needed to secure the opportunities needed to help them become fully self-sufficient.
Health care, home economics and child care are often the subject of counsel and referral. When a person’s problems or their need for help is so great and can’t be met by an agency, then the person is counseled and referred to the appropriate office, government program (federal or Texas) or an organization.
Foreclosure and mortgage default counseling is often offered. This is focused on those who may have, or will in the near future, miss a mortgage payment. Many community action agencies partner with non-profits such as HUD counseling agencies or the Urban League to offer these programs for free.
Homeowners should always make an appointment to see if a certified housing counselor can address your situation. Explore special forbearance or a repayment plan, Mortgage modification, Deed-in-lieu, and refinancing.
Additional non-profit services
Home delivered meals can be provided by some agencies for people who are ill or whose age or disability prevents them from providing proper nutrition for themselves. Among other benefits, this program can enable the elderly and homebound to live independently as long as possible. It can also help relieve the isolation and loneliness of the home-bound as the volunteer who delivers the meal can provide companionship.
In general, home delivered meals are provided to those individuals who live in the immediate area of their Texas community action agency and who also qualify. Most of the aid is targeted at those who are homebound and/or over the age of 60. Because of funding shortfalls and the high demand, there may be a waiting list. Always contact your local community action agency for an assessment.
In addition to the home delivered services, people over 60 and their spouses are invited to eat free hot and healthy meals. Many agencies partner with charities, senior centers, and churches in Texas, and those locations are the ones that prepare and serve the meals. Meals on Wheels and senior center meals are usually provided at no cost to recipients, as resources allow.
Senior centers serve meals to aging and disabled clients. Almost every town and county in Texas has a congregate meal sites where Senior citizens and their spouses can come and have a nutritious breakfast or lunch. Fellowship, recreational activities and fun is offered too. These senior centers also help facilitate the delivery of provide home delivered meals.
Receive information and referrals to local health services. A community action agency will generally have information on local clinics and public health care programs. Examples of what may be available in Texas includes Breast and Cervical Cancer screening, HIV/AIDS case management, Reproductive health care services (Birth control methods, STD testing, health education), Prescription Assistance and even Primary Health Care.
Most counties in Texas are part of the national prescription drug card program. These are free discount cards that anyone can sign up for and use, and they can save people substantially on your medications. Average savings is about 25%. Some of the community action agencies provide these discount cards to clients to assist them with meeting their needs.
There are a number of places and charities that help for pay prescription drugs. Texas community action agencies can help low income as well as uninsured families find the programs. Or they can help guide clients to community clinics, affordable insurance, or government medical care.
Medical Transportation may be offered by some local charities and non-profits. Volunteers from the community may provide free or low cost transportation to medical facilities for Medicaid recipients or people faced with a crisis.
Locations of community action agencies in Texas
Aspermont Small Business Development Center
Main address - 9660 US Highway 83 S
Aspermont, TX 79502
Telephone number is (940) 989-3538
This is the community action agency for the counties of Haskell, Kent, Jones, Knox, Stonewall, and Throckmorton. Low income assistance, career counseling, and other case management is provided.
Big Bend Community Action Committee, Inc.
1412 W Berlin St
Marfa, TX 79843
Call the location at (432) 729-4908
The Big Bend region of Texas includes Hudspeth, Brewster, Culberson, Jeff Davis, and Presidio. A focus is on helping residents with paying their utility bills. More on programs from Big Bend Community Action Committee.
Bee Community Action Agency
Address: N Frontage Rd
Beeville, Texas 78102
Call (361) 358-5530 for intake.
This location helps families in Refugio, Bee, Aransas, Kenedy, Kleberg, Live Oak, and McMullen. Stop by for information on their services.
Brazos Valley Community Action Agency, Inc.
Main location is 1500 University Drive E.
College Station, Texas 77840
Telephone number to call - (979) 846-1100
This non-profit covers a wide swath of land, including the counties of Brazos, Montgomery, Burleson, Chambers, Washington, Grimes, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Robertson, Walker, and Waller. Dozens of programs are offered here, or get referrals to services. More information on financial help from Brazos Valley Community Action Agency.
