This is a directory of programs and organizations that can help Brewster County residents with problems caused by the pandemic. Please email or call organizations for help, because many have closed offices as a safety precaution.
Use the links above or the drop-down category menu below to browse by the type of assistance needed. Or search the directory by keyword.
2-1-1 Texas Assistance Help Line
Description
Call 211 for help finding social services and assistance programs, including state benefits for food, health, housing, and basic living expenses.
Big Bend Community Action Committee
Description
Provides assistance with utility bills and energy-saving weatherization, as well as medical transportation, throughout tri-county area.
Brewster County Sheriff’s Office
Description
Law enforcement for Brewster County also offers utility assistance to seniors through Brown Santa Fund.
CRAF Restaurant Workers Emergency Grants
Description
Restaurants Care is offering grants for restaurant workers who have tested positive for COVID-19 or who have been quarantined
Emergency Fund for Home Care Workers, Nannies & Cleaners
Description
The Coronavirus Care Fund (CCF) from the National Domestic Workers Alliance provides $400 in emergency assistance for qualifying home care workers, nannies and house cleaners who are experiencing financial hardship due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Lifeline Discounted Telephone & Cell Service
Description
Lifeline is a federal program that lowers the monthly cost of phone and internet. Eligible customers will get up to $9.25 toward their bill. You can only use Lifeline for either phone or internet, but not both. Find participating companies on the USAC website, or contact your local telephone, cell, or internet provider to ask if they offer Lifeline service.
Ministerial Alliance
Description
Offers assistance with paying bills.
Modest Needs
Description
Modest Needs is a tax-exempt charity that gives small, emergency grants to low-income workers who’re at risk of slipping into poverty and for whom no other source of immediate help is available.
Public Utility Commission of Texas: FAQ about low-income plan for utilities
Description
The Public Utility Commission of Texas is offering a COVID-19 Electricity Relief Plan, which includes deferred payment plans for utility bills and suspension of utilities disconnection, for low-income households in economic dire straights due to the pandemic. Read all of the steps to qualify for this plan in their online FAQ. The first step is contacting the state’s Low Income List Administrator (LILA) at 866-454-8387 to request enrollment. Their call center is operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Then you may need to follow up with your electricity provider, particularly if your bill is due soon.
Salvation Army Alpine Service Unit
Description
Provides help paying for housing, utilities, prescriptions, clothing, and other needs for Brewster County residents.
TANF Cash Help
Description
TANF helps families and grandparents raising children offers monthly or one-time cash assistance to pay for basic living needs.
TX Dept. Housing & Community Affairs Resources for Renters and Homeowners
Description
Housing resources and guides for renters and homeowners in Texas who are struggling to make payments, from the Texas Dept. Of Housing and Community Affairs.
Also search for a few local resources that serve our area on Help for Texans page at https://www.tdhca.state.tx.us/texans.htm
USAGov Help with Bills and CARES Act Relief
Description
US government site about the help you can get through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act; government programs to help pay for phone bills, medical bills, and other expenses; and how to apply for temporary assistance.
If you have an organization or program to add to this resource directory, please contact us.
