Collin County assistance programs

Grants for utility bills

The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs Funds is providing almost $5 million to the local community action agency. If you need help with paying your energy bills, contact Community Services Inc. They have several offices in the region, but they are located in Corsicana and they provide help with paying energy bills for low-income residents living in Anderson, Collin, and other local counties and cities. Contact the local Community action agency at (903) 872-2401.

The funding is being awarded to Community Services as part of the state of Texas Department’s Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program, which is a utility co-payment assistance program that also helps eligible households, including low to moderate income, as well as elderly, better manage their energy consumption for a safe, affordable environment. The program begin in January, and funding is provided each year.

The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs assists over 68,000 people each and every year, and they are mostly low-income Texans through CEAP services. It provides grants to help people pay their bills, and other services to help them reduce their energy usage. They can also refer people to other local charities and aid organizations.

Financial Assistance

A local agency, Allen Community Outreach, administers free services and several assistance programs that will help families when they are facing a short term hardship or in times of emergency. The types of assistance they can provide is extensive, including money to pay rent and utility bills, free food, clothing and more. Find examples of some of their services.

• They run a food distribution center, known as the Allen Food Pantry, that provides free groceries and food vouchers to those struggling to provide for their families.
• Household items, clothes, and other items are provided. Get winter coats, school clothes and shoes, and much more.
• A program known as care and share provides such essential items as diapers, personal hygiene items,  paper products, toiletries and other essentials.

Contact the outreach program at 972-727-9131.

Another option that may be able to help is the Assistance Center of Collin County. phone 972-422-1850. They can offer low income and other qualified applicants with emergency medicine and access to medical and social services, free food, shelter, and clothing. They can also refer people to other Texas and federal government programs, as well as local charities.

Job Placement and Counseling

If you have recently lost your job or had a reduction in income, Allen Community Outreach may be able to help here as well. Counselors will work with people trying to find a job, and the agency also keeps an updated job bank featuring current listings of employment opportunities in Collin County Texas. The job finding program is a collaborative effort with North Texas Work Force in Plano and McKinney has been developed to give individual assistance in finding employment. Contact ACO at the number above to find job help. (972) 727-9131.

Debt Help

If you have recently received some type of assistance for paying your rent or other bills,  Consumer Credit Counseling Services of McKinney ((972) 542-0257) offers financial classes and debt reduction programs for local families and individuals. Learn more about debt help programs.

The consumer credit agency will provide budgeting skills as well as financial education for families with proper tools to budget, save money, reduce their credit card and medical debt and prioritize financial needs.