How To Find Houston Disaster Relief After The Texas Winter Storm (2021)

---

In this guide, I will provide information regarding Houston disaster relief programs to help you if you were impacted by the historic Texas Winter Storm of February 2021. 

After a Texas disaster of this magnitude, charities, nonprofits, and government assistance agencies will offer resources like emergency financial assistance, food, healthcare, a home repair programs to help you recover. 

I’m Nick Bryant, founder of HoustonCaseManagers.com, where I help citizens and medical professionals to connect to resources Houston disaster relief assistance. 

Today I will share a listing of agencies in Houston if you have been impacted by the Texas winter storm.  Whether your pipes busted in your home and you need to make repairs, need to replace ruined groceries, or need rental assistance because you missed time at work, this guide will provide you with leads on organizations that can help you to recover.  

File An Insurance Claim After a Disaster

One of the first things that you should do after your home has been damaged during a storm is to contact your insurance company to file a claim. When speaking to your insurance company, you will need to provide things like your policy number, telephone number, and email address. 

Be sure to document the damage to your home. This includes taking pictures of burst pipes and making a list of items that were damaged in your home. Speak with your insurance company prior to throwing any damaged items away. Your insurance adjuster may need to see these things during the inspection of your home damage. 

Finally, keep a record of each conversation that you have with your insurance company. Make note of the name, title/position, telephone number, and date/time that you spoke with each representative. 

The Texas Department of Insurance provides a helpful listing of resources and tips if you need to file an insurance claim after a storm. 

Federal Government Disaster Relief Resources To Help You

Following a winter storm or hurricane, the federal government can provide disaster assistance funds to help you quickly recover. 

Below you will learn about how organizations like FEMA and the American Red Cross provide recovery assistance in Texas. 

How To Apply For FEMA Disaster Relief Resources

To apply for FEMA’s emergency disaster relief in Houston, you can visit https://www.disasterassistance.gov/ or call 800.621.3362 to register by phone. 

Next, type your zip code or city to confirm that a disaster has been declared for your area. 

Editor’s note: The White House declared that a major disaster occurred in Texas following the winter storm, therefore you can apply for government assistance. 

If your area has been designated as a disaster area, then you will something similar to this. Click “Apply Online” to apply and learn more about disaster assistance that is available in Houston. 

What Type of Assistance Can FEMA Offer After The Texas Winter Storm? 

The Texas Disaster Declaration funding will offer benefits like: 

• Money for temporary housing due to burst pipes in your home
• Home repair grant money
• Low-cost loans if your home or apartment was uninsured
• Programs to help Texas business owners 

Even if your home is insured, FEMA suggests that you apply for assistance. FEMA cannot duplicate the coverage of your insurance, however, you could qualify for other types of federal aid. 

Red Cross of Greater Houston

The Red Cross can provide you with emergency financial assistance following a disaster like the 2021 Texas Winter Storm.

In addition, the Red Cross of Greater Houston can also help with services like:

Overnight shelters – During disasters the Red Cross comes to town to set up emergency shelters for individuals who need a safe place to stay. If your home was damaged as a result of a hurricane or winter storm you can contact the Red Cross to learn about any available shelters in Houston. 

• Food and Water – The Red Cross offers food and water to those who are in need during a disaster. 
• Emergency Supplies – Whether it is basic toiletries, trash bags, or items needed to clean your home the Red Cross may be able to provide these resources. 

If you need disaster relief in Houston, you can contact the Red Cross at 713.526.8300.

You can also visit the Red Cross website, to learn about their offices in surrounding cities like Baytown, Clear Lake, Texas City, Spring, and more. 

Disaster Relief Resources In Houston and Harris County 

In this section, you will find disaster resources to help you if you live in Houston or Harris County. 

Houston Water Boil Update

On Sunday, February 21st Mayor Turner announced that the “boil water notice had been lifted. 

Despite this, the City of Houston recommends that you: 

• Run your cold water for 1 minute to get clean water into your pipes. 
• Dump your refrigerator’s ice machine 3 times. 
• Remove and clean your faucet screens/filter. 

This KHOU 11 article provides helpful information on steps you can take to ensure your drinking water is clean following the Texas winter storm. 

For more questions about the Houston water boil notice or to report low water pressure you can contact 311 Houston by dialing 311. 

