Houston

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Social Services

Programs providing support for families, individuals, and vulnerable populations.

Sections

1. Housing Assistance

Housing assistance in Houston is designed to help low-income individuals and families secure affordable housing, prevent homelessness, and provide emergency shelter.

Key Programs and Services:

  • Houston Housing Authority (HHA):

    • Services: Provides affordable housing through public housing units and the Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8).
    • Eligibility: Based on income, family size, and citizenship status. Priority is often given to families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.
    • Costs: Rent is typically capped at 30% of the household's income for those in the program.
    • How to Apply:
      1. Visit the HHA website (www.housingforhouston.com) to check for open waitlists.
      2. Submit an online application or visit the HHA office at 2640 Fountain View Drive, Houston, TX 77057.
      3. Provide documentation such as proof of income, identification, and household details.
    • Local Considerations: Waitlists can be long, so consider temporary housing options if needed.

  • Coalition for the Homeless of Houston/Harris County:

    • Services: Offers emergency shelter, transitional housing, and permanent supportive housing.
    • Contact: Call the Homeless Helpline at 713-739-7514 for assistance.

  • BakerRipley:

    • Services: Provides rental assistance and housing stability programs.
    • Contact: Visit www.bakerripley.org or call 713-667-9400.

2. Healthcare

Houston has a robust healthcare system, including services for low-income individuals, immigrants, and uninsured residents.

Key Programs and Services:

  • Harris Health System:

    • Services: Offers low-cost or free healthcare services, including primary care, specialty care, dental care, and mental health services.
    • Eligibility: Based on income and residency in Harris County.
    • Costs: Sliding scale fees based on income; some services may be free.
    • How to Apply:
      1. Apply for the Gold Card (Harris Health Financial Assistance Program) online or at an eligibility center.
      2. Provide proof of income, residency, and identification.
      3. Visit www.harrishealth.org for more details.
    • Local Considerations: Gold Card holders can access care at Harris Health clinics and hospitals, including Ben Taub and Lyndon B. Johnson (LBJ) hospitals.

  • Legacy Community Health:

    • Services: Provides affordable healthcare, including LGBTQ+ services, pediatrics, and behavioral health.
    • Costs: Sliding scale fees based on income.
    • Contact: Visit www.legacycommunityhealth.org or call 832-548-5000.

  • Houston Health Department:

    • Services: Offers immunizations, family planning, and health screenings.
    • Contact: Visit www.houstonhealth.org or call 832-393-5169.

3. Food Assistance

Food assistance programs in Houston aim to combat food insecurity and provide nutritious meals to those in need.

Key Programs and Services:

  • Houston Food Bank:

    • Services: Distributes food through a network of partner agencies, including food pantries and soup kitchens.
    • Costs: Free.
    • How to Access:
      1. Use the Food Bankโ€™s locator tool at www.houstonfoodbank.org to find a nearby pantry.
      2. Bring identification and proof of residency if required by the pantry.
    • Contact: Call 832-369-9390 for assistance.

  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP):

    • Services: Provides monthly benefits to purchase groceries.
    • Eligibility: Based on income, household size, and citizenship status.
    • How to Apply:
      1. Apply online at YourTexasBenefits.com.
      2. Submit required documents, such as proof of income and identification.
    • Local Considerations: Immigrants may have limited eligibility; consult with a local nonprofit for guidance.

  • WIC (Women, Infants, and Children):

    • Services: Provides nutrition assistance to pregnant women, new mothers, and children under 5.
    • Costs: Free.
    • How to Apply: Visit texaswic.org or call 1-800-942-3678.

4. Child Welfare

Houston offers various programs to support the well-being of children, including childcare assistance and protective services.

Key Programs and Services:

  • Texas Child Protective Services (CPS):

    • Services: Investigates reports of child abuse and neglect and provides foster care and adoption services.
    • Contact: Report abuse or neglect by calling 1-800-252-5400 or visiting www.dfps.state.tx.us.

  • Workforce Solutions โ€“ Child Care Services:

    • Services: Provides subsidized childcare for low-income families.
    • Eligibility: Based on income and employment or education status.
    • Costs: Sliding scale fees based on income.
    • How to Apply:
      1. Visit www.wrksolutions.com to apply.
      2. Submit proof of income, employment, and residency.

  • DePelchin Childrenโ€™s Center:

    • Services: Offers counseling, parenting classes, and foster care/adoption services.
    • Contact: Visit www.depelchin.org or call 713-730-2335.

5. Employment Support

Employment support services in Houston help individuals find jobs, improve skills, and access training programs.

Key Programs and Services:

  • Workforce Solutions:

    • Services: Provides job search assistance, career counseling, and training programs.
    • Costs: Free.
    • How to Access:
      1. Visit a Workforce Solutions career center (locations listed at www.wrksolutions.com).
      2. Register for services and attend workshops or training sessions.
    • Contact: Call 1-888-469-5627 for more information.

  • BakerRipley Workforce Development:

    • Services: Offers job training, ESL classes, and financial coaching.
    • Contact: Visit www.bakerripley.org or call 713-667-9400.

  • SER Jobs for Progress:

    • Services: Provides job training, placement services, and financial empowerment programs.
    • Contact: Visit www.serjobs.org or call 713-773-6000.

Additional Tips for Immigrants and Visitors:

  • Language Support: Many organizations offer services in Spanish and other languages. Ask for interpreters if needed.
  • Legal Assistance: For immigration-related issues, contact organizations like YMCA International Services (www.ymcahouston.org) or Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston (www.catholiccharities.org).
  • Community Centers: Visit local community centers like BakerRipley for a wide range of services, including citizenship classes and cultural integration programs.

By leveraging these resources, you can access the support you need to thrive in Houston. If you have specific questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask!