Need help? Dial 2-1-1.
It is the number to call when you don't know who to call.
Call the United Way 211 helpline to speak to a live person who can help you find the resources you need. The United Way maintains a comprehensive list of service organizations and programs across the County. This helpline is available in multiple languages, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Partner Agencies
Finding Assistance in Harris County
Click below to find a few of the resources available within Harris County to meet your needs.
HCHA offers an online database for those searching for affordable housing assistance. You may also utilize our housing navigator service by contacting the housing call center at 877-428-8844. Spanish language assistance is also available through the call center. Harris County offers recorded information for housing and emergency assistance in English and Spanish at (713) 578-2055. The Harris County HRC website also links to housing assistance and resources throughout the county.
The Homeless Help Card provides a listing of homeless service providers in Harris County. Those in need of immediate assistance can find shelter and emergency medical services at the locations listed on the help card. Housing assessments are also performed at The Beacon on Thursdays. These assessments can connect you to rapid rehousing, permanent supportive housing, and other long-term housing solutions. The Beacon also provides hot meals, private shower and lavatory facilities, laundry services and case management services to Houston’s homeless population.
Harris County offers downpayment assistance programs to qualifying home buyers. Those living within Houston city limits may also qualify for the city’s downpayment assistance program. For help increasing your income or improving your financial stability, contact the United Way THRIVE program.
The Harris County Housing Resource Center has complied a list of emergency assistance providers along with contact information. Many of these providers offer rent or utility payment assistance. The Texas Lite-Up Program helps low-income individuals reduce the monthly cost of electric service during the summer. Assistance is also available to help pay for basic telephone services. The Gulf Coast Community Services Association also offers rent and utility payment assistance to qualified households.
Seniors, disabled persons and low income families looking for home repairs assistance can find additional resources by dialing the United Way helpline at 2-1-1.
Seniors, disabled persons and low income families looking for moving assistance can find additional resources by dialing the United Way helpline at 2-1-1.
The Harris County Housing Resource Center has complied a list of emergency assistance providers along with contact information. Many of these providers offer rent or utility payment assistance. The Texas Lite-Up Program helps low-income individuals reduce the monthly cost of electric service during the summer. Assistance is also available to help pay for basic telephone services. Money Management International is a non-profit that offers a debt management program and can help individuals set up a repayment schedule for creditors, including credit card companies, medical bills, etc.
For help increasing your income or developing a stronger financial record, contact the United Way THRIVE program.
Family Services of Greater Houston provide car loans and other assistance to families who are unable to receive a car loan from a bank or credit union due to imperfect or no credit history.
Neighborhood Tax Centers provide quality, free tax preparation by volunteers who are tested and certified by the IRS. Families earning up to $70,000 and single individuals with no children earning up to $50,000 are eligible to participate in this program.
The United Way THRIVE program helps people increase their income, build savings and acquire assets by providing a comprehensive approach to financial health including help with employment, benefits, budgeting, and financial services.
Workforce Solutions offers several locations throughout Harris County and provides employment placement, career counseling, job training and financial aid services. Workforce Solutions partners with Texas Workforce Commission, which provides a free, comprehensive listing of employment opportunities as part of its Work in Texas campaign.
The United Way offers a variety of job-training, ESL, and skill development services. To access these resources, dial the United Way helpline at 2-1-1.
The University of Houston Downtown and Clearlake have partnered with the Grad TX program to offer special programs to adult students interested in completing their bachelor’s degree. These schools have counselors who specialize in meeting the unique needs of returning students and can offer tailored guidance and can even determine how your work experience could count toward a bachelor’s degree.The Gulf Coast Community Services Association partners with HCC to offer the Ascension to Skills Scholarship Program, which gives qualifying candidates interested in pursuing continuing education certifications full scholarships including the cost of: tuition, books, uniforms and other school fees.
The Houston Center for Literacy offers several free courses, including: ABE and GED preparation, ESL, Financial Literacy, Workplace Literacy, Distance Education courses. The Harris County Department of Education offers free Adult Basic Literacy, math skills, GED, and ESL courses at over 65 sites.
Individuals or families that have been physically, emotionally, or sexually abused by a partner, former partner, family member, or a person living in their home can call the 24-hour crisis hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (1-800-799-SAFE). This hotline can guide victims to services including: relocation to a safe place or home anytime; emergency medical care; legal assistance; information about how their children can continue taking school classes; job training and employment assistance; and help getting other services they might need. The Houston Area Women’s Center also provides services and shelter for victims of rape, sexual assault, and domestic violence.
The Houston Food Bank maintains a comprehensive list of food pantries within Harris County and also offers help applying for SNAP benefits and an emergency food pantry. To search for a pantry in your area, call the Houston Food Bank helpline at 832-369-9390 or click here to search based on your address.
The Gulf Coast Community Services Association also offers an emergency food pantry just down the road from HCHA. Qualified households can obtain 3-5 days of food supplies once a month payment from this pantry. You can also find food resources in your community by calling the National Hunger Hotline at 1-866-3-Hungry or 1-877-8-Hambre (in Spanish), or visiting the National Hunger Hotline resource directory at www.whyhunger.org/findfood.
Parents who work, attend school or participate in job training may be eligible for financial assistance with child care through Workforce Solutions. Workforce Solutions coordinates childcare assistance for the Texas Workforce Commission for children under the age of 13. For private or non-profit child care assistance resources, contact the United Way helpline at 2-1-1.
Harris County Transit Services provides residents outside of the Metro service area with transportation alternatives including transportation to medical appointments and subsidized transportation options to those outside of the METROLift service area. The Gulf Coast Community Services Association also provides Metro Q Cards to low-income individuals seeking employment and/or attending educational program. The United Way can also help families find resources to meet their transportation needs. To access these resources, dial the United Way helpline at 2-1-1.
Sheltering Arms offers home care assistance for seniors with fees based on a sliding scale. Seniors can also access a comprehensive database of care, nursing and live-in aide options by going to www.newlifestyles.com. The United Way helpline can also help connect families in need of medical care to resources available in the community. To access the helpline, dial 2-1-1.
The Gulf Coast Community Services Association provides prescription gift cards for qualifying residents of Harris County. Counseling, substance abuse assistance, and case management services are offered by Family Services of Greater Houston. Families can see if they qualify for Medicaid or other programs at www.yourtexasbenefits.com. Veterans may qualify for healthcare coverage through the VA Health Benefits program. The United Way helpline can also help connect families in need of medical care to resources available in the community. To access the helpline, dial 2-1-1.