Harris County Boil Water Notice Map

The Harris County Public Health Department has a free tool (a map) that you can search to learn about any existing boil water notices in the area. 

Harris County Home Damage Survey

If your home was damaged during the Texas winter storm you are encouraged to complete the Home Damage Report that Harris County created. This survey will be used to determine what resources are needed for the community and what the potential cost will be. 

Submitting this survey will not directly result in financial assistance, but again the answers will be used to determine the needs that are out there. 

Houston Harris County Winter Storm Relief Fund 

This Houston Winter Storm Relief Fund was created to help you if you were negatively impacted by the 2021 February winter storm in Houston. 

This fund can help you with recovery efforts like plumbing problems related to burst pipes, other home repairs, temporary housing, and other basic needs. 

To learn more about this winter storm assistance program in Houston, visit winterstormrelieffund.org, or test HOUSTONFREEZE to 898211 and you will receive updates regarding the program details.

In the meantime, the City of Houston does offer a disaster relief resources page that provides updates on water distribution events, food delivery options, and other winter storm resources. 

Memorial Area Ministries Winter Freeze Fund

This Houston charity is helping with basic needs like food, water, and financial assistance to fix burst pipes following the Texas winter storm. 

To qualify for this funding you must live in one of the following zip codes: 

Beyonce $1000 Financial Assistance (currently closed) 

Beyonce has partnered with Adidas to offer up to $1000 to individuals who were impacted by the 2021 Texas Winter Storm. 

Currently, the program is not accepting new applicants but you can continue to check Beyonce.com to learn about any additional winter storm funds to be released. 

Excessive Electricity Bill Charges During The Texas Winter Storm

During the Texas winter storm, some customers were billed $1,000s in utility bill charges. In one case a customer was billed $16,752! 

To address these excessive utility bill charges, Governor Greg Abbott issued a moratorium that offers Texans help in two ways: 

1. Temporarily stops utility companies from disconnecting your lights or water due to nonpayment. 
2. Stops utility company from sending invoices to customers. 

According to the PUC Emergency Actions order, this moratorium could last until Friday, February 26th. For more information, you can visit the Public Utility Commission of Texas website. 

Houston Disaster Relief Food/Water Resources

In this section, you will find food assistance resources in Houston. The Texas Winter Storm lead to power outages that could have ruined groceries that were left unrefrigerated. If you lost food during this disaster use this listing of resources to find Houston food assistance. 

Houston Food Bank 

You can contact the Houston Food Bank at 832.369.9390 for food pantries and food assistance if you had to throw away groceries due to the Texas Winter storm. 

The Houston Food Bank also offers a website that you can use to find Houston food banks near your home. 

Once you visit the Houston Food Bank website, you will be taken to a map like the one seen below. 

Type in your zip code and you will see a map of food pantries in Houston that are located near you. You can also use this tool to find food banks that are open on specific days to coordinate with your work schedule. 

How To Apply For Food Stamps In Texas

You can apply for Texas food stamps (SNAP benefits) in a few different ways: 

1. Apply online at Your Texas Benefits.
2. Apply by phone by calling Texas Health and Human Services at 877.541.7905.

How To Apply For Emergency Food Stamps (Expedited SNAP Benefits) 

There are certain situations where the Texas Health and Human Services Commission will expedite your food stamp application. If you qualify for emergency food stamps you could receive your benefits in less than 24 hours. 

To qualify for expedited SNAP benefits in Texas you will need to meet one of the following qualifications: 

• All household members are seasonal or migrant workers and are destitute with less than $100 in funds
• The household has less than $100 in funds and its monthly gross income is under $150
• The monthly household income and cash is less than the household’s monthly housing expenses

If you file for food stamps online or with a paper application, look for this section below. Your answers in this section will signal to the Texas Health and Human Services that your situation is emergent and potentially qualify you for emergency SNAP benefits. 

You do not need to complete a special application to receive emergency food stamps. Simply apply for food stamps online at Your Texas Benefits or by phone (877.541.7905) and the Texas Health and Human Services will determine if you qualify. 

City of Houston Bottled Water Distribution

The City of Houston is delivering free bottled water to those in need after the Texas winter storm. To learn more about water distribution sites in Houston, you will need to contact your city council member. 

