Nueces County assistance programs.

Help with bills and debts

The Salvation Army offers a wide range of assistance program to residents of Corpus Christi and Nueces County. People needing food, housing or other assistance can stop by the location to find out if the group has funds to offer you. The organization’s all offers a Christmas program that gives gift baskets and provides clothing, toys, and school supplies to Children.

While the demand for assistance has been tremendous with the weak economy, and the amounts of funds they have to offer has been reduced because of this demand, they are still assisting people in need. However instead of trying to help too many people with limited assistance, the Salvation Army has decided to offer better quality assistance to only people in emergency situation.

For information contact the Salvation Army at 884-9497, or stop by 521 Josephine St, in Corpus Christi Texas.

Another place to turn to for aid is the Catholic Charities of Corpus Christi Texas. They offer several resources. Among them is help for emergency situations, housing and HUD approved foreclosure counseling, money and debt management, and other services. Learn more about each, or dial them at 361-884-0651.

• Emergency aid - This component can provide free food, gently used or new clothing, money for paying electric and utility bills, funds for a monthly mortgage payment, rent and security deposit, prescription medications, bus tokens, and other types of financial assistance to persons in need. The program is open to all qualified individuals, regardless of their gender, race, or creed.
• Mortgage and rent counseling - If you are facing a foreclosure of your home or eviction from your apartment, receive access to free HUD approved housing counseling.
• Debt management - Credit counselors will work with an individual and offer budgeting and money management, debt reduction advice, and credit counseling.

The local branch of the Salvation Army may able offer some programs. they offer access to an educational scholarship program, homeless shelters and services, and some critical financial assistance for emergency expenses. (361) 850-1161

Another local non-profit is the Nueces County Community Action Agency, which can be reached at (361) 883-7201. Some of the services they offer include assistance with utility bills from the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP). This utility program may help with the payment of an air conditioning or utility bill, repair or replacement of an appliance or AC unit, or cash grants. They also can from time to time provide rental help, and other housing/mortgage assistance. In addition, people who live in rural parts of the county can gain access to various food programs and resources.

Free debt assistance, and mortgage delinquency services

Consumer Credit Counseling Service of South Texas and Corpus Christi offers various free debt, mortgage, and foreclosure assistance plans. Call them at (361)854-4357 for more information.

• Debt Solver Plan - You will meet with a credit counselor. The service is free. After reviewing your financial situation, the counselor may decide that you are a candidate to purse one of various debt reduction or elimination programs. These plans can resolve medical, credit card, and other debt obligations. Some of the options that they may recommend include debt management plans, settlement, or even consolidation. Click here to learn more.
• Mortgage and foreclosure solutions - This option consists of analyzing the clients personal situation, including their household income, debts and housing issues. Many times a housing counselor from CCCS will receive referrals and loan modification options from lenders and mortgage companies in order to help the client avoid foreclosure of their property.

Medical and vision care

Corpus Christi Metro Ministries ((361) 888-8900) offers qualified residents with access to health and medical care programs. Qualified low income or uninsured patients can get access to primary health care, medication and prescriptions, eye care, exams, and eye glasses.

Driscoll Children's Hospital also runs a charity program that may be able to provide free or reduced pricing medical care to qualified children and/or their families. The United Way has helped fund some of the charity health care plans. (361) 694-6747