Help Now: Houston resources for single parents
You're doing more than you think. Raising kids on your own in Houston is hard, and asking for help is not a weakness, it is a smart move. Every number and link below was checked on the official site, so you can call or click with confidence.
Free single-parent toolkit
Four printable sheets to make the week a little lighter: a monthly budget, a co-parenting handoff checklist and calendar, a cheap-meals planner and a kids’ routine chart for two homes. Print them or fill them in on your phone.
Get the toolkitRight now / crisis
If you or your kids are not safe right now, call 911. For everything else on this list, these lines are open 24/7 and free.
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211 Texas / United Way HELPLINE (Greater Houston)
- Helps with: One call to find food, rent help, utility help, shelter and more. Free, confidential, 24/7.
- Who qualifies: Anyone in Texas. No requirements.
- Phone:
- Website: unitedwayhouston.org
- How to apply: Dial 2-1-1 (or 1-877-541-7905). Text your ZIP code to 898211, or chat at 211texas.org.
- Note: Backup number 1-877-541-7905 confirmed on 211texas.org too.
- Checked October 20, 2026
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988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
- Helps with: Free, 24/7 support if you are overwhelmed, in emotional pain or thinking about suicide.
- Who qualifies: Anyone. You do not have to be in crisis to call.
- Phone:
- Website: 988lifeline.org
- How to apply: Call or text 988. Chat at 988lifeline.org. Spanish text and chat available.
- Checked October 20, 2026
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Houston Area Women's Center (HAWC) 24/7 Hotlines
- Helps with: Domestic violence and sexual assault help: safety planning, emergency shelter, counseling, referrals.
- Who qualifies: Women, men and youth who have experienced domestic or sexual violence, plus worried friends and family. Free, any language.
- Phone:
- Website: hawc.org
- How to apply: Call the Domestic Violence Hotline (713) 528-2121 or 1-800-256-0551. Sexual Assault Hotline (713) 528-7273 or 1-800-256-0661. TTY (346) 295-8994. Live chat at hawc.org.
- Checked October 20, 2026
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The Harris Center 24/7 Crisis and Access Line
- Helps with: Talk to a counselor any time about a mental health crisis. Also the front door to Harris Center services.
- Who qualifies: Anyone in Harris County. Harris Center says it does not deny services for inability to pay.
- Phone:
- Website: www.theharriscenter.org
- How to apply: Call 713-970-7000 (24/7).
- Checked October 20, 2026
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911
- Helps with: Police, fire or medical emergency.
- Who qualifies: Anyone in immediate danger.
- Phone:
- Website: www.houstontx.gov
- How to apply: Call 911. For a mental health emergency, say so and ask for crisis-trained responders (MHA of Greater Houston's suggestion).
- Note: Standard emergency number. HAWC and MHA Houston pages both say to call 911 for immediate danger.
- Checked October 20, 2026
Food
Nobody in your house should go hungry while you wait on paperwork. Start with the food map today and apply for SNAP and WIC the same week.
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Houston Food Bank: Find Food map
- Helps with: Find a free food pantry or meal program near you, with hours.
- Who qualifies: Anyone. Call the pantry first to confirm hours and what to bring.
- Phone:
- Website: www.houstonfoodbank.org
- How to apply: Enter your ZIP code on the Find Food map. Questions: 832-369-9390. Main line 713-223-3700.
- Checked October 20, 2026
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SNAP food benefits (Lone Star Card)
- Helps with: Monthly money for groceries on a Lone Star Card.
- Who qualifies: Low-income households. Texas HHS lists max monthly income of $2,152 for 1 person, $2,909 for 2, $3,665 for 3, $4,421 for 4 (as posted Oct 2026). Most adults 16-59 must meet work rules; caring for a child under 6 can exempt you.
- Phone:
- Website: www.hhs.texas.gov
- How to apply: Apply at YourTexasBenefits.com (website or app). Help by phone: 2-1-1 or 1-877-541-7905.
- Note: Starting April 1, 2026 SNAP can't buy candy or sugary drinks (per HHS page).
- Checked October 20, 2026
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Texas WIC
- Helps with: Free healthy food, formula, breastfeeding help and nutrition support.
- Who qualifies: Pregnant, postpartum or breastfeeding women, infants, and children under 5. If you get Medicaid, SNAP or TANF you already meet WIC's income rule. You must live in Texas; you do not have to be a U.S. citizen.
- Phone:
- Website: texaswic.org
- How to apply: Apply online at texaswic.org/apply or call 800-942-3678 to set an appointment. In Houston, the Houston Health Department runs WIC clinics: 832-393-5427.
