Below is a listing of area no-cost assistance programs for families impacted by job loss or other hardship due to COVID-19.  This information is current as of the date above and is subject to change. We will try to update this regularly.

*** Indicates updates as of 6/1/20

 

GENERAL

United Way of Greater Houston:

https://www.unitedwayhouston.org

Call 211 from any phone to reach the Texas / United Way Helpline. It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and can connect you with additional help or resources for food, child care, transportation and other critical services.

 

Catholic Charities

https://catholiccharities.org/coronavirus/

Catholic Charities provides a range of services, including assistance with rent, food, baby items, and more.

Access forms via their website specifically for their COVID-19 assistance programs, or reach them by phone or email.

COVID Assistance phone line: 713-874-6521

Or email covidssistance@catholiccharities.org

All calls and emails will be answered by a Case Manager within 3 business days.

If you are feeling stressed, please call their Counseling phone line: 713-874-6590

 

FOOD & NUTRITION

Houston Food Bank:

https://www.houstonfoodbank.org/covid19/

Call their helpline: 832-369-9390

Helpline is available in both English and Spanish.

Apply for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) with help from their Community Assistance Program by calling the helpline.

You can also text FOOD to 855-308-2282 to find the nearest food pantry in your area.

 

HISD Food Distribution:

 

City of Houston Parks & Recreation Department:

http://www.houstontx.gov/parks/

Daily curbside distribution of snack + lunch to children up to age 18 at over 50 locations, Monday - Friday from 1pm - 3pm.

To ensure social distancing, meals will be placed directly in the trunk of recipient's car.

Each child will receive one snack and one lunch. Child must be present in car during pickup for each meal received.

Fifty (50) meals available at each site, with increase available if participation increases.

Exact locations available via the website and also are attached.

 

Produce Distribution with the Houston Food Bank, Brighter Bites, and YMCA:

Drive-up distribution of bags full of fruit and vegetables at 18 YMCA locations.

See attached for all locations and addresses.

Mondays - Saturdays, 11am - 3pm, while supplies last.

Follow YMCA of Greater Houston on Facebook for updates: @YMCAHouston

Houston Shift Meal:

Houston Shift Meal is an effort by a group of restaurants to provide individual meals to those in the hospitality industry who are unemployed. Communication about their schedule is available only on Facebook and Instagram, search @HoustonShiftMeal 

Individual meals distributed, one per person - dates and number of meals vary by location / restaurant partner.

 

INFANT & BABY NEEDS

LIFE Houston:

https://www.lifehouston.org/getformula

Provides emergency food and formula for infants and babies.

Call 713-528-6044. All calls are returned within 24 hours.

 

LEGAL AID (CIVIL LEGAL PROBLEMS)

 

State Bar of Texas: 

Toll-free legal assistance hotline is available to low income individuals and families who are confronted with civil legal problems as a result of the pandemic. 

Call 1-800 504-7030 to be connected to a legal service provider in Houston. Areas of assistance or guidance include issues with bankruptcy or debt collection, employment, child custody, landlord-tenant problems and more.

Texas Legal Services Center has created a webpage of COVID-19 resources on the website — texaslawhelp.org — including information on eviction and tenants rights, forced quarantines, unemployment benefits, and others. The website also has a LiveChat feature to assist low-income individuals with their legal questions.

 

Houston Volunteer Lawyers:

https://www.makejusticehappen.org/node/24/how-get-help

Instructions on how to apply for help as well as forms are available on their website.

You can also call them at 713-228-0732

 

Houston Bar Association:

Free legal advice provided on their LegalLine 713-759-1133, available 5pm - 8pm every Wednesday through May 27.

Go to www.hba.org/legalline to sign up for a time slot of call 713-759-1133. Sign up by 5pm on Tuesdays. Calls are limited to 20 minutes each.

For immigration questions, call 833-468-4664, 9am - 5pm, Monday - Friday.

*** The first Thursday of each month from 6-8pm is Consejos Legales for Spanish-speaking residents with legal questions around COVID-19, including unemployment and evictions. Choose a time slot at www.hba.org/legalline to register in advance, call 713-759-1133 for more information.

 

HOUSING QUESTIONS

The Houston Apartment Association has an extensive list published of organizations that might be able to help with household expenses. Their website also includes a helpful COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions section:

https://www.haaonline.org/financialhelp

The Texas Apartment Association has published this resource sheet for renters, including a list of many places in Harris County that might be able to assist with renter questions, concerns and additional needs:

https://www.taa.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/TAA-Cororavirus-Renter-Resources-1.pdf

 

MENTAL HEALTH 

Texas Health and Human Services:

Their new COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line offers COVID-19-related mental health support for all Texans. 

Call 1-833-986-1919 to reach a mental health professional confidentially and free of charge.

They also have a crisis hotline and other support services listed on their website at https://hhs.texas.gov/services/mental-health-substance-use/mental-health-substance-use-resources

 

Texas Psychological Association:

To address the mental health care needs of uninsured and underinsured Texans, the Texas Psychological Association is ramping up the TPA Pro Bono Project: COVID-19, an initiative that will provide up to two hours of free mental health services for qualifying Texans.

Texans in need of mental health services through the pro bono project, email probono@texaspsyc.org

 

UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS 

https://www.twc.texas.gov/jobseekers/unemployment-benefits-services

Apply for benefits as soon as you are unemployed. Those who are self-employed, part-time workers, or contract workers are eligible for help from the new stimulus package.

Apply online at ui.texasworkforce.org or by calling 1-800-939-6631

Online applications require you to create a new user ID if you don't already have one.

If you are applying online, it is advised that you try during late night / overnight or early morning hours.

Texas Workforce Commission childcare information is also included on this website.

 

MARKETPLACE HEALTHCARE COVERAGE

If you have recently lost your employer-provided healthcare coverage, you have 60 days from the time your coverage ends to enroll in a Marketplace Plan: https://www.healthcare.gov/coverage-outside-open-enrollment/special-enrollment-period/

Visit www.healthcare.gov. You will be able to select Texas and you can also click "Find Local Help" (located at the very bottom of the home page). A consultant should be able to work with you over the phone to determine what Marketplace plans you are eligible for.

They can also help you determine if you are eligible for Medicaid or CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program).Medicaid or CHIP coverage can begin anytime.

To reach them by phone call 1-800-318-2596

 

OTHER

 

The Houston Food Bank - Community Assistance Program can also help families with Children's Medicaid, CHIP, and other referrals to other social service providers:

https://www.houstonfoodbank.org/our-programs/communityassistanceprogram/

 

Houston Music Foundation:

https://houstonmusicfoundation.org

A crisis relief fund created to assist Houston's professional musicians.

One time grants of up to $500 are determined through an application process on their website.

 

Artist & Arts Worker Relief Fund:

https://ready.haatx.com/covid-19

This fund offers one time grants up to $1,000 to artists and arts workers in the Houston area to supplement lost wages as a result of COVID-19. Grants are meant to help cover basic needs like rent, food, and medical expenses.

Find application guidelines and forms on the Houston Arts Alliance website via the above link.

 

Artist Relief:

https://www.artistrelief.org

This national initiative offers grants up to $5,000 to artists facing dire financial emergencies due to COVID-19.

Find application guidelines and forms on their website via the above link.