2-1-1 Texas — Free Referral Helpline
One free call connects you to thousands of local services. Free, confidential, 24/7, in 100+ languages. In Tarrant County, 2-1-1 is run by United Way of Tarrant County.
Program directory
All programs
156 verified programs in Fort Worth and Tarrant County. Every one is free to use.
4Saints & Friends Episcopal Food Pantry
Client-choice food pantry every Friday (registration 10am, shopping 11am–1pm) — you pick the groceries you prefer — plus smaller appointment-only pantries on the 2nd Saturday of the month.
Access from AT&T
Home internet for $30 a month (speeds up to 100 Mbps) for households on SNAP or with income up to 200% of the federal poverty line — no installation fee, deposit or annual contract.
Area Agency on Aging — Benefits Counseling (United Way of Tarrant County)
Free benefits counseling for older adults and people with disabilities — help with Medicare, Medicaid, SNAP and benefits you may be missing.
Arlington Charities
Arlington's largest provider of supplemental food — free groceries for people in need across Arlington (and the Tarrant County parts of Grand Prairie and Kennedale).
Arlington Handitran
Door-to-door rides for Arlington residents 65 or older, or with a doctor-certified disability — $2 a ride or $55 for a 30-day pass; book by phone.
Arlington Housing Authority — Housing Choice Voucher Program
Arlington's Section 8 voucher program: tenants pay 30% of income toward rent and AHA pays the rest to the landlord; applications are taken only during announced waitlist openings (most recent: July 31-Aug. 6, 2025).
Arlington Life Shelter
Emergency shelter, employment programs and transitional services for men, women and families experiencing homelessness; call before coming — intakes Monday-Friday.
Arlington On-Demand
The City of Arlington's rideshare vans go anywhere in Arlington — fares run $3 to $8 by distance; book in the Arlington Transportation app or by phone.
Arlington Urban Ministries — Ready2Rise Job Support
One-on-one job coaching and employment-focused classes, alongside rent and utility help, for Arlington families moving from crisis to stability.
Arlington Urban Ministries — Rent Assistance
Financial help with rent, utilities and food for Arlington residents in crisis; the assistance application opens every Thursday at 4 p.m.
Arlington Urban Ministries — Utility Assistance
Help paying utility bills (plus rent and food) for Arlington residents in crisis; the assistance application opens every Thursday at 4 p.m.
Arlington Urban Ministries (AUM)
Emergency food pantry — 1–2 days of food for each family — plus sack lunches for people experiencing homelessness.
Arlington Water Utilities — Care and Share Fund
City fund that pays Arlington water, sewer, trash and stormwater bills for families facing financial trouble; apply through Catholic Charities Fort Worth (817-534-0814), Mission Arlington (817-277-6620) or Arlington Urban Ministries.
Assurance Wireless
Free monthly cell phone service with data, talk and unlimited texts for people who qualify for Lifeline — bring your own phone or get a free basic smartphone.
Atmos Energy — Sharing the Warmth
Help paying Atmos Energy natural gas bills for elderly, disabled, veteran and family customers in need, provided through local assistance agencies.
Boys & Girls Clubs — Las Vegas Trail Branch
After-school and summer care for ages 6–18 — membership is $100 a year for ages 6–12 and free for ages 13–18.
Boys & Girls Clubs — Martin Branch
After-school and summer care for ages 6–18 — membership is $100 a year for ages 6–12 and free for ages 13–18.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tarrant County — After School
After-school and summer programs for ages 6–18 with homework help, a free meal, activities and mentoring — no child is turned away because of cost.
Camp Fire First Texas — Afterschool
On-campus after-school care at Fort Worth ISD elementary schools, dismissal to 6 p.m. — scholarships are available and child care assistance (CCMS) is accepted.
CAP — HVAC Service & Repair
HVAC service and repair for eligible households through the City of Fort Worth's Community Action Partners.
CAP — Veterans Utility Assistance
Utility payment help for eligible Tarrant County veterans, active military and surviving spouses through Community Action Partners.
CAP — Water Utility Payment Assistance
Help with water bills through CAP — CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE: the city lists this assistance as not available right now; check the CAP page for updates.
Catholic Charities Fort Worth — Employment Services
Job search assistance and career development coaching to help you find and keep work.
Catholic Charities Fort Worth — Padua (financial assistance)
Long-term case management with direct financial assistance that can cover rent and utility bills for households working a service plan.
Catholic Charities Fort Worth — Transportation
Low-cost rides for seniors 65+, people with disabilities, and adults 18+ with low income — medical, work, shopping and other trips; fares begin at $2.50 one-way.
Catholic Charities Fort Worth — Utility Assistance
Financial help with utility bills (and rent/mortgage) for Tarrant County households in crisis; also one of the three agencies that qualify Arlington residents for Care and Share water-bill help.
CEAP — Help Paying Energy Bills (Texas LIHEAP)
Payments toward electric, gas and propane bills, crisis help if you face disconnection, and heating/cooling repair — run locally by City of Fort Worth Community Action Partners.
Center for Transforming Lives — Economic Mobility & Employment Coaching
For women and moms: one-on-one financial and job coaching, resume building, interview skills and small-business support.
Center for Transforming Lives — Family Rapid Rehousing
Rapid rehousing with rent support for families with children in Fort Worth and Arlington; applications are managed through Partnership Home and access starts through shelter.
