Ultimate Guide To Houston Community Resources
Below you will find listings of various Houston community resources with brief descriptions of how the guide might help you. For more information about these resources, you can simply click the title.
Editor’s note: You can share these resources with clients or coworkers via email by copying and pasting the text. When you paste the link it will be clickable for them to follow. See video above for a tutorial.
Helpful Numbers
You will find telephone numbers to helpful community resources and government agencies in this section.
| Agency | Services | Phone Numbers |
| Harris Health System | Harris Health offers medical care to uninsured, undocumented, and indigent individuals in Harris County. They provide health care services via clinics, same-day clinics, dialysis for the uninsured, and hospitals like Ben Taub. |
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| Memorial Herman Nurse Healthline | You can call this free telephone number to speak to a nurse. This number is available 24 hours a day. If you or a client are on the fence about visiting the hospital, this number can help you to make the right decision. |
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| Harris Center (formerly MHMRA Harris) | This is the mental health authority in Houston, Texas. Harris Center offers mental health treatment and help with developmental delays to low-income, uninsured, homeless, and insured individuals. Treatments include outpatient treatment, psychiatric hospitals, mobile crisis outreach teams, and more.
In addition to treating mental health disorders, Harris Center also treats adults and children with developmental delays, autism, Asperger’s, mental retardation (now referred to as IDD), and more. You can also contact Harris Center to get your child on a Medicaid waiver list. |
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| United Way 211 Helpline | The United Way 211 helpline is a telephone number that you can call to learn about community resources in the Houston area.
The United Way also offers an online tool called Resource Finder that can help you find various services in your area. |
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| Houston Food Bank | The Houston Food Bank is a great resource for those in need of food assistance. They offer a helpline to assist you in locating food banks near you. They offer emergency grocery boxes for seniors in Houston. If you need help applying for food stamps in Houston, the Houston Food Bank can help. | Food Assistance Line – 832.369.9390
General Inquiries – 713.223.3700 |
| Texas Health and Human Services | This state human services agency manages the SNAP (food stamp), Medicaid, CHIP Program, and more. You can call them or visit the Your Texas Benefits website to apply for benefits. | Main Number – 877.541.7905
Lonestar Helpline – 800.777.7393 Texas Medicaid Number – 800.252.8263
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| Houston Non-Emergency Number | The Houston non-emergency number can be used to report water leaks, complain on neighbors, or file police reports. |
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Houston Healthcare Options
These Houston healthcare options are available to you if you are uninsured and need medical care. Below you will find resources related to Medicaid, CHIP, homeless healthcare services, and medical care for undocumented immigrants in Houston.
| How To Apply For Medicare In Houston | There are 3 ways to apply for Medicare in Houston; online, by phone, a Social Security office. This guide will provide you with instructions on each. |
| Medicaid Offices In Houston | Find Medicaid offices in Houston to help you apply for Medicaid health insurance. |
| Download Your Medicaid Application | Instantly download your Medicaid application, see a list of additional documents that need to be submitted, and find Medicaid offices to help you apply. |
- How To Apply For The Gold Card – Find step-by-step instructions on applying for Harris Health’s Gold Card.
- Download Your Gold Card Application – If you simply need a Gold Card application you can find a download here.
- Where To Apply For CHIP Health Insurance – CHIP is similar to Medicaid however, when families have someone working in the household they usually get bumped up to this program. Again similar coverage, but the main difference is a minimal annual enrollment fee with CHIP.
Low-Cost Medical Care In Houston
In this section, you will find Houston community resources related to low-cost health insurance. Regardless of your income or lack of insurance, you will find providers to treat you with these guides.
- Harris Health Gold Card Clinics – Harris Health is the indigent healthcare system in Houston. If you are uninsured or low-income these clinics offer great medical treatment options. To receive care via Harris Health you will need to apply for the “Gold Card”.