- Checked October 20, 2026
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Free school meals (HISD example)
- Helps with: Free breakfast for every HISD student at every campus. Free lunch at most campuses (CEP schools).
- Who qualifies: HISD families. At the few non-CEP schools, fill out a Free/Reduced-Price Meal Application. Other districts have their own pages; ask your school.
- Phone:
- Website: www.houstonisd.org
- How to apply: Ask your school if it is a CEP campus. If not, complete the HISD School Nutrition Meal Application. Questions: 713-491-5944 or eligibilityinfo@houstonisd.org.
- Checked October 20, 2026
Health coverage for kids and parents
Most kids in low-income families qualify for free or low-cost coverage. Parents have options too.
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Children's Medicaid (STAR)
- Helps with: Free health coverage for kids: checkups, dentist, medicine, vaccines, vision, mental health care.
- Who qualifies: Child 18 or younger, Texas resident, U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen, family meets income limits.
- Phone:
- Website: www.hhs.texas.gov
- How to apply: Apply at YourTexasBenefits.com. One application covers Medicaid and CHIP. Help: 2-1-1.
- Checked October 20, 2026
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CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program)
- Helps with: Low-cost coverage for kids whose family earns too much for Medicaid. Enrollment fee $50 or less per family per year; doctor visit co-pays $3-$5 for lower-income families.
- Who qualifies: Child 18 or younger, Texas resident, U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen, family meets CHIP income limits.
- Phone:
- Website: www.hhs.texas.gov
- How to apply: Apply at YourTexasBenefits.com. Enrollment Broker helpline 800-964-2777 for plan questions.
- Note: Apply through YourTexasBenefits; the 800 number is the enrollment broker named on the CHIP page.
- Checked October 20, 2026
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Harris Health Financial Assistance Program
- Helps with: Lower-cost care at Harris Health clinics and hospitals (Ben Taub, LBJ, community clinics). Not free, but discounted. Not insurance.
- Who qualifies: Harris County residents with household income at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level. No fee to apply.
- Phone:
- Website: www.harrishealth.org
- How to apply: Apply online at ola.veritysource.com/harris, by mail, or in person. Eligibility Call Center 713-566-6509, Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Checked October 20, 2026
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Healthy Texas Women
- Helps with: Free women's health care and family planning: exams, screenings, birth control. HTW Plus adds postpartum care for 12 months.
- Who qualifies: Women 18-44 (15-17 with a parent applying), Texas resident, U.S. citizen or qualified immigrant, no health insurance, not pregnant, income under the limit (e.g. $4,649/month for a family of 3, effective March 1, 2026).
- Phone:
- Website: www.healthytexaswomen.org
- How to apply: Apply at YourTexasBenefits.com (desktop), by phone at 2-1-1 (pick language, press 2; Mon-Fri 8-6), by mail/fax, or in person at a participating clinic.
- Checked October 20, 2026
Childcare help
Childcare is usually the biggest bill. These programs can cover most or all of it.
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Workforce Solutions Gulf Coast: Child Care Scholarships (CCS)
- Helps with: Pays most of the cost of child care while you work, train or look for work. Up to 12 months, renewable.
- Who qualifies: Families who meet income and household-size limits, working, in school/training, or job searching. Kids up to 12 (up to 19 with a documented disability).
- Phone:
- Website: www.wrksolutions.com
- How to apply: Call 713-334-5980 or text 346-249-7700 (Mon-Fri 7-5). Apply through the Child Care Scholarship Services Office / KinderConnect. There may be a waitlist when funding is limited.
- Note: Page says families may be placed on a waitlist if funding is limited.
- Checked October 20, 2026
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Head Start & Early Head Start (Harris County Dept. of Education)
- Helps with: Free preschool (ages 3-5) and infant/toddler care (6 weeks-35 months), plus family support.
- Who qualifies: Low-income families in north and east Harris County (HCDE runs 15 Head Start and 5 Early Head Start campuses). Other Head Start providers cover other parts of the county.
- Phone:
- Website: headstart.hcde-texas.org
- How to apply: Pick the campus nearest you on the map, then submit one online application. Staff will call to finish it. Taking applications now for 2026-2027.
- Note: Other Harris County Head Start grantees (e.g. BakerRipley, Gulf Coast Community Services) were not checked tonight.
- Checked October 20, 2026
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Free public Pre-K (Texas)
- Helps with: Free pre-K at your local school district for eligible 3- and 4-year-olds.
- Who qualifies: Child must be 3 or 4 on Sept 1 and meet one condition: family qualifies for free/reduced school lunch, limited English, homeless, parent in active military, child in or ever in foster care, or parent eligible for the Star of Texas Award.