CrowdSource Rescue

This Houston nonprofit helps the community with disaster relief resources after most storms. Following the Texas Winter Storm, CrowdSource Rescue is helping to deliver bottled water to Houston seniors and individuals with disabilities. 

To sign up for the free water delivery you can visit crowdsourcerescue.org/freeze. If you have trouble completing the online form, you can contact 311 for help filling out the application.

More Houston Disaster Relief Resources

If you need help finding emergency assistance in Texas after a natural disaster, this section will provide you with those options. 

These resources consist of state agencies, charities, Houston nonprofits, and other providers who can help you to find financial help in Texas. 

How To Find Houston Nonprofits To Help With Emergency Financial Assistance

To find nonprofit organizations in Houston that can help you with basic needs you will need to search the table below by your zip code or city. This table will show you some of the resources that are available in your area.

These Houston charities provide rent assistance, help to pay your light bill, food, clothing, prescription assistance, and more. 

Agency	Address	Phone	Type of Assistance	Area/Zip Code served	Hourss
AIDS Foundation HoustonWeb	6260 Westpark Dr #100	713.623.6796	Only offers assistance to clients with HIV and AIDS. Offers housing, mental health, substance abuse, assistance applying for SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, Texas Women's Health Plan	Harris County	M-F 930 to 4pm. Walk ins welcome but priority is given to those with appointments.
Baytown Resource & Assistance Center Web	5309 Decker Dr	281.424.5752. *Must make an appointment.	Utilities, Clothing for Children, Employment assistance services	Residents of McNair, Baytown, Highlands or Chambers County	Mon: 8 to 5pm. Closed from 12 to 1pm for lunch.
Avenue 360 (formerly Bearing Omega and Houston Area Community Services) Web	2150 West 18th Street	713.426.0027	Housing referrals, medical support, Rent, Mental Health	HIV/AIDs clients only	M - F: 8 to 5pm
Bethel's Heavenly HandsWeb	12660 Sandpiper Dr	713.729.6477	Food, Clothing, Thursday Food Distributions, Senior Commodity Program,	Harris County	Mon, Tues, Fri
Braes Interfaith MinistriesWeb	4300 W. Bellfort	713.723.2671	Food, Clothing	SW: 77025, 77035, 77045, 77051, 77053, 77054, 77071, 77085, 77096	M-F 730a - 530p
Brentwood Community Foundation Web	13033 1/2 Landmark Street	713.852.2551	Resources for those with HIV/AIDS. Rent, Mortgage, Food, Utilities, housing referrals	Those with HIV/AIDS in Houston area	M-F 8am to 5pm
Catholic Charities Main Office Web	2900 Louisiana Other Locations: Houston Locations	713.874.6590 or 713.526.4611	Rent, Utilities, Food, Counseling, Adoption, Immigration, Limited Financial Assistance, Saturday Food Fairs, Case Management, Help applying for SNAP, Medicaid, TANF,	77003, 77004, 77011, 77012, 77013, 77020, 77021, 77023, 77029, 77030, 77054, 77547	M-F 730a - 530p
Chinese Community CenterWeb	9800 Town Park	713.271.6100	Utilities (must have cut off notice), Weatherization, Adult day program, Gold Card Application Assistance, Income Tax Help, SNAP, Free Legal Clinic, Citizenship Application Assistance,	77024, 77036, 77042, 77056, 77057, 77063, 77072, 77074, 77077, 77079, 77081, 77082, 77083, 77094, 77099, 77450, 77494, 77477,	Tues 9am - 12pm
Christian Community CenterWeb	3434 Branard	713.871.9741	Rent, Utilities, Food, Clothing, Vocational Training, Jobnet Program	W-SW: 77002, 77003, 77004, 77005, 77006, 77007, 77010, 77011, 77012, 77019, 77020, 77021, 77023, 77025, 77026, 77027, 77030, 77046, 77056, 77057, 77081, 77096, 77098, 77401	M-F 10a - 2pm Sat 9a - 12p (food and clothing only)
City Fellowship Church Christian Rescue Mission Web	3220 Hadley	713.659.7750	Rent, Utilities, Food	Harris County	Tues-F: 10a -12p