Cameron-Willacy Counties Community Projects, Inc.
1144 Professional Dr
Brownsville, TX 78520
Main phone number is (956) 544-6411. There are many services for the working poor available from this community action agency, and find more details on assistance from Cameron-Willacy Counties Community Projects.
Cornerstone Community Action Agency
114 Needham St
Coleman, TX 76834
Supports the central part of the state, which is the Texas counties of Brown, Coleman, McCulloch, Comanche, Eastland, Runnels, Williamson and Callahan. Read more on Cornerstone Community Action Agency assistance programs.
City of Austin and Travis County, Health & Human Services Department
Austin, Texas 78767
There are multiple community centers in the county and city.
Dial (877) 541-7905. More details on Community Action Agency of Austin and Travis County.
Tarrant County and City of Fort Worth, Community Action Partners
4200 South Freeway, Suite 2200
Fort Worth, TX 76115-1499
Telephone number is (817) 392-5010 or (817) 392-5780
This location serves the entire county and region. Dozens of assistance programs, referrals, and support systems are in place for qualified Tarrant County residents. Read Tarrant County and City of Fort Worth community action agency.
City of Lubbock Community Action Agency
Mailing address is P.O. Box 2000
Lubbock, Texas 79457. Call 877- 541-7905.
For more information on their housing programs, details on emergency grants, or referrals, continue with Lubbock community action programs.
City of San Antonio, Department of Human Services
Primary address is 700 S Zarzamora St
San Antonio, TX 78207
(210) 207-7830 or dial (210) 207-8141 for an appointment and intake.
Unemployed and low income in Bexar County can call this number for the community action agency. Self-sufficiency, credit counseling, and other emergency aid may be administered. Click here emergency help from Bexar County Community Action Agency.
Combined Community Action, Inc.
Address is 165 West Austin Street
Giddings, Texas 78942
Telephone number is (979) 540-2999 or (979) 540-2980
Counties supported are Austin, Colorado, Bastrop, Fayette, and Lee. A number of resources are available, and read more on Combined Community Action assistance programs.
Community Action Committee of Victoria, TX
4007 Halsey St,
Victoria, TX 77901
(361) 578-2989
If you live in Victoria, Calhoun, DeWitt, Gonzales, Goliad, Jackson, or Lavaca, then this is the non-profit agency you will want to call. Read more community action programs of Victoria region.
Community Action Corporation of South Texas
Location/address is 204 E Main St
Alice, TX 78332
Dial (361) 664-0145
Programs offered for the counties of Brooks, Jim Wells, and San Patricio are extensive. Thousands of struggling individuals turn to this location for financial support, information, food, and more. There is some assistance for other nearby counties too, including Hidalgo, Webb, Nueces, Kleberg, Starr, McMullen, and others. Click here Community Action Corporation of South Texas assistance programs.
Community Action Program of Taylor County
The main location is in Abilene Texas. The non-profit provides support to the most vulnerable around education, employment, and applications to government aid. Clients include veterans, the disabled, and immigrants among others. Continue with Community Action Program of Taylor County.
Community Action Social Services & Education, Inc. and Maverick County
2149 Del Rio Blvd
Eagle Pass, Texas 78852
(830) 773-7274
Community Council of Southwest Texas
Counties of Edwards, Kinney, Real, Uvalde, Val Verde, Zavala
Address - 713 E. Main
Uvalde, Texas 78802-1709
Main telephone (830) 278-6268
Community Action, Inc. of Central Texas - Community Action Inc of Hays Caldwell & Blanco Couny
101 Uhland Rd
San Marcos, TX 78666
Call (512) 392-1161 for hours and intake.
Counties include - Blanco, Caldwell, Hays
Find more details on the services offered, including electrical bill help. More on Central Texas Community Action programs.
Community Council of South Central Texas, Inc. (CCSCT)
Main office is at 801 S State Highway 123
Seguin, TX 78155
(830) 303-4376
Self-sufficiency, job counseling, and other aid is offered for residents of Atascosa, Bandara, Frio, Gillispie, Karnes, Guadalupe, Kendall, Kerr, Comal, Medina, Wilson. Apply for CEAP, government grant programs and more.
