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Assistance programs in Denton County, TX
Denton County is home to one of the most active nonprofit networks in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Residents of Denton, Lewisville, Frisco, The Colony, Roanoke, and surrounding communities can access emergency financial assistance programs. This page covers food programs, utility assistance, housing resources, debt counseling and more through a combination of faith-based nonprofits, community action agencies, and local government programs.
The county's largest multi-service nonprofits — Christian Community Action and the Salvation Army — serve thousands of families annually. Interfaith Ministries of Denton is the primary source of emergency utility and prescription help in northern Denton County. Our Daily Bread operates the county's main community shelter and meal program. Giving HOPE Inc. leads homeless prevention and transitional housing work.
Start Here — Find Help Fast
- Emergency utilities & prescriptions (N. Denton County): Interfaith Ministries of Denton — (940) 565-5479
- Rent help, hood, financial aid & senior services (S. Denton Co.): Christian Community Action — (972) 221-1224. Also see the page about Denton County rental assistance programs.
- Emergency shelter, meals & social services: Salvation Army Denton — (940) 566-3800
- Community shelter & meals (open 365 days): Our Daily Bread — (940) 566-1308
- Homeless prevention & transitional housing: Giving HOPE, Inc. — (940) 382-0609
- Domestic violence shelter & crisis hotline: Denton County Friends of the Family — (940) 382-7273
- Food pantry programs — N. Denton County (by appointment): Denton Community Food Center — (940) 382-0807. Locate other free food banks and food pantries in Denton County.
- Frisco & Frisco ISD residents (food & financial aid): Frisco Family Services — (972) 335-9495
- SNAP, Medicaid & state benefits (Texas): Texas HHSC — 2-1-1 or 1-877-541-7905
- Don't know where to start? Dial 2-1-1 — free, available around the clock.
Emergency Assistance & Broad Crisis Services
Start here if you are facing an immediate crisis with rent, utilities, food, or basic household needs.
Interfaith Ministries of Denton (IFM)
Interfaith Ministries of Denton is the primary emergency assistance resource for residents of northern Denton County. Founded in 1992 and supported by area faith communities and the United Way of Denton County, IFM serves more than 3,000 people per year. Its mission is focused on short-term help for people facing a documented crisis — sudden job loss, unexpected medical expenses, or another event that created an immediate need through no fault of the individual. Services include:
- Utility assistance: Help with Denton Municipal Electric, Atmos (gas), and TXU electric bills. For CoServe customers, residents should contact the Texoma Council of Governments at (903) 893-2161, ext. 3541.
- Prescription and medical supply assistance.
- Transportation assistance: Help with getting to work, medical appointments, or other critical needs.
- Diapers and wipes: Available up to six times per year per household — one of the few local organizations offering this resource.
- Hygiene and cleaning supply pantry.
- Vital records assistance: Help obtaining birth certificates and other identity documents.
- Eye exams and glasses: IFM coordinates adult and child eye care for qualifying clients.
- Budget and foreclosure counseling: Available on a limited basis for clients working toward long-term financial stability.
IFM serves residents of Denton, Sanger, Krum, Ponder, Corinth, Lake Dallas, Aubrey, Cross Roads, Oak Point, Shady Shores, Krugerville, Little Elm, Paloma Creek, and Providence Village. For Denton Municipal Utilities customers, the service area is broader. Documentation of the crisis and proof of income are required. An online screening form is available on the IFM website. Contact: (940) 565-5479 | 1109 N. Elm St., Denton, TX 76201. https://www.ifmdenton.org/.
Christian Community Action (CCA) Est. 1973
Headquartered in Lewisville and serving the southern portion of Denton County, Christian Community Action is one of the largest nonprofits in the region fighting poverty. Operating since 1973, CCA provides comprehensive services to more than 12,000 individuals and families each year. CCA's service area is defined by school district boundaries and includes: Argyle ISD, Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD (Denton County portion), Coppell ISD, Frisco ISD, Lake Dallas ISD, Lewisville ISD, Little Elm ISD, and Northwest ISD. Programs include:
- Food Pantry: The largest client-choice food pantry in Denton County. Clients select their own groceries — fresh produce, proteins, dairy, hygiene products, and household items — in a grocery store format that preserves dignity.
