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Assistance programs Travis County and Austin.
Find financial assistance programs or free stuff for low-income families in the Austin area. Get everything from rent or mortgage help to free food, medical or dental care, money for paying car repairs, and electric bill assistance in Travis County TX. Find where to get free financial help near you in Austin TX and the county below.
Find how churches as well as charities in Travis County (and even the government) can help struggling households. Get free grant money for senior citizens, immigrants, Spanish speakers, or even the disabled. There are also charities that give out free stuff, including clothes; furniture to low income; school supplies or Christmas gifts too. Or locate car payment, a free vehicle in Travis County or free debt reduction help.
Emergency financial assistance, housing resources, food, and utility bill help
Find rent, housing, and homeless prevention assistance. Hardship funds are distributed by various charitable and government agencies. Federal government money is provided to the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs as well to help Austin and Travis County residents with housing. Local charities and non-profit give the financial assistance to help low income families pay for rent and other housing cost as part of the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing program.
- The following organizations and Texas charities received money from the program and will help stop an eviction in Travis County: But the list can vary each year. Rent help may come from Youth and Family Alliance, Catholic Charities of Central Texas (phone (512) 651-6100), Caritas of Travis County (phone (512) 479-4610), Any Baby Can in Austin and other non-profits. Agencies in both the city and in Travis County participate.
Several other agencies offer rent help. Grants from the program will help families, homeless people and individuals who need of temporary rent or utility bill assistance. In addition, it can also assist Texans who may be currently living in emergency shelters or who may be living on the street and if they just need some temporary assistance to get housing or back on their feet. This may include information on temporary housing or security deposit programs as well. More non-profits that provide Travis County rent assistance.
To help residents who are struggling, the City of Austin has utility bill assistance There is a Payment Arrangement, which gives Austin Energy customers the opportunity to pay off a past-due energy. light or utility bill over a specific period of time, which will keep their utility accounts in good standing.
- Help is also offered from a Flexible Arrangement Available. This will set the length of a payment arrangement based on past payment history as well as balance of the energy account.
- A payment arrangement from the City of Austin on utility bills option is available regardless of payment history, however there are some disqualifies. They include past disconnections of non-payment, budgeting billing customers, Travis County families in bankruptcy, past returned checks or payment, debt collector status, and a few others. To learn more or apply for a help with light and power pills with the City of Austin, call 512-494-9400, or look here for other Austin Energy bill financial assistance.
The Austin Texas and Travis County Salvation Army runs several emergency, financial assistance programs for low-income families, single mothers and the working poor. Call the agency at (512) 476-1111 or (512) 782-8800. They run an employment and case management services. There is also free holiday help including free Christmas toys or meals, and more. Students, including immigrants and Spanish speaking, can also get free back to school supplies or clothes for the school year.
- The Salvation Army may have limited funds to pay rent, utility bills, and even some medical expenses. This can also include gas for a job interview or mobile lot rent. Many other emergency and case management services are offered from the Travis County Family Service program, including a soup kitchen and food pantry. Read more on Austin Salvation Army.
All Saints Episcopal Church - Limited financial assistance for paying electric, water, gas, telephone, and utility/telephone hookup fees. There are also free clothes, gasoline vouchers, funds for medical and dental bills, eye care, and bus tickets. Food and Ensure for seniors in Austin is offered too. A focus is on seniors and the disabled. The address is 209 W 27th St, Austin, TX 78705. Call (512) 476-3589
Baptist Community Center Mission is at 2000 E. 2nd Street, Austin, TX 78702. The church will have limited assistance for mortgage and rent, utility bills, water, gas, prescriptions, and other expenses. Or use a bargain thrift store, get free adult or kids clothes in Austin or personal hygiene stuff. Call (512) 478-7243.
Lake Travis Crisis Ministries helps the unemployed, homeless, poor and others from 107 Ranch Rd 620 S # 114, Lakeway, TX 78734. Get imemdiate funds for a power bill or limited car repair help. Or get housing assistance, RX vouchers, school supplies, books and more. Call (512) 266-9810
St. Matthews Episcopal Church provides limited financial assistance with paying rent, water, electric bills and gas bills. Rent needs to be past due in order to receive help. The church will not help with closed utility accounts. Phone (512) 345-8314. Location is 4121 Steck Ave, Austin, TX 78759. The parish runs a small operation that can provide money in an emergency. It is a church that may offer rent or electric bill help and other aid
Another non-profit that can help with paying bills and every day expenses is Austin Texas based University Avenue Church of Christ. Help with bills, medications, and other expenses may be available. 1903 University Ave, Austin, TX 78705. Phone: (512) 476-6088 or dial (512) 476-9584.