- Harris Health Same Day Clinics– These are walk-in clinics available to anyone with a Gold Card. These clinics treat minor injuries and illnesses. The same-day clinics provide a good alternative to visiting the ER for minor medical issues.
- 14 Low-Cost Medical Clinics In Houston – In this guide, you will find 14 federally qualified health centers in Houston. You do not need health insurance at these clinics.
- Low-Cost Dentist In Houston – Here you will find a listing of dentist offices that treat the insured and uninsured.
- 20+ Places To Find Prescription Assistance In Houston – If you need help paying for medications this article will show you 20 ways to find prescription assistance whether you are in here in Houston or elsewhere.
- How To Save Money On Medications With Prescriptions Assistance Programs – There are government agencies, pharmaceutical companies, and non-profits that offer help paying for prescription medications. In this guide, you will find a listing of those PAPs and instructions on how to apply for help.
Houston Mental Health Treatment
Locate low-cost clinics that provide both counseling and psychiatry.
- Low-Cost Counseling In Houston – Find a listing of clinics as well as maps of low-cost counseling clinics to help you with things like depression, anxiety, bipolar, and other mental health disorders.
- Low-Cost Psychiatric Clinics In Houston – Here you will find low-cost psychiatric services to help you with medications and more.
- Mental Health Help For Veterans In Houston – Inside this guide are listings of clinics that provide mental health help and programs to veterans.
- Psychiatric Hospitals In Houston– This guide will direct you to psychiatric hospitals for anyone who may be having a mental health crisis like suicidal thoughts, delusions, or hallucinations.
- How To Handle A Psychiatric Emergency In Houston– This guide will walk you through things you can do if someone you know is having a psychiatric emergency and who you can call for help.
Houston Community Resources For Housing
Below you will find multiple options for Houston housing.
- How To Apply For Section 8– This article will provide you with a basic understanding of how Section 8 or the Housing Choice Voucher program works. This program offers vouchers that you can then use with landlords who accept the voucher.
- How To Apply For Houston Public Housing – Similar to Section 8 this is another program offered by local housing authorities. Those who qualify for this program receive discounted housing in complexes like Cuney Homes, Clayton Court, etc.
- Other Housing Authorities To Consider – Due to the number of people on the Houston housing waitlist you are encouraged to consider alternatives. This guide will provide you with a number of housing authorities outside of Houston to consider if you need housing.
- How To Apply For New Hope Housing – If you are a single adult this could be a housing option. This program typically offers a shorter waitlist than those with the Houston or Harris County Housing Authorities.
- Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Apartments In Houston – LIHTC Apartments are similar to housing programs in the fact that you received reduced monthly rent although how you apply is different. Learn how to apply, where these apartments are located in Houston, and more in this guide.
- Houston Rooming Houses – These are good alternatives to shelters for anyone who has a steady income, but maybe not enough for an apartment.
- Houston Homeless Shelters – This is a list of Houston homeless shelters in the area. You will find shelters for men, women, families, teens, and seniors. You can also find agencies that provide supportive services for individuals who are homeless.
- Houston Housing Options For Felons – You will find 11 housing options to consider if you have a criminal record.
- 12 Ways Star of Hope Can Help You Become Self-Sufficient In 18 Months – Star of Hope Houston offers shelter and many more supportive programs. This post explains how their programs can help you toward a life of self-sufficiency.
Houston Community Resources For Food Assistance
Find Houston community resources for food pantries, WIC, senior meals, and a free baby formula below.
- How To Apply For SNAP (food stamps) In Houston – You’ll find step-by-step instructions on applying for SNAP benefits in Houston in this guide.
- 4 Steps To Increase Your Monthly Food Stamp Benefits – The most important factor in increasing your monthly food stamp amount is learning the “Food Stamp Algorithm”. I will discuss this algorithm in this guide.
- How To Apply For WIC – This guide will help you apply for WIC by providing you with a general understanding of the benefit and addresses of clinics near you.