City of Houston Water Aid To Elderly Residents Program	4200 Leeland Houston, TX 77023 Mail application here.	713.371.1400	Assistance paying water bill. $100 every six months.	Low income seniors (60+) residing in Houston are the priority. Individuals w disabilities and low income families are also encourage to apply. Web	Water Assistance Application: Web
City Wide ClubWeb	Multiple locations	713.752.2582	Rent, Utilities, Food, Employment Referrals, Housing and Shelter Recovery Program - room and board for families, seniors, homeless faced w physical, mental substance abuse challenges, Project Warm-Up helps with electric heaters and utilities, Project Cool Down helps w fans and shelters in summer	Harris County and surrounding areas	Tues-Th 10a-1p
Covenant House Texas Web	1111 Lovett Blvd	713.523.2231	Crisis shelter, Transitional shelter for youth ages 18 to 20. Medical and clothing provided. Job placement for young adults.	Houston area	M-F 8a to 5p
Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) Web		713.957.4357 or 211	Utilities Assistance for low income seniors (60+) and/or have documented disability expected to last 12 months	Harris County	M-F 8a-5p
Cypress Area Ministries Web	11202 Huffmeister	281.955.7684	Rent, utilities, food, clothing. CAM may pay a portion of the past due balance on a utility bill. The client is required to pay the balance of the amount past due, or have a pledge for that amount, prior to CAM’s paying the pledged amount.	77065, 77095, 77429, 77433	M-F 10a-2p
Fair Haven Methodist Church Web	1330 Gessner	713.476.4346 or (713) 468-3276	Food	77024, 77027, 77041, (Carverdale only), 77043, 77055, 77056, 77079, 77080,	M-F 10a-2p
First Baptist ChurchWeb	8009 Long Point	713.554.8801 or (281) 229-9166	Rent, mortgage, utilities, food, prescriptions	NW: Harris County	M-Th 730a-11a Walk Ins only
Gulf Coast Community Services Web	9320 Kirby Dr	713.393.4700	Rent, utilities, food, clothing, Q cards, eyewear vouchers	SE: Harris County	M-F 8a-5p
Harris County Housing Authority Housing Choice Voucher Web	8933 Interchange Dr.	713.578.2100	Housing Choice Vouchers distributed during open enrollment	Harris County	M-F 8a-5p
Harris County Social Services Web	9418 Jense Drive	713.696.7900	Rent, Utilities, Bereavement, Veteran services	Harris County	M-F 8a-5p
Hester HouseWeb	2020 Solo	713.274.1394	Hot meals/seniors summer/youth camp	NW - 5th Ward	M-F 8a-5p
Houston Volunteers of America Web	4808 Yale Street (Independence Heights Location) 731 West Davis Conroe, TX	713.460.0781 or 817.529.7300	Assistance applying for SNAP, Medicaid, FASFA, Tax Season Assistance, Employment Placement Assistance Program for Healthcare jobs, Deaf and Blind Services, Day Habilitation Center for those with special needs, Residential Group Homes for children and adults with special needs, Substance Abuse Treatment, Housing for seniors and those with a disability, Homeless Veterans Help	Houston and surrounding areas	M-F 8a - 5p
Housing Authority of City of HoustonWeb	2640 Fountain View Dr	713.260.0600	Housing Choice Vouchers and Public Housing		M-F 8a-5p *By appointment.
Humble Area Ministries Web	1302 First Street	281.446.3663	Food, rent, utilities, Employment services, Clothing, Prescription Assistance, Birth Certificate and ID Assistance, Assistance with Eyeglasses	77336, 77345, 77347, 77372, 77338, 77346, 77357, 77396, 77339, 77347, 77365, 77532,	7 days a week/24 hours a day answering machine, leave message
Interfaith Caring Ministries Web	151 Park Ave, League City	281.332.3881	Rent, utilities, minor home repair, and food for seniors (55+)	Clear Creek ISD, Friendswood ISD, Clear Lake, Webster, 77034, 77058, 77059, 77062, 77089, 77546, 77565, 77573, 77586, 77598	M-F 830a-430p *by appointment