- Phone: (your school district)
- Website: tea.texas.gov
- How to apply: Call or visit your neighborhood elementary school and ask about pre-K enrollment. Enrollment is ongoing.
- Note: No statewide phone number; TEA points families to their district.
- Checked October 20, 2026
Bills & housing
If a bill is late, call the company first and ask for a payment plan. Then call these.
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BakerRipley Utility Assistance (CEAP)
- Helps with: Help paying electricity, gas or propane bills (not water).
- Who qualifies: Harris, Brazoria or Galveston County. Annual income under $23,940 (1 person), $32,460 (2), $40,980 (3), $49,500 (4). One application per household per calendar year.
- Phone:
- Website: bakerripley.org
- How to apply: Online applications are closed right now and expected to reopen Monday, Nov 9, 2026. For an in-person appointment call the hotline 713-590-2327 (November slots open Oct 26).
- Note: TIME-SENSITIVE: applications closed as of Oct 20, 2026; reopening expected Nov 9, 2026.
- Checked October 20, 2026
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Harris County eviction prevention & rental help
- Helps with: Rental assistance for households at risk of eviction, plus free eviction legal help.
- Who qualifies: Harris County residents at risk of eviction or homelessness. Eviction Defense: household income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guideline.
- Phone:
- Website: hcd.harriscountytx.gov
- How to apply: Call 2-1-1 for the Community Resilience Rental Assistance Program. For eviction legal help, the county's provider is Lone Star Legal Aid. Already homeless: Housing Support intake line 832-531-6041, Mon-Fri 9-1.
- Checked October 20, 2026
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City of Houston renters' info
- Helps with: Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8), the Housing & Community Resource Center, and renter resources.
- Who qualifies: Houston residents. No active city emergency rent program is listed on the renters page as of Oct 20, 2026.
- Phone:
- Website: houstontx.gov
- How to apply: Read the renters page, or call 832-394-6200. Call 2-1-1 for emergency rent help.
- Note: Listed for completeness; the page is mostly vouchers and homebuyer info.
- Checked October 20, 2026
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Lifeline phone/internet discount (Texas)
- Helps with: Lowers your monthly phone or internet bill. Texas runs its own sign-up.
- Who qualifies: Household income at or below 150% of federal poverty guidelines, or you get Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, CHIP, TANF, public housing help, or free school lunch (per the Texas PUC page). One per household.
- Phone:
- Website: www.puc.texas.gov
- How to apply: Apply at texaslifeline.org or call 1-866-454-8387. Then pick a participating phone/internet company.
- Note: The FCC page lists the federal discount at up to $9.25/month; the Texas PUC page says up to $12.75 off basic phone service. The old ACP internet discount is no longer taking applications (program ended 2024; not re-checked live tonight).
- Checked October 20, 2026
Child support & family law
Child support, custody and protective orders have free help in Harris County. You do not have to pay a lawyer to get started.
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Texas Attorney General: Child Support Division
- Helps with: Open a child support case, get paternity set, collect or pay support, change (modify) an order.
- Who qualifies: Any parent or guardian in Texas. Services are not tied to income.
- Phone:
- Website: www.texasattorneygeneral.gov
- How to apply: Fastest: apply online at the Child Support website. To get a paper form by mail call (800) 252-8014. Family violence? The site has a 'Get Child Support Safely' option.
- Checked October 20, 2026
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Lone Star Legal Aid
- Helps with: Free lawyers for civil cases: custody, divorce, protective orders, eviction, benefits. No criminal cases.
- Who qualifies: Low-income residents (generally under 125% of federal poverty guidelines; some exceptions). Main office 1415 Fannin, Houston.
- Phone:
- Website: www.lonestarlegal.org
- How to apply: Apply online at lonestarlegal.org/get-help or call (800) 733-8394 / 713-652-0077.
- Checked October 20, 2026
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Houston Volunteer Lawyers (and HBA LegalLine)
- Helps with: Free legal help from volunteer lawyers: family law, housing, wills, taxes and more. LegalLine is a free advice hotline by appointment.
- Who qualifies: Eligible low-income residents of Greater Houston. Civil matters only.
- Phone:
- Website: legalhelphouston.org
- How to apply: Fill out the intake questionnaire at legalhelphouston.org. Questions: 713-228-0735 or info@hvlp.org.
- Checked October 20, 2026
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Harris County Law Library (self-help)
- Helps with: Free law library downtown with guides and forms for divorce, custody and child support, and librarians who can point you to free legal aid.
- Who qualifies: Anyone. Librarians cannot give legal advice.