- How Congregate Meals In Houston Works– Congregate Meals is a senior meal program where clients visit Houston area community centers to eat. This program will help you to apply for this program.
- How To Apply For Meals On Wheels In Houston – This guide provides you with local providers to call to help you sign up for the Meals on Wheels program.
- Houston Food Pantries – You will find listings and maps of Houston food pantries to offer you nutrition assistance.
- 4 Ways To Find Free Baby Formula In Houston – This guide provides 4 ways to find free baby formula in Houston.
- 21 Options For Food Help During The Coronavirus Outbreak In Houston – Find free food options to help you during the Coronavirus outbreak in Houston. Meals for students, food banks, free grocery deliveries, and more.
- 9 Houston Food Delivery Options If You Are Quarantined With COVID-19 – These 9 Houston food delivery options can help you if you are stuck in the house due to a COVID 19 quarantine. You’ll find both free and paid options.
Transportation Options In Houston
Use these community resources to help you navigate the city on the cheap.
- Ultimate Guide To Cheap Medical Transporation – This guide was created to help seniors, those with a disability, and essentially anyone who needs help getting to and from medical appointments.
- How To Upgrade Your Medicaid Transporation– If you have Medicaid Transporation and lack the mobility to get to and from a bus stop, this guide will help you upgrade to cab rides.
- How To Apply For Houston Metrolift – This guide breaks down the Metrolift application process in 5 steps.
Houston Employment Assistance
This section will provide you with assistance on finding employment in Houston.
- Ultimate Guide To Staffing Agencies In Houston– This is probably the most comprehensive list of staffing agencies in Houston that you’ll find. Staffing agencies in this guide are separated by industry. You will find admin jobs, oil and gas, IT, customer service, and more.
- 21 Staffing Agencies To Help You Get A Job In The Houston Chemical Plants– Use this guide to help you finally land that high paying “operator” job you’ve always wanted.
- How Houston Workforce Solutions Works – Use this guide to find Houston area Workforce Solutions offices to help you build a resume, search for jobs, attend daily job fairs, and get help with childcare.
Houston Childcare Options
Use the guides below to help you with childcare in Houston while you work or go to school.
- 17 Cheap Childcare Options In Houston – If you are looking for low-cost daycare options in Houston, check out this guide. I listed lots of options for you to consider if you work or attend school and need affordable childcare options in Houston.
- Head Start Programs In Houston – This guide will help you find head start programs in Houston. Head start is a form of childcare for kids 5 months to 5 years old.
- How To Apply For Childcare Via Workforce Solutions – If you work or attend school you could qualify for childcare assistance through Workforce Solutions.
- How To Apply For a Houston Charter School In Less Than 10 Minutes– This guide will show you how to easily apply for multiple Houston charter schools in a matter of minutes.
Houston Community Resources For Seniors
In this section, you’ll find a number of Houston community resources to help senior citizens in the area.
- How To Get A Home Caregiver– Whether you’ve never had a caregiver (helps with cleaning and bathing) or you have one but need more hours, this guide will walk you step by step through the process of accomplishing both tasks.
- Houston Home Health Care Providers Organized By Insurance Accepted – If you need a home health care provider (helps with medical tasks at home) this guide will provide you with a listing of agencies in Houston and the specific insurance they accept.
- Free Medical Equipment In Houston – This guide will help you find agencies to potentially provide free medical equipment like shower chairs, walkers, or wheelchairs.
- Turning Point Center – Turning Point is a Spring Branch shelter for individuals 50 and older.
Houston Community Resources For Moms…And Dads
Below is a collection of Houston community resources to help parents with formula, diapers, and more.
- Programs To Help Single Mothers In Houston – This article will provide you with supportive services you can apply for if you are a single mother or father in Houston.
- 4 Ways To Find Free Baby Formula In Houston – This guide will provide you with agencies in Houston to potentially provide you with free formula.