Immaculate Conception Catholic ChurchWeb	7250 Harrisburgh	713.921.1261	Food	77011, 77012	Thurs 930a - 1130m
Katy Christian Social Ministries Web	5011 East 5th St Katy, TX	281.391.9623	Rent, mortgage, utilities, food, clothing	77084, 77094, 77406, 77423, 77441, 77449, 77450, 77464, 77476, 77485, 77493, 77494	M-Th 830a-12p 1230p -5p
Larkin Community Center Web	5410 Larkin	713.869.9143	Rent and Utility assistance to seniors and families with children		M - F 8am to 5pm
LINC Houston Community Services Web	1504 Johnson Street	713.426.2451	Food, Prescriptions, Eye glasses, Rent, Security Deposit, Clothes, CHIP, Medicaid, Gold Card, Home Repair		Mon, Wed, Fri: 9 to 3pm
Lone Star Legal Aid Web	1415 Fannin	713.652.0077 or 713.652.5911	Legal services to low income individuals	Harris, Ft Bend and Montgomery County	M-F 830a - 1230p
MANNA - Ministry Assistance of the Near Northwest Allicance Web	1806 W. 43rd Street	346.335.2950 or 713.682.7556	Utility, Gas, Rent, Clothing, Food, Assistance with SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, CHIP,	77007, 77008, 77009, 77018, 77022, 77037, 77040, 77076, 77088, 77091, 77092,	M: 8 to 11, Tues and Thurs: 915 to 1115am.
Memorial Area MinistriesWeb	1625 Blalock	English 713.574.7533 Spanish 713.574.7536	Rent, water, gas, medical assistance, prescriptions, transportation, clothing, Rapid Re-Housing,	77008, 77009, 77018, 77022, 77024, 77037, 77039, 77040, 77041, 77043, 77055, 77076, 77079, 77080, 77088, 77091, 77092,	M-F 9a - 4p. Call between 9a - 12p M-F to set up an appointment.
My Brother's Keeper Outreach Center Web	12713 A Bissonnet	281.489.9933	Financial Assistance, Rent, Utilities, Food Pantry,
Mayors Office for People with Disabilities Web	1475 West Gray	832.394.0814 mopdmail@houstontx.gov	Advocacy Services	City of Houston	M-F 8a - 5p
North Channel Assistance MiWeb nistries	13837 Bonham	713.453.8028	Food, food stamp application help, Medicaid application help, clothing,	77013, 77015, 77029, 77044, 77049, 77078, 77530,	M-F 8a-2p
Northwest Assistance Ministries Web	15555 Kuykendahl	281.583.5600	Rent, mortgage, gas, water, prescriptions, gas vouchers, dental and medical,	77014, 77032, 77038, 77050, 77060, 77064, 77066, 77067, 77068, 77069, 77070, 77073, 77086, 77090, 77373, 77379, 77388, 77389,	Tues 1p-4p Call for an appointment.
Operation ID Web	5100 Travis Street	713.620.6476	Texas Identification Card	Harris County	Tues & Thurs 9a-1130a. You will need a referral/voucher from an agency that Operation ID partners with.
Pasadena Community MinistriesWeb	2301 South Houston	713.477.4336	Rent, utilities, food, clothing,	Pasadena, Deer Park,	Tues 9a - 12p. Th 1p-4p
Riceville Baptist ChurchWeb	11231 Gessner	713.774.4880	Food, clothing, financial assistance, prison ministry		1st Wed of Month, 6p. Call for appointments.
Salvation ArmyWeb	1500 Austin Street	713.752.0677	Rent, Food, Clothing, Utilities (water only), Senior Housing (62+)	Harris County	M-Th 830a - 430p
Saras HouseWeb	711 Perla	713.475.1480	Shelter, meals, clothing (women & children)	Pasadena
Baker Ripley Web	3838 Aberdeen Way 77025	713-590-2327	Case management, care giver support, dementia adult day program, utilities, must be under 150% FPL, preferences to elderly, disabled, clients w children under 5 yrs, no deposits or reconnection fees,	77016, 77020, 77026, 77028, 77004, 77021, 77033, 77051, 77087, 77003, 77011, 77012, 77020, 77023, 77034, 77058, 77059, 77062, 77075, 77089, 77502, 77504, 77506, 77571, 77598,	Call for appointment
Senior Jobs Program (AARP)Web	12727 Featherwood Dr	281.922.9952	Jobs,	Harris County	M-F 930a - 230p
Spring-Woodlands Ministries Web	810 E. Louetta Suite A-E	281.353.4480	Food, clothing	77373, 77338, 77389, 77379, 77380, 77381, 77382, 77386, 77388,	M 1p-3p, W 9a-1130a, Thur 1p-3p
Society of St. Stephen Web	1062 Fairmont Parkway	281.487.1774	Rent, utilities, food,	77502, 77503, 77505, 77506, 77507	T-F New clients: 10a-1p