Community Services Agency of South Texas, Inc., including Dimmit and LaSalle
910 South 5th Street
Carrizo Springs, TX 78834
(830) 876-5219
They process applications for CEAP energy bill assistance, offer help for the elderly from Multi-Service Senior Centers, and provide other aid. More on South Texas community action services.
Community Services of Northeast Texas, Inc.
304 E Houston St
Linden, TX 75563
Call - (903) 756-5596
Services are for Bowie, Camp, Cass, Morris, and Marion. Some of what is available from the community action agency includes Career Services Center, free home repairs, and funds for bills in partnership with other non-profits. More information on grants and financial aid from Community Services of Northeast Texas.
Community Services, Inc.
401 E 6th Ave,
Corsicana, TX 75110
Telephone number is (903) 872-2401
Residents of Kaufman, Anderson, Collin, Denton, Ellis, Hunt, Navarro, Henderson, Rockwell, Van Zandt, and Navarro need to call this center. Referrals are available to SNAP food stamps and other financial aid programs for working poor families in Texas. Learn more on Community Services assistance programs.
Concho Valley Community Action Agency
36 E Twohig Ave
San Angelo, TX 76903
Phone number is (325) 653-2411
Counties are Coke, Sterling, Concho, Crockett, Irion, Reagan, Kimble, Menard, Sutton, Schleicher, and Tom Green
Economic Action Committee of Matagorda and the Gulf Coast
Address is 904 Whitson St
Bay City, Texas 77414
Primary telephone : (979) 245-6901
EOAC of Planning Region XI
Location is 500 Franklin Avenue
Waco, Texas 76701-2111
Main telephone - (254) 753-0331
Case management services and other aid is offered in Falls, McLennan, Bosque, Freestone, Limestone, and Hill. The community action agency processes applications for the Texas Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP), has subsidies for child care, and other aid. Click more details on Economic Opportunities programs.
El Paso Community Action Program, Project BRAVO
Main address is 2000 Texas Avenue
El Paso, TX 79901
Telephone number is (915) 562-4100
Among other services, it is a HUD certified housing counseling agency. Find information on emergency rental assistance and security deposits, including loan programs. Prescription medications, weatherization, and education programs are also offered by the community action agency. Click to learn more on El Paso Texas community action.
Greater Coastal Community Action Council (previously the Galveston County Community Action Council, Inc.)
Address is 4700 Broadway Avenue J
Galveston, TX 77551
Dial (409) 762 -8418 or (409) 765-7878
Counties are Brazoria, Wharton, Fort Bend, and Galveston. Read more on assistance programs from Galveston County Community Action Council.
Greater East Texas Community Action Program
105 Loftin St
Lufkin, TX 75904
Telephone number is (936) 564-2491
Regions supported are Houston, Angelina, Cherokee, Gregg, Wood, Nacogdoches, Polk, San Jacinto, Rusk, Trinity, and Smith. Call for information on assistance programs, energy conservation, Head Start, and other support. Learn more on how to get help from Greater East Texas Community Action.
Gulf Coast Community Services Association of Harris County
Address is 9320 Kirby Drive
Houston, Texas 77054
Telephone number - (713) 393-4789 or 713-393-4700, or read Gulf Coast Community Services resources.
Hidalgo County Community Services Agency
2524 N Closner Blvd
Edinburg, TX 78541
Dial (956) 383-6250 for information on grant and other emergency assistance. More on Hildago County Community Services Action Agency.
Hill Country Community Action Association, Inc.
2905 W Wallace St
San Saba, Texas 76877
Main number to call for information is (325) 372-5167
This non-profit is for Bell, Coryell, Hamilton, Lampasas, Llano, Mason, Milam, Mills, and San Saba County. A number of low income programs and services are available, including employment programs. Continue with community action in Hill Country.
Northeast Texas Opportunities
Counties supported include Red River, Franklin, Hopkins, Lamar, Raines, Delta, and Titus.
Mount Vernon, Texas 75457
(903) 588-3301
The non-profit focuses on provide energy bill assistance, food, and conservation. However staff from the site provide other support services as well. Read more details on Northeast Texas Opportunities assistance programs.
