Texas
Texas Employment
Texas Affordable Rentals
Texas Homeless Shelters, Food Pantries and More
TEXAS EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND DISASTER RESPONSE
Texas Happenings
DISCLAIMER
JUST A SHORT NOTE TO STATE THAT THE PURPOSE OF THIS PUBLICATION IS TO PASS PRECIOUS INFORMATION ON TO THOSE OF NEED. OCCASIONALLY, THERE WILL BE ARTICLES BY OTHER WRITERS. I MAY NOT NECESSARILY AGREE WITH THEIR VIEWPOINTS, HOWEVER, I DO RESPECT THEM. THANK YOU
ALSO:
If you would like to add information to this page please feel free to contact me at:
OUR CONTACT INFORMATION AND HOURS HAVE CHANGED TO:
1-732-264-7500 MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY 7:30AM EST TO 5PM EST
1-609-577-3555 24/7/365 FOR EMERGENCIES
OR ANN@HOMELESSTOINDEPENDENCE.ORG
Thank you!
PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL DISASTER RELATED NOTICES ARE NOW LOCATED ON OUR NEW “TEXAS EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND DISASTER REPSONSE” PAGE!
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TexCare Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP)
Managing Agency Texas http://www.state.tx.us
Program Description
The TexCare Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is designed for families who earn too much money to qualify for Medicaid health care, yet cannot afford to buy private insurance. The parents in some of these families have jobs that do not offer health insurance for children. Other parents’ jobs offer health insurance, but the insurance is so expensive that families cannot afford it.
TexCare offers additional children’s health insurance programs through Medicaid, which is provided at no cost to qualifying children, and the State Kids Insurance Program (SKIP). If you are a state employee, you may qualify for an insurance supplement for your dependent children under age 19. Your SKIP supplement will be covered through your state insurance program.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of Texas, under 19 years of age, not covered by health insurance (including Medicaid), and a U.S. national, citizen, legal alien, or permanent resident.
In order to qualify, you must also have an annual household income (before taxes) that is below the following amounts:
Household Size* Maximum Income Level (Per Year)
1 $22,340
2 $30,260
3 $38,180
4 $46,100
5 $54,020
6 $61,940
7 $69,860
8 $77,780
*For households with more than eight people, add $7,920 per additional person.
Depending on your income level, you may have to pay a premium for coverage. Please see this state’s program information for details.
Your Next Steps
The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
To apply for this benefit, visit the following site:
http://www.chipmedicaid.org/english/apply.htm
Call 1-800-647-6558 to ask questions about CHIP or to apply over the phone. Operators work between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. M-F and until 3 p.m. (Central Time) on Saturdays, except Federal holidays.
Program Contact Information
Learn more about our programs and their requirements, please visit our website at: http://www.chipmedicaid.org/english/index.htm
Updated 05-06-12
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Texas Head Start
Managing Agency University of Texas http://www.state.tx.us
Program Description
The Head Start program (for children ages three to five) and Early Head Start program (for pregnant women, infants, and toddlers) promote school readiness for children in low-income families by providing comprehensive educational, health, nutritional, and social services. Parents play a large role in the programs, both as primary educators of their children and as participants in administering the programs locally. Both programs provide pre-literacy and literacy experiences in a multi-cultural environment. Parents are also provided social services, including assistance with childcare. Services are also available to migrant and seasonal farm worker families.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the state of Texas, you must be a parent or primary caregiver responsible for a child who is too young for public school.
In order to qualify, you must also have an annual household income (before taxes) that is below the following amounts:
Household Size* Maximum Income Level (Per Year)
1 $14,521
2 $19,669
3 $24,817
4 $29,965
5 $35,113
6 $40,261
7 $45,409
8 $50,557
*For households with more than eight people, add $5,148 per additional person.
If you do not meet these criteria, you may still qualify if you are a U.S. national, citizen or permanent resident whose financial status is low income or very low income, who is under-employed, unemployed or about to become unemployed, facing pregnancy, less than 19 years of age yourself, or the parent or primary caregiver for children under the age of 19 years. Other qualifications may apply.
Your Next Steps
The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
The Head Start Locator provides a searchable database of Head Start programs. To apply for this program please visit the following website, which will direct you to the Head Start office nearest to you:
http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/HeadStartOffices
Program Contact Information
For more information on Texas Head Start, please visit: http://cli.uth.tmc.edu/our-programs/program-overview/TX-head-start/
If you would like to speak with a State representative regarding the program, you can call the Texas Head Start Collaboration Office toll-free at: 1-866-282-7780
Posted 04-08-12
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Texas Special Milk Program
Managing Agency Texas http://www.state.tx.us
Program Description
The Special Milk Program (SMP) reimburses contractors for milk that they serve to school and preschool aged children who do not otherwise participate in a Federal child nutrition meal service program. SMP clients include children who are enrolled in private nonprofit schools, child care facilities, or summer camps.
General Program Requirements
Any child in a school or institution that participates in the Special Milk Program can get milk. Schools may elect to offer free milk to low-income children. In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the state of Texas, your household’s annual income before taxes must not exceed $20,036 if one person lives in the household; $26,955 if two people live in the household; $33,874 if three people live in the household; $40,793 if four people live in the household; $47,712 if five people live in the household; $54,631 if six people live in the household; $61,550 if seven people live in the household; and $75,388 if eight people live in the household. For larger households, add $6,919 for each additional person in the home.
Your Next Steps
The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
To apply for the Special Milk program, directly contact your child’s school, camp, or child care institution to find out if it participates in the Special Milk Program.
The Federal agency Child Nutrition Programs manages this program and provides state contact information here:
http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/Contacts/StateDirectory.htm
Additionally, your state education agency can also provide you with more information about the program.
http://www.tea.state.tx.us/
Program Contact Information
For information about the SMP please visit: http://www.squaremeals.org/Programs/SpecialMilkProgram.aspx
For additional information or questions regarding the SMP email:
smp@dhs.state.tx.us
For SMP forms, go to: http://www.squaremeals.org/Programs/SpecialMilkProgram/SMPAdministrationampForms.aspx
Updated 12-21-11
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Texas Summer Food Service
Managing Agency Texas http://www.state.tx.us
Program Description
The SFSP provides free, nutritious meals to children who might otherwise go hungry when the school year has ended or is closed. The meals are usually provided along with educational or recreational activities. The program reimburses contractors who serve meals that meet certain nutritional standards to children.
General Program Requirements
There are no eligibility requirements for children eating at open feeding sites in geographic areas where 50% or more of the local children are eligible for free or reduced-price meals in the National School Lunch/School Breakfast Programs. However, there are three additional types of sites that may be operated: (1) An Enrolled site where at least half of the enrolled children must be eligible for free or reduced price school meals; (2) A Residential summer camp that offers regularly scheduled food services as part of it’s organized programs for enrolled children; and (3) A nonresidential day camp that offers cultural or recreational programs for enrolled children between meal services.
Your Next Steps
The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
To apply for your state’s child nutrition program, please visit the following website:
http://wgisprd.tea.state.tx.us/SDL/
Program Contact Information
For information about the Texas Summer Food Service Program please visit: http://www.squaremeals.org/Programs/SummerFeedingPrograms.aspx
Updated 12-21-11
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Festivals and Fun Times:
Texas, Mineral Wells
Mineral Wells Rodeo
Dates: May 9, 2012 – May 12, 2012
Location:
Mineral Wells, TX
Palo Pinto County
Texas, Crystal Beach
TTexas Crab Festiva
Dates: May 11, 2012 – May 13, 2012
Location: Gregory Park
Bolivar Peninsula
Crystal Beach, TX
Galveston County
Texas, Dallas
Miranda Lambert
Miranda Lambert Dates: May 12, 2012 – May 12, 2012
Location: Gexa Energy Pavilion
Dallas, TX
Dallas County
Event Hours: 7:30pm
Texas, Crockett
PRCA Rodeo Crockett
Dates: May 12, 2012 – May 14, 2012
Location:
Crockett, TX
Houston County
Texas, Jacksonville
Tops in Texas
Dates: May 16, 2012 – May 19, 2012
Location:
Jacksonville, TX
Cherokee County
Texas, Santa Rosa
Santa Rosa Roundup
Dates: May 16, 2012 – May 19, 2012
Location:
Santa Rosa, TX
Cameron County
Texas, Pasedena
Pasadena Strawberry Show
Dates: May 18, 2012 – May 20, 2012
Location:
7603 Red Bluff Rd
Pasedena, TX
Harris County
Phone Number: 281-991-9500
Description: Parade on the 12th
Texas, Livingston
Livingston Trade Days
Dates: May 18, 2012 – May 20, 2012
Location: Pedigo Park
Livingston, TX
Polk County
Event Hours: Friday & Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m
Directions: located just 2/10 mile off the 59 corridor
Texas, Grapevine
Main Street Days
Dates: May 18, 2012 – May 20, 2012
Location:
Grapevine, TX
Tarrant County
Description: Grab a slice of summer fun at Main Street Days, the official kick-off to summertime in Grapevine. Taste the international wines, craft beers and pizza pies. Dine at the Pizza Piazza, dance to non-stop entertainment, seek out your favorite festival food a
Texas, Paris
The Best of Lamar County BBQ Cook-Off
Dates: May 19, 2012 – May 19, 2012
Location:
Paris, TX
Lamar County
Texas, Fort Worth
Dierks Bentley
Dates: May 25, 2012 – May 25, 2012
Location: Billy Bob’s
Fort Worth, TX
Tarrant County
Event Hours: 10:30pm
Texas, New Caney
Sankey Rodeo School
Dates: May 26, 2012 – May 28, 2012
Location:
New Caney, TX
Montgomery County
Texas, Austin
Jimmy Buffet
Jimmy Buffet Dates: May 30, 2012 – May 30, 2012
Location: Moody Theatre
Austin, TX
Travis County
Event Hours: 6:30pm
Texas, Spring
Jimmy Buffet
Jimmy Buffet Dates: June 2, 2012 – June 2, 2012
Location: Woodlands Pavilion
Spring, TX
Montgomery County
Event Hours: 8pm
Texas, Nacogdoces
Nacogdoches Black Rodeo
Dates: June 2, 2012 – June 2, 2012
Location: Nacogdoches Expo Center
Nacogdoces, TX
Nacogdoches County
Texas, San Antonio
Texas Folklife Festival
Dates: June 8, 2012 – June 10, 2012
Location: UTSA HemisFair Park Campus
San Antonio, TX
Bexar County
Phone Number: 210-458-2224
Second Phone Number: 210-458-2390
Ticket Info: 210-458-2259
Texas, Van Zandt
Van Zandt County Fair and Rodeo
Dates: June 8, 2012 – June 12, 2012
Location:
Van Zandt, TX
Van Zandt County
Phone Number: 903.567.4149
Texas, Arlington
Kenny Chesney with Tim McGraw
Kenny Chesney Dates: June 9, 2012 – June 9, 2012
Location: Cowboys Stadium
Arlington, TX
Tarrant County
Event Hours: 4:30pm
Texas, New Braunfels
Dierks Bentley w/ Hayes Carll
Dates: June 15, 2012 – June 15, 2012
Location: Whitewater On The Horseshoe
New Braunfels, TX
Comal County
Event Hours: 7:30pm
Texas, Spring
Dierks Bentley
Dates: June 16, 2012 – June 16, 2012
Location: Woodlands Pavilion
Spring, TX
Montgomery County
Event Hours: 7pm
Texas, Athens
Athens Black Rodeo
Dates: June 16, 2012 – June 16, 2012
Location: Athens Rodeo Arena
Athens, TX
Henderson County
Texas, Longview
Juneteenth Black Rodeo
Dates: June 23, 2012 – June 23, 2012
Location: Longview Fairgrounds
Longview, TX
Gregg County
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Texas Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP)
Managing Agency Texas
http://www.state.tx.us
Program Description
The CEAP addresses the needs of the Texas household in developing goals for self-sufficiency through case
management, education and a co-payment utility plan (which financially assists with up to 12 months of utility
bills). It provides relief to those low income elderly and/or disabled households most vulnerable to the high cost
of energy for home heating and cooling from fluctuations in energy costs by providing financial assistance,
paying up to four of the highest bills during the year. Furthermore, it provides assistance in an energy-related
crisis or during severe weather or supply shortages. Finally, CEAP can replace, repair and/or retrofit inefficient
heating and/or cooling systems for eligible applicants.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the state of Texas, you must need
financial assistance for home energy costs and your household’s annual income before taxes must not exceed
$21,660 if one person lives in the household; $29,140 if two people live in the household; $36,620 if three
people live in the household; $44,100 if four people live in the household; $51,580 if five people live in the
household; $59,060 if six people live in the household; $66,540 if seven people live in the household; and
$74,020 if eight people live in the household. For larger households, add $7,480 for each additional person in
the home.
Your Next Steps
The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
To apply for services, you must contact the local subrecipient to obtain an application. Call TDHCA’s toll free
line at 1-877-399-8939 (from a land line-not a cell phone) or download the CEAP service provider list (PDF) to
locate the local CEAP subrecipient nearest you:
http://www.tdhca.state.tx.us/ea/docs/11-CEAPSubrecipients.pdf
Program Contact Information
Download the service provider list (pdf) to locate the local CEAP service provider nearest you:
http://www.tdhca.state.tx.us/ea/docs/11-CEAPSubrecipients.pdf
If you have any questions, you can call the Texas’ Department of Housing and Community Affairs energy
assistance section, Monday through Friday between 8 am and 5 pm at:
1-877-399-8939
For more information, please visit:
http://www.tdhca.state.tx.us/ea/index.htm
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Find information about programs and services for children and adults with disabilities. Includes personal and home health care, assisted living, making your home accessible and support for caregivers.
For more information visit this link: http://www.disability.gov/state/texas/community_life
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Promotes the creative power in people with disabilities by working with all community members to facilitate full access to the cultural and educational arts. Offers programs, events and services in education, cultural access and inclusive arts, professional development and performances, exhibits and special events.
For more information visit this link: http://www.disability.gov/state/texas/community_life
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Provides training, site visits and on-farm assessments to farmers or ranchers with disabilities. Technical assistance offered includes guidance on making a farm accessible and modifying or adapting agricultural operations, buildings, equipment and tools to accommodate a variety of disabilities.
For more information visit this link: http://www.disability.gov/state/texas/employment
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Offers people with mobility impairments the opportunity to learn the skills necessary to fully enjoy the outdoors. Activities include fishing, boating and hunting.
For more information visit this link: http://www.disability.gov/state/texas/community_life
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Program Description
The Texas Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a nutrition program that helps pregnant
women, new mothers, and young children eat well, learn about nutrition, and stay healthy. Nutrition education and counseling,
nutritious foods, and assistance with access to health care are provided to low-income women, infants, and children through the
Special Supplemental Nutrition Program, popularly known as WIC.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the state of Texas, pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum
woman, infant or child up to five years of age and: (1) are individually determined by a health professional to be at nutrition risk; and,
(2) meet an income standard, or are determined automatically income eligible. A person who participates or has family members
who participate in certain other benefit programs, such as the Food Stamp Program, Medicaid or Temporary Assistance for Needy
Families, automatically meets the income eligibility requirement.
Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
To apply, set up an appointment at the WIC clinic closest to you:
http://txhealth.ziplocator.com/
Program Contact Information
For more information on WIC, please visit the Texas Department of Health at:
http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/wichd/default.shtm
Please see the following website for the income standard or maximum income limit for WIC eligibility:
http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/howtoapply/incomeguidelines.htm
For more information and eligibility requirements, visit:
http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/wichd/gi/eligible.shtm
To apply for WIC, you can call toll-free:
800-942-3678
Managing Agency
Department of Health (TX)
http://www.state.tx.us
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Program Description
Many Texans have trouble making ends meet each month. After paying for rent, utilities, transportation, and child care, there’s often
little left over to buy nutritious food. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Each month, hundreds of thousands of families across the
state turn to the Texas Department of Human Services (DHS) to receive help in the form of food stamps to help feed their families.
Read on to learn how you can receive help if you qualify.
The Food Stamp program is a Federally funded program that helps low-income families buy nutritious food from local food stores.
Food stamp assistance is available to qualifying families, elderly people, and single adults. Applicants must reside in Texas, and
must apply in the county in which they reside.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) establishes all eligibility and certification policies. Your eligibility for benefits
will depend on your situation on the following criteria:
1. Residence
2. Citizenship
3. Employment Services
4. Work Requirement (for individuals age 18-50)
5. Resources
6. Income
7. Social Security Numbers
While GovBenefits.gov has the ability to pre-screen your eligibility at a high-level, you must work with your local county Department
of Human Services (DHS) office to confirm your eligibility. To do this, you will need to apply for benefits and participate in an in
person/by phone interview.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Texas and fall into one of two groups: (1) those with
a current bank balance (savings and checking combined) under $2,001, or (2) those with a current bank balance (savings and
checking combined) under $3,001 who share their household with a person or persons age 60 and over, or with a person with a
disability (a child, your spouse, a parent, or yourself). For either group, you must also have an annual household income of less than
$16,848 if one person lives in the household; $22,596 if two people live in the household; $28,332 if three people live in the household;
$34,080 if four people live in the household; $39,816 if five people live in the household; $45,564 if six people live in the household;
$51,300 if seven people live in the household; or $57,048 if more than seven people live in the household.
Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
For more information, see the Program Contact Information below.
Program Contact Information
To apply for benefits, you can go to your local DHS office. Click here to find the office nearest you:
https://www.yourtexasbenefits.com/wps/themes/html/SSPortal/officeLocator/re…
For further information about the Texas Food Stamp program, read our Frequently Asked Questions page on our Web site at:
http://www.hhsc.state.tx.us/providers/LoneStar/EBT/EBThowto.html
More detailed information about eligibility requirements may be found on our Web site at:
http://www.hhsc.state.tx.us/programs/FoodStamps/estimator/index.html
Managing Agency
Texas
http://www.state.tx.us
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Program Description
The Texas Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Division administers the National School Lunch (NSLP) and School
Breakfast Programs (SBP) for Public Schools. The goal of the NSLP and SBP is to safeguard the health and well being of school
children by establishing good eating habits through the availability of adequate food. Public and nonprofit schools, residential child
care institutions, juvenile correctional institutions, and boarding schools may participate in these programs.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Texas and a parent or primary caregiver
responsible for a child(ren) who attends school (high school or under). Those who qualify must also have an annual household
income before taxes that must not exceed $26,955 if two people live in the household; $33,874 if three people live in the household;
$40,793 if four people live in the household; $47,712 if five people live in the household; $54,631 if six people live in the household;
$61,550 if seven people live in the household; $68,469 if eight people live in the household; and $75,388 if more than eight people live
in the household. For larger households, add $6,919 for each additional person in the home.
Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
To apply for free or reduced price meals, contact your child’s school. A listing of your state’s schools can be found here:
http://deleon.tea.state.tx.us/SDL/Forms/
Program Contact Information
For additional information on the programs, please visit:
http://netx.squaremeals.com/snp/index.html
For more information regarding the programs, please call toll-free:
888 TEX-KIDS
Or
512 463-2076
Or send an e-mail to:
nslp@dhs.state.tx.us
You can also contact your child’s school to find out what meals are served and how to apply for free or reduced price school meals.
Managing Agency
Texas
http://www.state.tx.us
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The Texas Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) provides funds to the States to assist with the weatherization of the homes of
low-income elderly and disabled adults and families. The program is administered through contracts with an established network of
19 non-profit agencies and local governments experienced in providing weatherization services. WAP services are available in all 95
counties. Applicants must meet low-income eligibility guidelines based on established Federal poverty guidelines. Activities include:
insulation, storm windows, caulking, and other related activities to reduce home energy costs and increase home energy efficiency.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Texas, your household’s annual income before
taxes must not exceed $13,537 if one person lives in the household; $18,212 if two people live in the household; $22,887 if three
people live in the household; $27,562 if four people live in the household; $32,237 if five people live in the household; $36,912 if six
people live in the household; $41,587 if seven people live in the household; and $46,262 if eight people live in the household. For
larger households, add $3,740 for each additional person in the home.
Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
To apply for this program, please contact your local administering agency at the following location:
http://www.tdhca.state.tx.us/assist_repair.htm
Program Contact Information
For more information on Texas WAP, please visit:
http://www.tdhca.state.tx.us/ea/wap.htm
To speak with State representatives about the program call the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs main
switchboard at:
512-475-3800
E-mail inquiries about the program can be sent to:
info@tdhca.state.tx.us
Managing Agency
Texas
http://www.state.tx.us
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