Society of St Vincent de PaulWeb	2403 Holcombe Blvd	713.741.8234 ext 101	Food, Clothing, Rent, Utility	City of Houston Zip Codes Only	M -F 9am - 5pm
Southeast Area Ministries SEAMWeb	2102 Houston Blvd	713.944.0093	Rent, Utilities, Food, Clothing, Ongoing Senior assistance, Christmas assistance program, Prescription, Medical Supply assistance	SE: 77017, 77034, 77061, 77075, 77087, 77089, 77504, 77587,	M-Th 10am - 1:30pm
St Bernadette Church Web	15500 El Camino Real	281.486.0337	Food, Clothes, Rent, Utilities,	Clear Lake: 77058, 77059, 77062, 77598,	Tues: 930 to 1130am Thurs: 930 to 1130 Wed: Appt only
St. Cecilia ChurchWeb	11720 Joan of Arc Drive	713.468.1185	Rent, Utilities, Food,	NW: 77024, 77043, 77055	M-Th: 9am through 12pm
St Christopher Catholic ChurchWeb	8150 Park Place	713.645.6614	Food	SE: 77012, 77017, 77061,	Sat: 930 to 11am
St. Hyacinth Catholic Church Web	2921 Center St, Deer Park	281.479.4298	Rent, Utilities, Food	Deer Park: 77536	M - F: 930 to 12pm 1pm to 430pm
St. John Vianney Social Services Web	625 Nottingham Oaks	281.497.4434	Utilities, Food, Clothing,	W: 77043, 77055 (Food & Clothing only) 77077, 77079 (Food, Clothing, Utilities )	M-F: 830 to 530pm
St. Joseph Catholic ChurchWeb	1505 Kane Street	713.222.8903	Rent, Utilities, Food,	77007, 77008, 77009,	M-T: 9am to 12pm 130 to 330pm
St Mary Magdalene Church	527 South Houston Ave, Humble	281.540.1907	Rent, Utilities, Food,	NE: 77338, East of Lee Rd, 77346, (Only apartment complexes)	M, W, F only. 930 to 1145am - 1st 12 people.
St Pious Catholic Church Web	824 Main - Pasadena	713.473.9484	Food, Rent, Utilities, Immigrant Legal Assistance, Free Health Screenings,	Pasadena: 77501, 77507, 77536, 77547, 77587,	Tues & Thurs: 10am to 1230pm
Target Hunger Service CenterWeb	2814 Quitman	713.226.4953	Emergency Food, Food Pantries, Monthly Food Fairs, Senior Home Delivery Program, Senior Day Site Program	77015, 77016, 77020, 77026, 77028, 77078,	M-F: 9am to 5pm
The Bridge Over Troubled WatersWeb	3811 Allen-Genoa Rd	713.473.2801	Emergency Shelter for Domestic Abuse Victims	Harris County
The House of AmosWeb	8030 Boone Rd	281.495.9061	Food, Citizenship Classes, Lunches every Saturday, Free immunizations to uninsured children.		M-Th: 9am to 12pm Sat: 10am to 12pm
Tomball Emergency Assistance Ministries (TEAM) Web	300 W Main Street Tomball, TX 77375	281.351.6700	Utilities, Gas vouchers, Clothing, Food, Medical and Dental vouchers, Temporary Shelter	Tomball zip codes 77375, 77377 or you live within Tomball school district.	Tues and Thurs: 10am to 1pm. Application must be completed in person.
The Houston Food Bank Web	535 Portwall	832.369.9390	Emergency Food Pantry, Help applying for SNAP, TANF, CHIP, Medicaid		M-F: 8am to 5pm Sat: Telephone hotline only 8am to 4pm
United Way Web		211	Referrals for Food, Shelter, Rent, Utilities, Housing, Shelters, Substance Abuse	Harris County
Wesley Community CenterWeb	1410 Lee Street	713.223.8131 ext 245	Rent, Utilities, Food, Financial Education, Employment coaching, Help applying for Medicaid, SNAP, TANF,	Harris County	Friday Starts at 8am. Appointments Only. No appointment needed for Food.
West Houston Assistance MinistriesWeb	10501 Meadowglen Lane	713.977.9942	Mortgage, Food, Utilities, Clothing, Employment Assistance, Bus Passes for job related trips, Work Clothes,	77042, 77057, 77063, 77072, 77077, 77082,	M - F: 10am - 1pm
Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church Web	3826 Wheeler	713.747.7101	Rent, Mortgage, Utilities, Food, Women's Housing (Badge Bush). Visit there site they help in plenty of ways.	SE: 77770	M-Th: 9 - 1230pm F: 9-1130am *Appointment only
Windsor Village Social ServicesWeb	12041 1/2 Post Oak Rd	713.551.8792	Rent, Mortgage, Utilities, Food,	Harris County and Ft Bend County	Appointment only Monday 8am to 11am Food: T-W 9am to 11am. Th 1030am to 1230pm