 Caritas of Austin, which can be reached at (512)472-4135 or (512) 479-4610, may be able to provides a Refugee and Migrant Resettlement Program. There is also Permanent Supportive Housing for the disabled who are facing long term homelessness. Other support administered includes hot meals, food, and take home groceries are also provide. Veterans in Travis County may be able to get help from the Supportive Services for Veteran Families program (SSVF).
- The non-profit also has homeless prevention and rapid rehousing grants for tenants with an eviction notice. Or apply for a free motel room (Red Roof, Motel 6, etc.), emergency homeless shelter and more. There is also budgeting and debt relief workshops.
- Transportation is offered. There are free cars for a low-income family in Austin, bus passes, and gas cards for a tank of gasoline. Or learn about volunteers that repair cars.
Austin Health and Human Services Department (HHSD) (call (512) 972-5011) runs the homeless prevention and rapid rehousing program. This government program provides emergency funding to help people pay their rent, housing, and other expenses.
- This location also serves as the cities and Travis County community action agency. They partner with Neighborhood Centers and non-profits to provide basic needs such as food, clothing, applications for food stamps and other aid. Medical care is available too, along with shelters and the WIC program. Find more details on City of Austin and Health and Human Services.
Society Of St. Vincent De Paul has several SVDP church locations around Travis County and Austin as noted below. The programs offered include emergency financial assistance and grants for paying utilities (gas, water, electricity), mortgage, security deposits and rent. Prescriptions and limited health care are offered. They also provides vouchers for free or low cost clothing, food boxes, and free furniture or small appliances. The vouchers are used at the St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store.
- Holy Cross Catholic Church 1610 E. 11th St., Austin, Texas 78702. dial (512) 472-7210 or (512) 472-3741
- Sacred Heart Catholic Church. 5909 Reicher Dr., Austin, Texas 78723. Call (512) 926-1171
- St. Albert the Great Catholic Church at 12041 Bittern Hollow, Austin, Texas 78758. Call 512-837-7825
- St. Austin Catholic Church. 2026 Guadalupe, Austin, Texas 78705. Phone (512) 477-1589
- Slouis Catholic Church. 7601 Burnet Rd., Austin, TX 78757. Call the church at (512) 419-1667
- Greater Mt. Zion Church Community Assistance Center is at 4301 Tannehill Ln, Austin, TX 78721. Call (512) 478-7578 or (512) 469-902
- St. Thomas serves the northwest Austin area. May have emergency assistance for rent, prescription drugs, utilities, and a free food bank. The address is 10205 N FM 620 #2210, Austin, TX 78726. Call 512-258-1161
- St. Paul Catholic Church. 10000 David Moore Rd. Austin, Texas 78748. Dial (512) 280-4460
- St. Theresa Catholic Church. 4311 Small Dr., Austin, TX 78731. (512) 451-5121
- Find more locations of Travis County Saint Paul churches. Find Saint Vincent de Paul in Austin.
Human Services from local churches - There are many already listed on this page, but struggling families as well as people living in poverty have more options available to them as well. A faith based charity may help the homeless, immigrants, and single parents among others.
- There is help for the elderly and homebound in Travis County as well as homeless adults. Whether it is free food, clothes, baby supplies, or rent help, assistance is offered. More on Austin church financial aid programs.
Housing Authority of Travis County administer the section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program. Qualified very low income families can get a portion of their rent paid, even for private housing facilities or apartments. There is information on no-wait list homeless, legal aid to stop evictions and other housing support, including lofts that are high end. The PHA is at 502 E Highland Mall Blvd, Austin, TX 78752. Call (512) 854-8245 or 512-480-8245. More on luxury lofts that accept section 8.
Travis County Health And Human Services & Veterans Service has several offices around the region. They are located in the towns and cities in Travis County below. Resources offered includes emergency financial assistance and grants for paying rent (including rent for low income transitional housing).
- There is help with heating and gas (includes propane and firewood), mortgages and home loans, or electricity bills. Or low-income will get assistance with prescription expense, medical supplies, grocery store vouchers, and diapers.
- The County offices also provide limited case management, out-of-town bus tickets for medical appointments, and senior support services. Last, the government office may assist with motel vouchers for families as well.
- Get help with items such as rent, security deposits, mortgage, transitional housing, utilities gas bills, electric and water expenses.
- In addition, apply for grocery store vouchers for food or prescription vouchers. They also help with some free basic medical, health and dental needs, including insurance programs, medications and more. Learn more details on medical and dental insurance.