- Emergency Financial Assistance: Help with rent to prevent eviction, and utility bills to prevent disconnection. CCA requires clients to first become participants in a Family Service Program before receiving financial assistance. Walk-in applications for financial aid alone are not accepted. Financial assistance requests reopen periodically; call or check the website for current availability.
- Education and Empowerment: One-on-one financial coaching, GED and ESL classes, job readiness training, and access to financial tools for long-term self-sufficiency.
- Children's Programs: Kids Eat Free (summer meals), back-to-school supplies, and a Christmas program providing gifts and supplies to children in need.
- Senior Services: Transportation assistance, meal delivery, and other support to help seniors remain independent.
- Spiritual Care and Professional Counseling: Licensed counseling for individuals navigating personal and financial hardship.
Contact (972) 221-1224 | 200 S. Mill Street, Lewisville, TX 75057. https://www.ccahelps.org/.
The Salvation Army — Denton Corps Est. 1865
The Salvation Army's Denton location functions as an emergency night shelter, food pantry, social service center, soup kitchen, and church — operating every day of the year, including holidays. It addresses the needs of individuals experiencing homelessness and food insecurity, as well as the working poor of Denton County. Programs include:
- Emergency night shelter: Open year-round. Check-in generally begins in the late afternoon. Shelter serves adults experiencing homelessness.
- K.A.R.E. Kitchen: Free dinner served nightly to anyone in the community, 365 days a year.
- Food pantry: Free food boxes with fresh produce and canned goods distributed to Denton County residents several times weekly. Call ahead for current schedule.
- Social services / case management: Emergency financial help for rent, water bills, and work-related costs such as gas and clothing. Case managers also connect families with SNAP, TANF, and other government programs.
- Cooling station: Open on weekdays when heat index reaches extreme levels during summer months.
- Seasonal programs: Angel Tree Christmas gifts for children, Adopt-a-Family, and back-to-school supply distribution.
- Substance abuse recovery support: Referrals and coordination for recovery programs.
Contact: (940) 566-3800 | 1508 E. McKinney Street, Denton, TX 76209. https://salvationarmyntx.org/north-texas/denton/.
Community Services, Inc. (CSI) — Denton County Office
Community Services, Inc. is a regional community action agency headquartered in Corsicana that serves Denton County through a local outreach office. CSI focuses on helping low-income individuals and families develop stability and self-sufficiency through a mix of direct assistance and referrals.
Services in Denton County may include case management, tuition assistance, employment support, limited rental assistance, and referrals to community partners. CSI also administers the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG), which provides flexible emergency assistance for qualifying households facing poverty. Weatherization services and information on government benefit programs are also available. Call for an appointment first. Contact: 1-800-831-9929 | 306 N. Loop 288, Suite 105, Denton, TX 76209. https://www.csicorsicana.org/
Giving Grace (formed by the merger of Giving HOPE Inc., est. 1986, and Grace Like Rain, est. 2016)
Giving Grace is the result of a formal merger between two Denton County nonprofits — Giving HOPE Inc., which had served the community since 1986, and Grace Like Rain, founded in 2016. Together they now operate as a single organization focused on empowering families with pathways from homelessness to stable, healthy living. The organization holds ECFA accreditation and a Platinum Candid/GuideStar seal. Programs include:
- Homelessness Prevention: Case management for individuals and families at immediate risk of losing housing, helping them explore available resources and options before a crisis becomes displacement.
- Rapid Rehousing: Short-term financial assistance and housing-focused case management to help people exit homelessness quickly and stabilize in permanent housing.
- Permanent Supportive Housing: Long-term housing support for individuals with complex needs who require ongoing services to maintain stability.
