Tarrant County assistance programs.

Food assistance

Dozens of churches in Tarrant County, known as the North East Emergency Distribution West (N.E.E.D. West), serve as the emergency aid arm for a coalition of about 40 churches in Northeast Tarrant County. The charity organization N.E.E.D. West serves people in North Richland Hills, Haltom City, Richland Hills, Watauga and Fort Worth’s Riverside area, is among one of the numerous charities helping people during this difficult recession. Dial 817.759.1506.

Another aid organization in Tarrant County that provides food assistance is the Tarrant Area Food Bank’s. They help residents and provide meals, and they partner with other pantries. Just from January through May 2009 they have assisted almost 21 percent more families than the number served during the same period in 2008.

St. Andrew Catholic Church is another local pantry, which is tucked among affluent and working-class neighborhoods. The pantry has been used by people who were once donors, which shows just how great the need of people is today.

The Inasmuch pantry in Azle, has been guiding people to apply for food stamps. This local charity is currently providing food to about 67 families in the area, which is about 50% more than last year.

Rent Assistance

A local non profit agency located in Fort Worth, Keller Community Storehouse (817-431-3340), offers grants that can be used to pay rent, utility bills, security deposits, and more. The grant was funded with federal government stimulus dollars, and it is part of the governments Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Rehousing Program. This program was created to provide various types of housing assistance, and funds are even able to be used to help people who are currently homeless.

Applicants for rent help are coming from Tarrant, Wise and Denton counties. The federal government grant money can be used to pay for rental assistance for three to 18 months. In addition, money can also be used to pay for security and utility deposits as well as some moving costs, according to the state of Texas.

An eviction prevention program is run by the Catholic Charities of Fort Worth. They administer the Homeless Prevention and Rapid Rehousing Program, which can provide up to 18 months of rent assistance, as well as funds for energy bills and security deposits. Call them at (817) 274-2560 to learn more about the housing programs.

Financial assistance to pay rent, electric, water, gas and other basic utilities

Catholic Charities has several programs for Forth Worth Texas families. They can be reached at (817) 534-0814. Last year they gave financial assistance to 1,900 families last year. Much of the help they provided was focused on helping people pay rent, electric, gas, heating, water and other basic utility bills. The number of people assisted has increased by about 30% from previous years. It is important to note that Catholic Charities is also the largest assistance provider in Tarrant County besides the county itself,

In addition to direct cash grants, Catholic Charities has  also developed financial education and literacy programs. So not only can people receive the help (in the form of cash funds) that they need to keep their heat on or to pay their rent, but the financial literacy program can also help people learn about how to fix other problems that might be contributing to their financial situation. For example, they provide credit counseling, tips on how to improve credit scores, ways to get out of credit card and medical debt, and other advice. The programs are intended to help people avoid similar situations in the future, and overall ensure they become self-sufficient over the long term.

Some local churches that can provide financial assistance include the Church on Rush Creek ((817) 468-7729), Henderson Street Baptist Church (817-645-7881), Broadway Baptist Center ((817) 336-7464), Northwest Christian Community Center (817-491-4451), Arlington Urban Ministries ((817) 861-8585), Christian Connection ((817) 283-1908). All of these churches can provide aid that ranges from free food, to funding for rent, utility bills, medicines, car repairs, and more. Funding is usually limited.

Foreclosure and Mortgage Assistance Programs

Thousands of local Tarrant County homeowners need help with making their monthly mortgage payments. There are agencies that do offer foreclosure help, counseling, and information on various programs and resources that borrowers can take advantage of. The Housing Opportunities of Fort Worth, which can be reached at (817) 923-9192, provides counseling and services to delinquent homeowners who need help with  mortgage payments and who are at risk of foreclosure on their homes. Tarrant County Housing Partnership Inc (817) 924-5091 also offers several different foreclosure assistance programs for at risk homeowners.

Assistance from the Arlington Texas Salvation Army

The Arlington branch of the Salvation Army has several resources and services for those who need help. The main office is located at 712 W. Abram, Arlington, Texas, and phone is (817) 860-1836. The resources include:

Rent Assistance and Eviction Prevention: The Home Sweet Home Program can help prevent evictions and homelessness. The homelessness prevention program will help those people who are on the verge of being evicted and losing everything. Funds and counseling may be available to help people in their homes and apartments, and resources are also available to improve the way they handle finances in order to prevent future crises or evictions.

They also offer emergency assistance. This is aid that is available people who have lost their jobs, had a reduction in income, and for the the thousands of low income and working poor who are employed but still living in poverty. The Salvation Army provides several programs and emergency assistance to help get families through a short term crisis situation.

Currently, almost 600 families get assistance each and every month. They may receive food assistance in the form of food bags or grocery vouchers, help paying for and securing prescription medications, free school clothing for their school age children, and financial assistance and cash grants to help pay rent and utility bills.