- 100 N. I-35 Suite 1000, Austin, Texas 78701. Phone (512) 854-4120
- 18649 FM 1431 Suite 6A, Jonestown, TX 78645. Number (512) 267-3245
- 3518 FM 973, Del Valle, TX 78617. Number (512) 247-4407
- 600 W. Carrie Manor St., Manor, Texas 78653, call (512) 272-5561
- 15822 Foothill Farms Loop, Pflugerville, Texas 78660, Phone number (512) 251-4168
- 2201 Post Rd., Austin, Texas 78704, (512)854-9130
- 8656 Hwy. 71, Austin, Texas 78735, dial (512)854-2130
Other state and federal benefits are provided as well to the low-income, single parents, people with zero income and others including cash aid, that are provided by the Family Health and Human Services Support Division. Disabled adults and seniors over the age of 60 often get priority. Read more on Travis County emergency assistance.
St. Mary, Our Lady Of The Lake Catholic Church - Provides financial assistance with rent, utilities (electricity, gas, water and propane), as well as free groceries or food vouchers. Or get help with fixing a car and gasoline. Holiday gifts may also be provided too. Location is 6100 Lohman Crossing Rd., Lago Vista, Texas 78645. Phone (512) 267-0091
Trinity Center Austin helps single mothers with housing. They also help expectant moms. Housing First and wrap around services are offered from St. David's Episcopal Church at 304 E 7th St, Austin, TX 78701. There are also emergency utility bill assistance programs. Call 512.326.2774, or look here for financial assistance for single mothers.
St. Elizabeth Catholic Church - Programs administered include emergency financial assistance with water bills, electric, gas, and prescription meds, including for the uninsured and Travis County people on Medicaid. Also may provide clothing and household goods vouchers. The church also operates a food pantry onsite providing non-perishable food, over-the-counter medicine, baby formula and hygiene products. Location is 1520 N. Railroad Ave., Pflugerville, Texas 78660. Call (888) 801-7837
Loaves and Fishes Outreach Ministry is a charity that works to help with basic needs in Travis County. Funds may be offered for paying utility bills, including water and electric. Or look into assistance for housing expenses, which may be rent, storage fees or security deposits.
- They may also have loan programs to pay for basic needs, transportation, and medical care too, including prescriptions or medical bill assistance. Educational programs from Loaves and Fishes includes GED testing and referrals to job training. Other assistance is available. Location is 209 W 27th St, Austin, TX 78705. Main phone 512-476-3589, or more on Travis County Loves and Fishes assistance programs.
Advocacy Outreach of Elgin Texas has limited funding for people facing homelessness. This can include financial aid for paying utilities (water, natural gas, and electric), rent, and security deposit for qualified low income clients.
- A free clothing and furniture closet has diapers, baby items, work clothing, beds, furniture, kitchenware, and living room furniture and more. They also offer programs in all of Texas, and may have fans for the summer heat and Christmas assistance too. Call 512-281-4180. Read resources from Advocacy Outreach.
St. John Neumann Catholic Church may have free food vouchers, including for kids or teen mothers. There is vouchers for RX prescriptions, rent help, utilities such as water and electricity. The Travis County church also provides vouchers for furniture, clothing, and basic household items. Phone 512-328-3220.
Travis County Catholic Charities also has a number of churches and other groups that participate in the services they offer. Thousands of low income and working poor families from the community receive some form of basic needs, referrals, and/or emergency assistance from the organization. This can include medical bill assistance, funds for energy costs, rent help, funeral expenses and much more. Read Austin Catholic Charities assistance.
Austin and countywide low income housing units are available. They range from emergency shelters, transitional housing programs, to government subsidized resources. Families and individuals can receive a place to stay as well as access to case management type services. This can include help in locating a permanent home, job training, counseling, and more. More on transitional housing in Travis County.
El Buen Samaritano has a number of immediate assistance programs, with all applications in Spanish too. The location is 7000 Woodhue Drive, Austin, TX 78745. Programs include a free food bank with pet food too. There is job placement, a free health clinic, funds to pay for housing, and applications to EBT, CEAP energy help and more. Call (512) 439 8900
Immanuel Lutheran Church - Very limited assistance (usually $50) to help pay rent, light bills ,or deposits. There is free food, baby formula and more for gas, electric, water bills too. Address is 500 Immanuel Rd., Pflugerville, Texas 78660, call (512)251-4168 or (512) 251-4494
Austin based Green Doors - The charity provides free food, grants for rental expenses to prevent evictions, and a clothing closet for the working poor and low income. They also can refer resident to rent subsidized housing in Travis County as well as ongoing supportive services. More on low income programs from Green Doors.