- Street Outreach: Staff reach individuals in encampments and other locations not meant for human habitation to make contact, assess needs, and connect people to services.
- Rise with Grace Case Management: Wraparound support for families in crisis, addressing barriers related to housing, transportation, and childcare alongside life skills training and financial stability planning.
- Emergency and Transitional Shelter: Includes the Wheeler House, a transitional home for single mothers and children experiencing homelessness.
Giving Grace serves as a Front Door agency for the Texas Balance of State Continuum of Care, meaning residents can access Coordinated Entry services and be matched to appropriate housing interventions through this organization. To request services, complete the Request for Service form on the Giving Grace website before calling or emailing. Contact (940) 382-0609 | [email protected] | 1302 Teasley Ln, Denton, TX 76205. https://www.givinggrace.org/.
Society of Saint Vincent de Paul — Denton County
The local SVDP conferences serve residents across Denton County through person-to-person assistance, typically arranged through a home visit by trained volunteers. Assistance is provided regardless of faith or background.
Programs may include emergency financial help with rent, utility bills, mortgages, and transportation. Prescription medication vouchers and medical assistance may also be available. SVDP operates low-cost thrift stores and may offer microloans to help clients pay off high-cost debt. Contact the local conference directly to confirm current services and schedule a home visit. See the NHPB guide to St. Vicnent de Paul Denton County.
Our Daily Bread — Denton Community Shelter
Our Daily Bread operates Denton's primary community shelter and meal program, open 365 days a year. With support from more than 2,000 volunteers who collectively donate tens of thousands of hours annually, the shelter provides food, overnight shelter, and comprehensive wraparound services to more than 300 people per day. Services include:
- Overnight shelter: Open seven nights a week for individuals experiencing homelessness. New check-in generally begins in the early evening.
- Daily meals: Free breakfast, lunch, and dinner served to anyone in the community every day of the year.
- Case management: One-on-one support helping guests identify needs, create a path forward, and connect with community resources.
- Health clinic: On-site medical care provided in partnership with clinical professionals.
- SNAP and Medicaid application assistance: Staff help guests apply for food assistance and health coverage.
- Employment and life skills: Volunteer-led programs in resume writing, job readiness, budgeting, and other skills to promote independent living.
- Hygiene items and weekend snack packs.
Contact: (940) 566-1308 | 909 N. Loop 288, Denton, TX 76209. https://www.ourdailybreaddenton.org/
Northwest Christian Community Services — Roanoke
This volunteer-driven nonprofit in Roanoke serves residents of the northwest Denton County area with food, clothing, household items, and limited financial assistance. The organization assists an average of several dozen families monthly, with a particular focus on senior citizens and veterans. A Christmas food and gift program is offered annually. Call ahead to confirm current services and hours. Contact (817) 491-4451 | 108 Pecan Street, Roanoke, TX 76262. Call to confirm current hours and whether an appointment is needed before visiting.
Denton County Friends of the Family (DCFOF) Est. 1980 - Domestic Abuse Help
Denton County Friends of the Family is the sole provider in Denton County of shelter and free outreach services for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. Founded in 1980, DCFOF has grown into a comprehensive agency serving thousands of adults and children each year.