- Free Diaper Banks In Houston – Here you’ll find non-profits the help you with free diapers.
- How To Apply For WIC – Use this guide to obtain formula and WIC vouchers for food to feed you and your baby.
Houston Rent + Utility Assistance
If you are having trouble paying the bills, these guides can help potentially find assistance with rent and utilities.
- 8 Houston Utility Assistance Programs To Help You Pay Your Light Bill – Find 8 Houston utility assistance programs to help you pay your light bills. Use things like deferments, extensions, and even local nonprofits money to help pay your light bill.
- Where To Apply For Rent + Utility Assistance In Houston – Use the Rent + Utility Finder tool to locate nonprofits in your zip code to help you pay your bills.
- How To Find Utility Assistance In Baytown – Here are handpicked options for utility assistance in Baytown if you need help paying bills. In addition, agencies to help you with Baytown rent assistance.
Conclusion
This guide was created to primarily help Houston case managers, but teachers, church members, or regular citizens can use it also. If there are Houston community resources that you need that are not listed let us know in the comments.
Nick Bryant is the author of Understanding Healthcare Is Half The Battle and a Senior Counselor with 13+ years of experience working in community health and mental health. He enjoys spending time with his family, watching WWE on Friday nights, and working toward a Google Data Analytics certification. If you have additional questions about community resources or government assistance programs, simply leave a comment below and he will follow up as soon as possible.
Hello, my name is Aisha Chapa and I work for Spread the Vote. The reason I am reaching out to you is to possibly discuss a partnership in Houston. There is a huge need for ID recovery and ID assistance as you maybe already be experiencing these requests. Our ability to help afford the ID cost and birth certificate cost can help when there is a partner in the City of Houston to work with. If you can reach back out to me to discuss more about Spread the Vote and potentially working together, it would greatly be appreciated.
Thank you
Sounds good Aisha! I will contact you this week
Hello,
I am a Volunteer here at NAMI Greater Houston (National Alliance on Mental Illness) in our S.E.A. (Support-Education-Advocacy) Center. We are contacting you today in order to stay up to date with community resource listings. We also wanted to let you know that we continue to be a free resource in the Greater Houston Area for those with a mental health diagnosis and their families and loved ones.
Our Warm Line (713-970-4483) Monday – Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm offers supportive trained Peer Volunteers waiting to listen and to assist. We also can share our large and up to date Community Resource Database.
You can also request assistance from our web page: https://www.namigreaterhouston.org/s-e-a/
NAMI Greater Houston continues to offer free ongoing Mental Health Support Groups for Peers along with Family and Loved Ones: https://www.namigreaterhouston.org/support-groups/ and Mental Health Education Classes: https://www.namigreaterhouston.org/classes/.
Please let us know how we might be of any assistance in these very challenging times!
Be Safe & Well,
NAMI Greater Houston
SEA Center
seacenter@namigreaterhouston.org
713-970-4483
Let’s connect! At United Way of Greater Houston, the 211 Texas Helpline is here to ensure that all resources are vetted, linked, and added to our resource database. Please connect with one of our team members by calling 713-957-HELP
Hi Remy, thanks for reaching out I look forward to speaking to you soon!
I was wondering if there was a main line that someone could call and connect with someone who could find out about all of the different rooming homes instead of just calling each one individually. I didn’t know if that option was available.
Hi Patrick, try the website Houston Rooming Houses. They are a private business that owns about 10 different rooming houses in north and east Houston. The number listed on their contact page is 832.883.0558, so maybe they can let you know about availability.
im a senior citizen who need help with my beneft renewal for food stamps but are unable some one to help
I would definitely call the Texas food stamp program (877.541.7905), especially if your benefits are about to expire. Speak to someone and let them know you need more time.