Round Rock region center - Local churches and other groups of volunteers work together to help the less fortunate. The organization may have vouchers for use at a clothing closet. Free groceries are offered in the Travis County region from a pantry. They also run the Treasures Charity Resale Shop, distribute computers to children, and offer referrals for financial aid. Continue with programs from Round Rock Serving Center.
St. Julia Catholic Church is a charity that provides free clothing and furniture/household item vouchers. Money may also be available, though very limited, for paying rent and energy bills. Other social services are offered too. The address is 3010 Lyons Rd, Austin, TX 78702. Telephone - 512-928-862 or (512) 926-4186.
Financial help and legal aid can stop homelessness. Charities, using HUD and state grants, help families living in poverty and the underemployed with housing needs. Everything from rent to utility or water bills can be paid along with placement into a new home.
AIDS Services of Austin, Inc. is only for people with HIV/AIDS and their immediate family members. A number of resources are available for the Travis County region, including housing assistance, food pantry with limited grocery delivery, education training and job services.
- There is also help for prescription medication payments, emergency rental and utility bill help and more. They also partner to provide legal and dental care with the Capital Area 56AIDS Legal Project and the Jack Sensing Dental Clinic. Address is 7215 Cameron Rd., Austin, Texas 78752, call 512-458-2437.
Christian Service Center - They operate a wide range of financial assistance programs. Rent, mortgage, or utility bills may be partially paid. Other expenses covered can be orthopedic shoes, medical bills, prescription glasses, prescriptions, and even birth certificates or Texas ID cards. The homebound or seniors can get help as well. A free food pantry is also at the main office of 1903 University Ave., Austin, Texas 78705, call 512-476-9584. Continue with Christian Service Center Austin assistance programs.
Career development, government training and help with finding a job finding. Goodwill Industries of Central Texas (phone 512.637.7100) runs the The Ready to Work Program. The service was created to assist individuals with finding a job, gain new skills and get free stuff for a job.
- It will help them deal with with barriers to employment with finding and retaining employment in Travis County and the Central Texas community. The program offers the development of job readiness skills, job placement, resume review, networking, and retention support. The address is 1015 Norwood Park Blvd, Austin, TX 78753. Or learn more on Goodwill job training for the unemployed.
Free legal aid programs are offered. There are a few places for low-income families, seniors and the working poor to try. There is also legal aid for immigrants and migrants. Get eviction prevention for tenants, help applying for benefit programs, information on work permits for immigrants and other free legal consultations.
- Volunteer Legal Services of Travis County has pro-bono attorneys at 8001 Centre Park Dr #120, Austin, TX 78754. Call (512) 476-5550
- Texas Legal Services Center is 1920 E Riverside Dr. Austin, TX 78741. Call (512) 477-6000
- Texas Legal statewide hotline is at (512) 327-1372
Free stuff in Austin and Travis County from charities
Free stuff and basic needs, including free furniture and clothing - If you need items or household goods, such as clothing for work or school, furniture, or other items then stop by local churches or charities. Many operate free clothing or furniture banks, or they have low cost thrift stores. Several locations in Austin provide free or low cost goods to the needy. Locate free clothing closets, furniture and school items in Austin and Travis County.
Free back to school supply giveaways take place each year across Travis County. Students can get clothes, haircuts, backpacks, gift cards uniforms and other items. Charities or organizations give away all types of free school supplies (or even gift cards). Charities and even the school ISD may pas out items. Learn more, and find free school supplies in Austin.
- Students, and adults, can get free Apple iPads, Samsung tablet devices and other devices for studying. This will be for low-income families, including those on benefit programs. Find details on free tablets from Apple.
Free Thanksgiving and Christmas assistance - Churches, charities, and programs such as Blue and Brown Santa provide free toys, meals, or food to qualified families. Be sure to apply early, as resources are limited. Other holiday support is available for seniors, the homeless in Austin or the homebound. More on Travis County Christmas assistance.
Free food pantries in Travis County and Austin Texas
Abiding Love Lutheran Church (call (512) 892-4040) provides a food pantry with up to 3 days of groceries. There is fresh food, meals, coupons or rebate cards and formula too from 7210 Brush Country Rd, Austin, TX 78749. Coupon clipping classes are held too, and locate places to get coupons for groceries.
Bethany Faith Food Pantry, which is based in Austin, provides qualified residents with a food pantry. The pantry also offers hygiene products, perishables, baby food, formula, and diapers, when available. Dial (512) 926-4146.
