Family and Community Resources
Resources by Geographic Area:
State & National Resource List (PDF)
Amarillo and Vicinity (PDF)
Austin and Vicinity (PDF)
Corpus Christi and Vicinity (PDF)
Dallas/Ft. Worth and Vicinity (PDF)
El Paso and Vicinity (PDF)
Houston and Vicinity (PDF)
NICU State & National Resources (PDF)
Rio Grande Valley and Vicinity (PDF)
San Antonio and Vicinity (PDF)
Tyler & Vicinity (PDF)
Waco, Temple & Vicinity (PDF)
Food Resources
Other
Texas Meal Finder - find meals provided for free during summer and COVID-19 crisis
SNAP Food assistance: https://yourtexasbenefits.hhsc.texas.gov/programs/snap
Feeding Texas is a statewide, nonprofit leading a unified effort for a hunger-free Texas.
Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC) is a health and nutrition program that help improve the diets of infants and children as well as pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding women.
Emergency Food Assistance Program Distributing a porting of the nation’s agriculture to low-income people and households.
Housing Assistance
Austin, TX
Housing Authority of Travis County
The Housing Authority of Travis County (HATC) will open its multifamily housing waitlist on Monday, March 23, at 8 a.m. and close on Friday, March 27, at 5 p.m. You can complete the application process online. The housing agency is not providing in-person computer assistance during the open application period. You must have a current email address or phone number to complete the preliminary application and apply for the waitlist. You must also provide the full names, social security numbers, birth dates, and income information for all household members.
Housing Authority of the City of Austin
HACA general inquiries can call 512-477-4488. Applicants can apply for the Housing Choice Voucher program, Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA), Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC)and Public Housing properties by completing one application. Pre-applications are required and can be submitted here.
Foundation Communities Provides low income apartments.
Dallas, TX
Dallas Housing Authority (DHA) Housing Solutions of North Texas
Currently Accepting Applications for its Housing Choice Voucher Program, the Walker Settlement Housing Voucher Program and the Mainstream Housing Voucher program.
You can complete the application process online. The housing agency is not providing in-person computer assistance during the open application period. You must have a current email address or phone number to complete the preliminary application and apply for the waitlist. You must also provide the full names, social security numbers, birth dates, and income information for all household members.
Houston, TX
Currently Accepting Applications for Housing Choice Voucher Program
You can complete the application process online. The housing agency is not providing in-person computer assistance during the open application period. You must have a current email address or phone number to complete the preliminary application and apply for the waitlist. You must also provide the full names, social security numbers, birth dates, and income information for all household members.
San Antonio, TX
Currently Accepting Applications. However, the Housing Choice Voucher Program is currently closed and is anticipated to open Summer 2020.
You can complete the application process online. The housing agency is not providing in-person computer assistance during the open application period. You must have a current email address or phone number to complete the preliminary application and apply for the waitlist. You must also provide the full names, social security numbers, birth dates, and income information for all household members.
Immediate Housing Needs
Austin, TX
Austin Public Health Homeless Assistance
Ending Community Homelessness Coalition (ECHO) shelter guide.
Austin Resource Center for the Homeless (ARCH)
Travis County Transitional Housing and Shelters
San Antonio, TX
The South Alamo Regional Alliance for the Homeless provides a Homeless Resource Guide.
Houston, TX
The Coalition for the Homeless provides a Homeless Resource Guide. Click here to view the shelter help card.
Dallas, TX
Family Gateway Provides emergency shelter, supportive housing, case management services.
National Supports
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If you’re buying a home, Homeownership Vouchers can help pay mortgage and homeownership expenses.
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The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development program offers loans and grants for homeowners in rural areas for removing health hazards and making home modifications to accommodate a household member with a physical disability.
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People with disabilities are eligible for all public housing programs, rental assistance or subsidized housing, and Housing Choice (Section 8) voucher programs. Learn about eligibility, how to apply, and more for each of these programs.
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You may also be eligible for a Non-Elderly Disabled (NED) Voucher, which helps people who are not seniors and have a disability get housing in a development traditionally set aside for seniors.
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Certain Developments Vouchers can help non-elderly families that include a person with a disability find affordable rentals in housing developments limited to elderly residents.
Financial Assistance Programs
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
Texas Assistance and Financial Aid Programs
Austin, TX
Travis County Family Support Service general information on resources provided can be viewed by clicking here.
Austin Utility provides utility bill discounts to eligible customers. Austin Utility also has a Financial Support plus 1 program that provides Emergency Financial Aid to customers in need.
Catholic Charities provides financial assistance through their Financial Stability program.
Travis County Assistance Programs a list of additional resources can be found here.