A 24-hour crisis hotline is available every day of the year for anyone seeking immediate help, safety planning, or information. All services are free and confidential. The shelter location is kept confidential to protect residents' safety — contact the hotline or outreach office to begin the intake process. Programs include:
- Emergency confidential shelter for survivors and their children
- Transitional housing after exiting emergency shelter
- Individual and group counseling, including play therapy for children
- Legal advocacy and court accompaniment; licensed attorney on staff
- Assistance with Protective Orders and Emergency Temporary Protective Orders — available 24/7 through the crisis line
Basic needs support including food, toiletries, transportation help, and medication assistance
- Pet shelter partnership — pets can be housed offsite while survivors seek safety
- Community education and prevention programs
DCFOF is planning a major Family Justice Center campus in Denton that will centralize multiple agencies and services for survivors. Call ahead for current locations and intake. 24-hour crisis hotline: (940) 382-7273 or 1-800-572-4031. Outreach office: (940) 387-5131 | 4845 S. I-35E, Suite 200, Corinth, TX 76210. https://dcfof.org/
Frisco & Southern Denton County
Frisco Family Services
Frisco Family Services (formerly Frisco Family Services Center) has served the Frisco and Frisco ISD community for more than 30 years. It is the only community-based food source in Frisco and the primary emergency assistance provider for that area. Services are limited to residents of Frisco or the Frisco ISD boundaries. Programs include:
- FFS Market: A grocery store-style food pantry where clients choose their own food at no cost. In-person shopping, online ordering through Market Express, and a Mobile Market home delivery service for homebound clients are all available.
- Emergency Financial Assistance: Help keeping families in their homes and utilities connected. May also cover prescription medication and other critical needs. Clients must complete an intake with a case manager to determine eligibility.
- Adult Life Skills classes: Workshops on interviewing, budgeting, resume writing, parenting, and nutrition.
- Seasonal programs: Thanksgiving food program, back-to-school fair, and holiday gift program.
- Frisco Resale: An upscale resale shop selling gently used furniture, clothing, and household goods; proceeds support FFS programs.
Contact (972) 335-9495 | 9125 Dogwood St., Suite 100, Frisco, TX 75033. https://friscofamilyservices.org/
Metro Relief — The Colony
Metro Relief is a faith-based nonprofit serving The Colony and surrounding communities with groceries, clothing, job skills training, and recovery resources. The organization works with homeless individuals, those in addiction recovery, and low-income families. Call ahead to confirm current service availability and intake procedures. Contact 5201 S. Colony Blvd., Suites 545 and 650, The Colony, TX 75056. https://www.metrorelief.org/
Food Assistance
The Salvation Army and Christian Community Action also operate significant food programs — see their entries above under Emergency Assistance.
Denton Community Food Center Est. 1974
Founded in 1974, the Denton Community Food Center provides emergency grocery assistance to income-qualifying residents of northern Denton County. The pantry operates by appointment. Clients choose their own groceries — including fresh items — and may visit up to 12 times per year, no more than once per month. A valid ID and documentation showing current northern Denton County residence are required on the first visit. SNAP cardholders qualify automatically. Contact (940) 382-0807 | 306 N. Loop 288, Suite 400, Denton, TX 76209. https://www.dentoncfc.org/.
State & Government Benefit Programs
Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) — Denton County
Texas HHSC administers the major federal and state benefit programs available to Denton County residents. It is the primary access point for ongoing food, healthcare, and cash assistance. Programs include:
- SNAP (Food Stamps): Monthly food benefits for income-qualifying households. Apply online through YourTexasBenefits.com or in person.
- TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families): Short-term cash assistance for families with dependent children, paired with employment and self-sufficiency planning.
- Medicaid and CHIP: Free or low-cost health coverage for qualifying children, pregnant women, and adults. CHIP covers uninsured children whose families earn too much for Medicaid.
- WIC: Nutritional support and health referrals for pregnant and postpartum women and children up to age five.
Apply through YourTexasBenefits.com, by phone, or at a local HHSC Benefits office. A Denton County office is located at 3612 E. McKinney St., Denton, TX 76209. 1-877-541-7905 (HHSC Benefits) | or dial 2-1-1 for navigation help. https://www.hhs.texas.gov/.
Foreclosure, Debt & Financial Counseling
Consumer Credit Counseling Service of North Central Texas
This nonprofit agency provides HUD-approved foreclosure counseling and nonprofit credit counseling for Denton County residents. Services are available for homeowners struggling with mortgage payments, individuals managing credit card or medical debt, and households seeking to rebuild financial stability. Counselors can advise on debt management plans, foreclosure prevention options, and budgeting strategies. Contact (800) 856-0257. https://www.consumercreditcounseling.org/
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