Capital Area Food Bank runs a program known as fresh food for families. Phone (512) 836-3282. They offer food, SNAP applications, cash aid, Meals for the elderly or immigrants and more. Continue with Capital Area Food Bank assistance programs.
Other churches in the Austin Texas area that provide emergency food, household products, or other assistance include River Road Baptist Church ((512) 276-3824), North Austin Christian Church ((512) 836-3282), and Hope Lutheran Church (phone (512) 926-8574).
Westover Hills Church Of Christ operates a free food pantry only on Monday thru Thursday from 8-5. Groceries and other items (such as household supplies) may be offered based on what was donated. The church is at 8332 Mesa Dr., Austin, Texas 78759, phone (512) 345-6386
Many other food programs and pantries operate in the county. Volunteers and social workers offer free groceries, Christmas or Thanksgiving meals. There may also be personal hygiene items and applications to food stamps. Find information on about 50 additional free Austin and Travis County food pantries.
Help for veterans and military families in Travis County
Texas VFW Foundation, Inc. - Qualifying veterans, spouses, children, dependent parents and surviving spouses may get emergency basic needs assistance. Funds can pay for electric bills, rent, mortgages, or home repairs.
- The foundation help with child expenses including clothing, diapers, formula, school supplies, or daycare.
- Grants can pay for car and vehicle expenses such as car payments, insurance, or repairs. Or get applications to free veteran car programs.
- Medical and health care expenses including prescriptions, bills or eyeglasses. Food and clothing may also be provided.
- There are programs that help veterans save money too, such as the online Shopmyexchange portal.
Other support is offered too. The address is 8503 N. I-35, Austin, Texas 78753, call (800)997-7096
Texas National Guard Family Support Foundation - Offers financial assistance for National Guard members and their immediate families. Get help with bills and basic living needs such as rent, food, or money for mortgage payments. There is also help with utilities, car expense, auto loans, medical needs, and/or transportation for medical emergencies. The location is 3706 Crawford Ave., Austin, Texas 78731. Phone (512) 782-6953. Or find details on Basic Needs Allowance for service members.
HUD VASH is a low income and rental subsidy for veterans. It is run by the Central Texas Veterans Health Care System. It operates very similar to the section 8 housing choice voucher program and it also offers veterans case management services. Main phone - 512-823-4000
Free or low cost medical and dental care
Manos de Cristo Dental Clinic helps low income, unemployed, and those patients with limited resources. The organization provides low cost (or free) high quality dental care to individuals and families, including adults on Medicaid or the uninsured. The dental clinic aims to restore the oral health of low income and other individuals who are at risk of or who are currently suffering from poor oral hygiene and dental crisis’s. Free dentists and staff help from 4911 Harmon Ave, Austin, TX 78751. Phone: (512) 477-2319
A facility that focuses on children is Any Baby Can Child and Family Resource Center. The clinic ensures that that at risk children from low income and other families (including single parents) with limited financial resources optimize their physical health. There is free or income based high quality, low cost primary care, including specialist services, general check ups, vaccinations, physicals, mental health services. Call the clinic at (512) 454-3743 to learn more or make an appointment.
Volunteer Healthcare Clinic (VHC) has hundreds of volunteers that provide free medical care to Austin families who would otherwise go without attention to health care services, including homeless people. There are also rides, including for dialysis patients. Call 512-459-6002, or the address is 4215 Medical Pkwy, Austin, TX 78756. Or look here for cheap or free dialysis transport near you.
There are other free health centers for the low-income, uninsured and others. Those are only a sampling of the low cost health centers in the area. Locate more Travis County medical clinics.
Debt relief and mortgage help in Travis County
The non-profit Austin American Consumer Credit Counseling helps people in debt, homeowners with a mortgage, and addresses financial literacy. They offer numerous forms of financial advice to Austin area families. Call them at (512) 447-0711. Gain access to debt and mortgage counseling, foreclosure prevention, and other forms of free advice. The address is 13785 Research Blvd, Austin, TX 78750 or call (800) 769-3571. Or find free debt settlement.
Travis County homeowners have several other non-profit organizations that they can contact for information on mortgage and foreclosure programs. Many of the agencies have staff that can work directly with the homeowner and their lender to find a solution. Locate more foreclosure assistance programs in Austin and the surrounding area.
More programs to try in Travis County
Most of the resources above are focused on both the city of Austin as well as the entire Travis County area. There are a number of financial assistance programs, agencies, and services that are specific to Austin, with the United Way offering free referrals. Or call (512) 472-6267.
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