Financial Help in Houston: Every FSR Guide in One Place (2026–27)

Houston's main referral line is the 211 Texas/United Way HELPLINE, a free and confidential service operated by United Way of Greater Houston 24 hours a day, every day of the year. It connected more than 1.2 million people with help in 2025. You can call 211, use live chat, or text your ZIP code to 898211 to be matched with rent, utility, food and other programs near you.

For legal problems such as an eviction suit or a dispute with a landlord, Houston Volunteer Lawyers, founded in 1981, describes itself as the largest provider of pro bono legal services in Harris County and the surrounding areas. The guides below cover the specific Houston programs: eviction court steps, winter shutoff rules, water bills, hospital bills, BakerRipley free tax preparation, METRO discount fares and food while SNAP is delayed.

Sources: United Way of Greater Houston: 211 Texas/United Way HELPLINE; Houston Volunteer Lawyers. Checked October 19, 2026.

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Housing & Eviction

• Houston Eviction Court Steps 2026–27: What Happens in Harris County Justice of the Peace Court

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Utilities & Water

• Houston Winter Shutoff Rules 2026–27: When Your Power Can't Be Cut Off, and Who Can Help Pay the Bill

• Houston Water Bill Help 2026–27: Shutoffs Are Back, So Here's How to Get a Payment Plan, the W.A.T.E.R. Fund and a Bill Adjustment

• Houston and Dallas Internet Discounts 2026–27: Xfinity Internet Essentials, Access from AT&T, Spectrum Internet Assist and Lifeline

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Medical

• Houston Hospital Bill Help 2026–27: Harris Health Financial Assistance and Charity Care at Memorial Hermann and Houston Methodist

• Harris County Funeral and Burial Help 2026–27: The County Bereavement Program and Other Ways to Pay

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Taxes

• Houston Free Tax Prep 2027: BakerRipley, MAM, UHD VITA, AARP Tax-Aide and What to Bring

• Houston Senior Property Tax Relief 2026–27: Over-65 Exemptions, the School Tax Ceiling and Tax Deferral in Harris County

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Transit

• Houston METRO Discount Fares 2026–27: Free Rides at 70+, Half Price for Seniors 65–69, Riders With Disabilities and Students, and How to Get Your Card

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Food & Churches

• Top 8 Churches in Houston Helping with Rent, Food, and Bills in 2026

• Houston Christmas Assistance 2026: Angel Tree by ZIP Code and Free Toy Sign-Ups

• Houston SNAP Delayed? Expedited Benefits, Free Application Help, and Food While You Wait (2026–27)

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Other Help

• Houston Flood and Storm Repair Assistance Beyond FEMA

• Houston Child Care Assistance 2026–27: Workforce Solutions Scholarships, Income Limits, and the Waitlist

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About this page

This directory is maintained by the FSR Editorial Team. When we publish or retire a guide for Houston, we update this page. Last updated October 2026.