Dallas, TX
Dallas County Assistance Programs
Evictions
A standing order with the Travis County Justices of the Peace says there will be no eviction settings until after April 1.
Austin, TX
The city has eviction resources to help those who need legal assistance, emergency grants for rent or utilities, alternate housing, short-term motel vouchers or need to go to a local shelter.
Unemployment Benefits
Texas Workforce Commission
The Texas Unemployment program pays benefits to those individuals who lost their jobs through no fault of their own. TWC determines benefit eligibility based on past wages, why someone lost their job, and ongoing eligibility requirements. People can apply for unemployment benefits through the Texas Workforce Commission, which also has a guide for those undergoing the process for the first time.
Information regarding Filing for unemployment benefits
At present, the U.S. government and Texas legislature have not changed any laws or rules concerning unemployment benefits during the pandemic. However, Department of Labor guidance provides that federal law permits significant flexibility for states to provide Unemployment Insurance (UI) services related to COVID-19. Based on this, TWC will be waiving work search requirements for all claimants and the waiting week for those claimants affected by COVID-19. Also, Extended Benefits (EB) and Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) are NOT available at this time.
Healthcare Services
Austin, TX
Those without insurance who are experiencing coronavirus symptoms can call CommUnityCare at 512-978-9015. It asks people to call first before heading to a clinic to prevent any potential spread of the virus.
Vaccine Clinic Finder - https://www.vaccines.gov/getting/where
Find a low cost health center - https://bphc.hrsa.gov/about/index.html
Health Insurance
Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
Health Insurance Premium Payment (HIPP)
Vision
InfantSEE This program provides a no-cost first eye assessment for infants within the child’s first year of life, regardless of family income or insurance coverage.
Sights for Students Provides free exams and free glasses to low-income, uninsured children.
AOA foundation provides a list of National Vision Resources that can be found here.
Zenni Affordable eyeglasses.
GlassesUSA Affordable eyeglasses.
If you receive Medicaid or CHIP you may qualify for vision assistance under these programs.
Discount Internet Service
COVID-19 AT&T
COVID-19 Spectrum
COVID-19 Comcast
ACCESS from AT&T
Spectrum Internet Assist Program
Double Click Computer Program Provides refurbished computers to people with disabilities at a low cost.
Financial Aid for Children with Disabilities
Navigate Life Texas - https://www.navigatelifetexas.org/en/insurance-financial-help/financial-help-for-children-with-disabilities
Financial Help for Special Needs - https://www.debt.org/advice/financial-help-special-needs/
Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund
UnitedHealthcare Children's Foundation
Administration of Children & Families: ACF Funding Opportunities
Social Security: Understanding Supplemental Security Income For Children
Dental
Smiles Change Lives Provides affordable braces.
Legal Aid
Referral Directory for Low-Income Texans
Texas Lawyers for Texas Veterans
Volunteer Legal Services Central Texas
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Resources
Texas Health and Human Services
Travis County Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Harris Communications Harrison Communications offers a wide selection of assistive products for Deaf & Hard of Hearing.
Video Phone Providers
Interpreting Services
Communication by Hand (CBH) 512-467-1917
3 Bridges Sign Language Services 512-401-3957
2 Hands 4 U 512-994-8470
Communication Axess Ability Group (CAAG) 512-813-6485 ext.1
San Marcos Interpreting (512) 754-8047
Last Resort Communication Services
Holiday Assistance
Blue Santa
Brown Santa
Social Security Benefits
Information on how to Apply for Social Security
SSI Online Application If you are not able to apply online you can also schedule an appointment with your local Social Security office to file an application. Call 1-800-772-1213 or your local Social Security office to schedule an appointment.
Waiver of Overpayment Recovery click here for the form.
Request for Change in Overpayment Recovery Rate
Domestic Violence
Guardianship
A Texas Guild to Adult Guardianship
Texas Health and Human Services-Guardianship
Miscellaneous Resources
Vaccine Information by County:
Recovery
Hill Country Intergroup Association – Deaf Access Committee helps make AA in the Austin Metro Area accessible to Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing alcoholics.
Metro K-12 Students ride free with valid ID. Reduced Fare Cards are available for riders with Disabilities.
Pet Food Bank of Austin and Travis County Food and supplies for Pets in need.
Spay Austin Coalition Provides discounted spay/neuter services for pets.
Advocacy Outreach A resource list for Bastrop County
OutYouth Provides programs and services that promote the educational, mental, emotional, physical and social development of LGBTQ+ (lesbian/gay/bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning) youth and their allies.
PAHrtners Residential Treatment Facility for adolescents who are Deaf and Hard of hearing. Located in Philadelphia but provide services to individuals across the country.
Additional Resources: