How to Find Help for the Poor in Houston, Texas

Houston has a number of services to help the poor.

Whether it's a tough economy, a natural disaster such as a hurricane or just a temporary rough patch in your life, you may find yourself unable to meet the expenses for basic necessities. When you live in Houston, Texas, and this happens, you can find help from a number of different organizations.

Instructions

1. Find help in Houston, Texas, by contacting the Houston Charity Center, a nonprofit organization that helps local needy families. Apply online by selecting the Food-Clothes-Housewares section. Fill out the form in its entirety.

2. Expect to answer three questions. First, describe your situation. Second, explain what led to your current situation. Third, describe how the organization can verify your situation. You may be asked for paycheck stubs or tax returns. Individuals in real need may apply for food, clothes or furniture.

3. List the name and age of each member living at your residence. Additionally, outline what steps you're taking to remedy your situation and submit your application.

4. Contact the Houston Food Bank at 535 Portwall Street, Houston, Texas 77029. The organization has a network of agencies comprised of soup kitchens, food pantries and shelters.

5. Take advantage of services such as Socialserve. Poor individuals or families residing in Houston, Texas, may use the site to find affordable housing and other resources.

6. Check the free section on craigslist under Houston or visit the site for Freecycle, a Yahoo group. Residents often list free items that needy persons can pick up.

7. Visit the website or directly contact the Health and Human Services Department for Houston. The department can help with health issues and direct you to a number of other agencies, including the Area Agency on Aging and the Women, Infants and Children, or WIC, program.

Tips & Warnings

• Most Houston charity organizations have bilingual volunteers.

References

• City of Houston: Health and Human Services
• Houston Food Bank: Home
• Charities of Houston: Home
• Social Serve: Affordable Housing