Pearland Neighborhood CenterWeb	2335 N Texas Ave, Pearland, TX 77581	281-485-1987, info@pnctexas.com	Rent, Utilities, Gas, Food and Baby Pantry, Bread Pantry, Santa's Helpers Program, School Supply Vouchers, Emergency Assistance, Finanical Stability Course, GED Scholarships, Disaster Relief	Brazoria County	M - F 8 to 5
East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry WWebeb	435 Stafford Run Road Stafford, Texas 77477-5639	281 261-1006	Food, rent, utilities, resale shop, Christmas and Thanksgiving Meals, Backpacks for kids,	East Fort Bend - 77053, 77459, 77477, 77478, 77479, 77489, 77545, 77583	281 261-1006
Epiphany Community Health Outreach Services (ECHOS) WWebeb	9600 S. Gessner, Bldg. E Houston, Texas 77071	713 270-0369	Gold Card, Medcaid, SNAP, Food, ESL, Computer Literacy, Voter Registration, Child Immunizations, Vision Screening, Domestic Abuse Counseling and support groups,	Serves Greater Houston	713 270-0369
Emergency Aid Coalition (EAC) WWebeb	5401 Fannin Street Houston, Texas 77004-6808	(713) 522-5903	Food Pantry + Clothing (M-F 8:30am), Lunch Program (M - F + Sunday 11 am & 1pm, Backpacks (register in March)	Serves Greater Houston	(713) 522-5903
Interfaith of the Woodlands WebWeb	4242 Interfaith Way The Woodlands, Texas 77381	(832) 615-8219	Rent, mortgage, utilities, prescription drugs, food, clothing, emergency shelter, Christmas gifts for kids, primary care, dental, womens health, senior transportation, senior grocery delivery,	Woodlands - 77375, 77380, 77381, 77382, 77384, 77385, 77386, 77389,	(832) 615-8219
My Brother's Keeper Outreach Center (not COH Program) WWebeb	12713A Bissonnet Houston, TX 77099	(281) 498-9933	Rent, utilities, Food, School supplies, Thanksgiving / Christmas Meal Program, Christmas gifts for kids, Easter baskets,	77031, 77035, 77036, 77042, 77056, 77071, 77072, 77074, 77081, 77082, 77083, 77085, 77096, 77099, 77401, 77477, 77478,	(281) 498-9933
St. Vincent's House - Galveston Web	2-2817 Alfreda Houston Place Galveston, Texas 77550	(409) 763-8521	Vision + Dental clinic, Mental Health Counseling, Speech, Physical Occupational Therapy, Rent, Utilities, Case Management, Transportation,	Galveston - 77591, 77568, 77590, 77563, 77554, 77551, 77550, 77555, 77552, 77553,	(409) 763-8521
Hero Houston WWebeb	12335 Kingsride, Box 230, Houston, TX 77024	(713) 932-3996	Offers services to seniors in the Memorial and Spring Branch area. Transportation to medical appointments, light handyman work, help filling out documents and senior service referrals.	Memorial and Spring Branch area. 77024 77043 77055 77079 77080	Monday - Friday 8 to 5
Public Utility commission of Texas (PUC) Web		888.782.8477 or 512.936.7500	Will not turn of utilities or electricity if you have a need for medical equipment or you are on life support
COVID-19 Electricity Relief Program web		866.454.8387 or 888.782.8477	The Texas COVID-19 Electricity Relief Program (CERP) helps consumers who are having trouble paying bills due to job loss or other related hardship.	Who is eligible for the Texas COVID-19 Electricity Relief Plan? Residential customers that qualify for unemployment or that are low income qualify for the Texas COVID-19 Electricity Relief Plan. Once approved for the Texas COVID-19 Electricity Relief Program, you will remain on the program for up to six months. During that time, your electricity provider cannot disconnect your electricity for non-payment.
Fort Bend County WWeb eb	301 Jackson Street, Richmond, TX 77469	281.238.2273 or 281.633.7795	Rent and utility assistance	Serves Fort Bend County and zip codes:77406, 77417, 77420, 77430, 77435, 77441, 77444, 77451, 77459, 77461, 77464 77469, 77471, 77476 77478, 77477, 77479 77481, 77485, 77489, 77496, 77494, 77407, 77498, 77545	Open normal business hours 8 to 5 pm