- Phone: (no phone listed on the pages checked)
- Website: www.harriscountylawlibrary.org
- How to apply: Visit 1019 Congress St, 1st floor, Mon-Fri 8-5, or use the 'Ask A Librarian' form online. Start with the Child Custody & Support guide.
- Note: Phone not shown on the homepage or Finding Legal Help page tonight; left out rather than guessed.
- Checked October 20, 2026
This page is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own case, talk to a lawyer (the free ones above can help).
Money & taxes
Free tax prep can put real money back in your pocket, and job help is free too.
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BakerRipley Neighborhood Tax Centers (free tax prep)
- Helps with: Free tax return prep (2020-2025 returns and amendments) and free ITIN help.
- Who qualifies: Families and individuals earning up to $58,000 a year.
- Phone: (see page for locations)
- Website: bakerripley.org
- How to apply: Walk in to a BakerRipley tax center (Gulfton/Sharpstown: 6500 Rookin St; East Aldine: 3000 Aldine Mail Route). Hours and closing dates are on the page; bring ID, Social Security cards and tax forms.
- Note: No phone number on the page tonight; tax season hours change, so check before going.
- Checked October 20, 2026
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IRS VITA free tax help
- Helps with: Free basic tax prep by IRS-certified volunteers at libraries and community centers.
- Who qualifies: Generally people making about $70,244 or less, people with disabilities, and limited-English speakers (per IRS).
- Phone:
- Website: www.irs.gov
- How to apply: Use the VITA Locator Tool on the IRS page or call 800-906-9887 to find a site.
- Checked October 20, 2026
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Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
- Helps with: A tax credit for working parents with low to moderate income. It can mean a bigger refund. You must file a return to get it.
- Who qualifies: Workers with low to moderate income; amount depends on income and number of kids. Use the IRS 'EITC Qualification Assistant' to check.
- Phone: (file with free tax prep above)
- Website: www.irs.gov
- How to apply: Claim it on your tax return. A free VITA or BakerRipley preparer will check it for you. Refunds with EITC are held until mid-February by law.
- Checked October 20, 2026
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Workforce Solutions Gulf Coast (job help)
- Helps with: Free job search help, resume and interview coaching, training, and referrals to hiring events. 25 career offices in the region.
- Who qualifies: Anyone looking for work in the Houston-Galveston region. Services are free.
- Phone:
- Website: www.wrksolutions.com
- How to apply: Call 1-888-469-5627 or walk into a career office (locations on the page). Jobs are posted on WorkInTexas.com, the Texas Workforce Commission's job site.
- Checked October 20, 2026
Mental health and support for the parent
You matter too. Counseling here is free or priced on what you can pay, and parenting groups are a place to breathe.
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The Harris Center: counseling and outpatient care
- Helps with: Counseling, therapy and medication help for adults and kids. Low or no cost; sliding scale based on income.
- Who qualifies: Harris County residents. The Harris Center says it does not deny services based on inability to pay.
- Phone:
- Website: www.theharriscenter.org
- How to apply: Call the Patient Access Line 713-970-7000 to get screened and scheduled.
- Checked October 20, 2026
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Mental Health America of Greater Houston: Care Connect
- Helps with: Free help finding a therapist you can afford. Up to 6 free sessions with a licensed provider or supervised grad student if you qualify.
- Who qualifies: Anyone in Greater Houston. Spanish available.
- Phone:
- Website: mhahouston.org
- How to apply: Call or text 281-215-9988 and ask about free therapy, or call 877-755-9988 for help finding a provider. Fill out the eligibility form on the page.
- Checked October 20, 2026
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Family Houston counseling
- Helps with: Individual, child and family counseling, in person or telehealth. Sliding-fee scale; takes most insurance.
- Who qualifies: Anyone in Houston; fee based on what you can pay.
- Phone:
- Website: www.familyhouston.org
- How to apply: Call (713) 861-4849 to schedule.
- Checked October 20, 2026
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DePelchin ParentingHelp (free parenting classes and support)
- Helps with: Free parenting programs (Triple P Positive Parenting, Parents as Teachers groups) and walk-in Family Resource Centers for food, housing and utility referrals, counseling and classes.
- Who qualifies: Parents and caregivers in the Houston area; ParentingHelp is free for families with a child age 0-5 (funded by DFPS HOPES).
- Phone:
- Website: parentinghelp.org
- How to apply: Call 1-888-507-6681 or email through parentinghelp.org. Walk into a DePelchin Family Resource Center, no appointment needed (locations at depelchin.org/contact-us).
- Checked October 20, 2026
Programs and numbers change. Call to confirm before you go. Last checked October 20, 2026.