The Ultimate Guide To Houston Community Resources
In this guide, I will provide you with a number of options for Houston community resources.
Contents
- Ultimate Guide To Houston Community Resources
- Houston Coronavirus Resources
- Houston Healthcare Options
- Low-Cost Medical Care In Houston
- Houston Mental Health Treatment
- Houston Community Resources For Housing
- Houston Community Resources For Food Assistance
- Transportation Options In Houston
- Houston Employment Assistance
- Houston Childcare Options
- Houston Community Resources For Seniors
- Houston Community Resources For Moms…And Dads
- Houston Rent + Utility Assistance
- Conclusion
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.
In this section, I have listed resources to help clients deal with the Coronavirus pandemic.
- 21 Options For Food Assistance 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 Places To Look For Essential Jobs During The Coronavirus Outbreak – This guide will help you to find leads on jobs during this Coronavirus outbreak. No matter your skill level you will find job ideas to consider.
- 16 Houston Coronavirus Testing Sites Near You – Find 16+ Houston Coronavirus testing sites to screen you for the COVID-19 virus. Some of these Houston testing sites are free while others charge $100-150.
- Understanding The Basics Of Coronavirus– Coronavirus has made its way to Houston. This guide will provide you with basic information to protect your family as well as offer Houston resources to help.
- 17 Houston Nonprofits That Are Open During The COVID-19 Pandemic And Helping Clients With Rent and Food Assistance – Finding agencies that are open and fully staffed is a difficult task during this crisis. These agencies are however open to provide your clients with assistance.
- 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.
Houston Healthcare Options
These Houston healthcare options will ensure that you receive help even if you are uninsured.
- How To Apply For The Gold Card – Find step by step instructions on applying for the Harris Health’s Gold Card.
- Download Your Gold Card Application – If you simply need a Gold Card application you can find a download here.
- 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.
- Where To Apply For Medicaid In Houston – We provide you a basic understanding of Medicaid as well as Texas Health and Human Services office where you can apply for this benefit.
- 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.
- 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 a 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 who 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.
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.
- Head Start Programs In Houston – This guide will help you find a 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 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 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.
- 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 a Counselor with 11 years of experience working in community health. He enjoys concerts, walks with the doggo and wife, mocking Dallas Cowboy fans, and sharing community resources. Jump on the Houston Case Managers email list to receive weekly community resource guides delivered directly to your inbox.
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
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.
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.