Nueces County Community Action Agency
101 South Padre Island Drive
Corpus Christi, TX 78405-3504
(361) 883-7201
Community Services include funds for rent and basic needs. Other resources are applications for CEAP utility assistance and referrals. They also have intake for government aid. More on Community Action Agency Nueces County.
Panhandle Community Services
Mailing address to use is P. O. Box 32150
Amarillo, TX 79120-2150
(806) 372-2531
This non-profit community action agency covers a large portion of western Texas. If you live in the following counties, call this location for referrals and/or assistance. Armstrong, Oldham, Briscoe, Carson, Castro, Wheeler, Childress, Swisher, Collingsworth, Ochiltree, Dallam, Hartley, Deaf Smith, Donley, Gray, Hall, Hansford, Hemphill, Hutchinson, Lipscomb, Moore, ,Parmer, Potter, Randall, Roberts, or Sherman.
Programs offered include rent help from section 8, free food for children, and case management services for low income families. Click here Panhandle Community Services emergency assistance.
Pecos County Community Action Agency, including the counties of Crane and Terrell
Main location is 101 N Jackson St
Fort Stockton, TX 79735
Telephone number is (432) 336-7528
Rolling Plains Management Corporation
118 N 1st St
Crowell, TX 79227
Call (940) 684-1571
Baylor, Cottle, Foard, Hardeman, Wilbarger, Clay, Archer, Jack, Montague, Wichita, and Young County. Learn more on Rolling Plains Management Corporation assistance programs.
South Plains Community Action Association, Inc.
411 Austin Street
Levelland, TX 79336
Main telephone: (806) 894-6104 or (806) 894-4560
Case managers can help people in Yoakum, Bailey, Cochran, Hockley, Lamb, Lynn, Terry, and Garza.
South Texas Development Council
1002 Dickey Ln
Laredo, Texas 78043
(956) 722-3995
Counties and towns in Jim Hogg, Starr, and Zapata. Learn about free meals, health care services, employment opportunities and other local services.
Southeast Texas Regional Planning Commission
2210 Eastex Freeway
Beaumont, TX 77703
Primary number - (409) 899-8444
County - Hardin, Orange and Jefferson.
Texas Neighborhood Services
522 Palo Pinto St
Weatherford, TX 76086
(817) 598-5700
If you need assistance with finding a job, credit counseling, or financial aid, and live in Erath, Hood, Johnson, Parker, Somewell, Wise or Palo Pinto, call this location.
Texoma Council of Governments
Main center is at 1117 Gallagher Dr., Ste. 100
Sherman, TX 75090
(903) 893-2161
Counties - Cooke, Fannin, Grayson
Tri-County Community Action
Location/main 507 Crawford St
Center, TX 75935
Tele - (936) 598-6315
The agency serves those in Newton, Jasper, Upshur, Sabine, San Augustine, Shelby, Tyler, Harrison, and Panola. Call them for home delivered meals, CEAP applications, and other social services. Find assistance from Tri-County Community Action.
Community Council of Greater Dallas (formerly the Urban League of Greater Dallas and North Central Texas, Inc.)
341 W Mockingbird Lane,
Dallas, TX 75247.
Dial (214) 871-5065
Foreclosure prevention, help for seniors, case management, homeless prevention and other support is offered. They work closely with regional non-profits. Click more information on Community Council of Greater Dallas assistance programs.
West Texas Opportunities, Inc.
Mailing location 603 N 4th St
Lamesa, TX 79331
Telephone number - (806) 872-8354
Towns, cities, and counties served are Andrews, Borden, Dawson, Ector, Gaines, Glasscock, Howard, Midland, Martin, Upton, Fisher, Nolan, and Scurry. Call the non-profit West Texas Opportunities for information on housing, government food assistance, Head Start for children, and referrals. More details on WTO community action programs.
Webb County Community Action Agency
1110 Washington Street, Suite 203
Laredo, Texas 78042
Main telephone is (956) 523-4182
Williamson-Burnet County Opportunities
Main address - 604 High Tech Drive
Georgetown, Texas 78626
Telephone number for information is (512) 763-1400
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