United Way of Greater Houston (Texas Winter Storm Resources In Houston) 

The United Way is a helpline that offers community resources like housing, shelter, food, rental assistance, and more. 

If you need help of any kind, you can call the United Way by dialing 211 to see what type of assistance is available.  They also offer a Houston community resource website that you can search for disaster relief assistance. 

United Way Winter Storm Recovery Resource Guide

You can find even more resources to help you rebound via the United Way Winter Storm Resource Guide. This guide offers resources like:

• Daily updates on food and water distribution events in Houston
• Tips on applying for FEMA in the event you need to find temporary housing or help with home repairs after the winter storm. 
• Mental health resources in Houston. 
• Information regarding Disaster Unemployment Assistance
• Much more…

Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (Texas Disaster Resources) 

Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs offers leads on disaster relief resources in Texas. You can check this website after any statewide disaster to find assistance with: 

• Housing and hotel options after a disaster
• Food pantries in Texas to help you restock your refrigerator
• Texas shelters to help you after a hurricane or winter storm
• Property damage resources should you need to file an insurance claim or locate federal funds to make repairs to your home
• Health and safety tips before, during, and after a natural disaster

Apply For Disaster Unemployment Assistance If You Lost Your Job During The Texas Winter Storm

Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is an unemployment program that pays you if you lost your job due to a major disaster like a hurricane or winter storm. Your area must be declared a major disaster by the president to potentially receive these benefits. 

To qualify for Disaster Unemployment Assistance you must meet:

• Have lost your job due to a major disaster that the President of the United States has declared
• You are not eligible for state unemployment benefits
• No longer have your job
• Your place of work was damaged and you cannot work there
• Your spouse, who was the head of household, passed away as a result of the disaster, making you the new head of household 
• Received a disaster related injury that prevents you from working

To learn more about Disaster Unemployment Assistance you can visit Benefits.gov, call the Texas Workforce Commission at 800.939.6631, or visit the Texas unemployment website. 

Crisis Clean Up (nonprofit to help with disaster clean up in Houston) 

This nonprofit can potentially help you to clean up your home following any damaged that was caused by the Texas Winter Storm. 

Editor’s note: Typically national nonprofits are difficult to get assistance from, however, the City of Houston has donated the Crisis Clean Up so you may find help with them.  

To apply for clean up assistance in Houston, visit the Crisis Clean Up website, or call them at 844.965.1386. 

 

Conclusion

It is my hope that the Texas winter storm had a minimal impact on your life, however, if you do need help you can refer to the Houston disaster relief programs mentioned in this article. 

After any natural disaster where your home has been damaged you want to contact your insurance company to file a claim and consider applying for FEMA. Even if you have homeowners insurance, you are encouraged to apply for FEMA because there could be other federal assistance programs that you can qualify for. When you apply for FEMA they will inform you of any relief assistance that you may qualify to receive. 

Similar Articles That May Interest You: 

• 8 Utility Assistance Programs In Houston To Help You Pay Your Light Bill
• Houston Rent Assistance Programs To Provide You With Financial Assistance
• Emergency Food Stamps: How To Get Benefits In Less Than 24 Hours