Agencies in Houston that may be able to help you complete a food stamp application include:
* Lone Star Legal Aid – 800.733.8394
* Houston Food Bank – 832.369.9390
If they cannot help, you should know that they have created a “simplified” Texas food stamp application for seniors. It was created because of the problems the previous food stamp application caused for seniors.
You can download the senior citizen Texas food stamp application here.
good morning. i am searching for beds for a client. Please assist.
Hi Jennifer, below is a link to nonprofits that offer free furniture in Houston.
https://houstoncasemanagers.com/free-furniture-houston/
Houston Children’s Charity offers free beds for children through a program called the Better Nights Sleep Program. If you are looking for a bed for an adult the Houston Furniture Bank or Nextdoor App might be good places to search for a free bed.
Hi there… I am a case manager to Texas Dept of Criminal Justice. I need assistance on where I can send my clients to get a voucher or a “free” copy of their birth certificate. I can give them the application for the original however, it cost money and that majority of my clients don’t have. All of my clients also have been diagnosed with mental health. Thanks a bunch!
Hi Debra! In Houston Operation ID offers help obtaining a birth certificate, but you need to get a referral from another agency to pay for it. Contact Operation ID for your clients in Houston. Regarding other cities in Texas I would consider contacting homeless shelters in Dallas, Austin, etc to ask where homeless individuals get assistance with free birth certificates in Texas. Let me know your specific city and I will try to find who helps there.
Hello! This is truly such an incredible site. Thank you so much for doing this! Houston is so lucky to have you!
I was unable to find any info regarding assistance with applying (and more importantly being approved) for SSI. I have a sibling who has been unsuccessful and his limitations add to his inability to navigate SSA. Can you direct me to this section of your website or provide some resources? We greatly appreciate it!
Thank you for the kind words RaNelle, I truly appreciate that!
Regarding Social Security this is an article that talks about the basics of applying for SSI. To apply your sibling will need to go through the Social Security Administration.
That being said your family should contact a disability lawyer or SSI lawyer. People are often denied SSI when applying without the help of a lawyer. Most SSI lawyers dont charge you to apply for SSI. They often offer a free consultation to see if you might have a good chance of getting SSI. If they think they can get you disability benefits they’ll take on your case. SSI lawyers only get paid if you get a settlement. If they cant get you SSI, you owe them nothing.
I dont have a list of Houston SSI lawyers but you can either do a quick Google search or go to yelp to see the reviews of disability lawyers.
Hopefully, that helps your family member. Let me know if you need more info.
Thank you, Nick!
I was hoping you had info on SSI organizations, individuals, or lawyers to pass along to him but I can imagine that this kinda of list is ever changing. I appreciate you getting back with me and I will do some internet searching.
Keep up the great work, RaNelle
Just emailed your RaNelle.
where can i get help with a towed vehicle
As far as help paying for the cost of a towed vehicle I don’t know of any programs that offer that type of assistance. If you simply need to find a towed vehicle in Houston you can check out the city of Houston auto impound website and that can help you locate a vehicle. Again I don’t know of any nonprofits that will help with the cost of getting a vehicle out of a Houston impound.
Hello,
I work for non-profit located in CA who help visually impaired individuals. Is there any services in Houston that we can refer our student to? She is located in Harris County. The services would be for a low vision evaluation and orientation and mobility training.
Thanks!
Hi Crystal the Lighthouse of Houston is a nonprofit that helps individuals with visual impairments here in Houston. They will be a good referral for your client.
Hi! I am new to this resource and it has already blessed me with a wealth of information for my clients, thank you. I am looking for free/low cost GED programs in Houston (specifically Southwest side if possible). Could you point me in the right direction? Thanks!
Hi Andrea, sorry for the late follow up. Consider Baker Ripley I know they offer or at least have connections to various GED and ESL education programs. They have a SW location off 59 that may be close to you.
Hi, Can you direct me toward permanent housing options for people with schizophrenia that need
help with daily living ?
Thank you,
Meg
First off I’ll say is the client with MHMRA Harris also known as Harris Center? They having housing programs and partners who can offer the supports needed for someone with a diagnosis like schizophrenia.
If not no worries. This like explains how to get someone connected to permanent housing in Houston. Essentially there are 3 tiers with the last one helping individuals with chronic homelessness or mental health issues. If someone qualifies for that tier they can potentially get long term permanent housing in Houston. It essentially starts w you or the client completing that permanent housing application. It’ll likely be sent to Coalition of the Homeless (or a partner). They play a big role in helping to sort out who qualifies for specific tiers in permanent supportive housing.
There is also another program called Rapid Rehousing. It’s essentially long term permanent housing, just a different name. Many shelters and places like MHMRA Harris have direct connections to permanent housing programs. If someone were to simply apply at the Housing Authority, they would not be as high of a priority as someone be referred from MHMRA Harris or a shelter. I say that to say if the individual has any history or case managers with shelters try to talk to them about any connections they have to Rapid Rehousing or permanent support housing.
Let me know if you need more info, happy to help!
Nick
Hello! First off I wanted to thank you for the amazing information you’ve provided. A lot of it is going to be a huge help. Now, any suggestions on what my husband and I can do about the following: being illegally evicted from apartment in 2021, (after they were paid by rental assistance up to the end of Jan 2022 utilities included) .
We found a wonderful complex to move to in 2022. They told us they no longer wanted to continue to have us very quiet, keep to ourselves helpful to the point of picking up dog mess and trash everywhere now and then, tenants. We have untl June 1st to find somewhere else. We’ve been declined for a few places not realizing eviction was on there. I’m terrified of being without a home again (have been too many times).
We haven’t been to court to to fight the eviction (lack of funds). We’re both Disabled and just recently obtained a vehicle after not having one since August last year. Analyzing you can throw my way to f8nd safe secure home, legal representation and maybe what to ay to get reasonable accommodations or something like that.
Thanks
Hi Violetta hope all is well with you and your husband all things considered. Here are a few things to consider:
1. If you haven’t maybe try contacting the apartment complex that put the eviction on your record. Ask them if there is anyway to have it removed? Whether it’s paying what is owed or getting on a payment plan. Having an eviction within the past 2 years wont make it impossible to rent a place, but it will limit your options. I’d say first try understanding exactly why they put the eviction on your record and ask them if there is anything you can do to remove it.
2. If they are not willing to work with you, maybe consider one of the pro bono legal aid agencies in Houston to contact and see what your options might be. You can even find a legal assisance agency and contact them before you reachout to your old apartment complext to get talking points on things you can do or say. One specific legal aid agency that helps by offering advice is Lone Star Legal Aid and Houston Volunteeer Lawyers.
3. Houston Apartment Association is an agency that can also advise you on tenant rights. They may also be able to give you talking points to use when dealing with your old landord.
4. Housing Corp is a network of apartment complexes in Houston for individuals with special needs, so they may be able to work with you even if you cannot get the eviction removed.
5. I know apartment complexes are getting stricter regarding 2nd chance leasing. Many apartments are not willing to accept new tenants with an eviction or broken lease withing the past 2 years, but its still worth contacting second chance apartment locators in Houston to see if they can help. You will find a listing of second chance apartment locators here that may be able to provide you with options regarding landlords who will rent to you. Done Deal Cosign is an apartment locator that helps in situations like this.
6. Lastly, consider searching Craigslist for an apartment. Apartment complexes that are managed by large companies will have hard rules about evictions and broken leases that the property managers cannot break. For this reason consider searching Craigslist or websites like Hotpads for individual landlords who won’t have as much red take as the corporations who own larger apartment complexes. Money talks so if you can offer more money on a deposit, the more willing the landlord will be to work w you and overlook any issues on your rental history.
Its a lot but if you have questions please let me know I’m happy to help!
Nick