Need Help?

WACO: Ladies of Charity Thrift Store

3116-3118 Franklin Avenue

10am – 6pm, Monday – Saturday

(254) 753-0125

 

BELLMEAD: Caritas Thrift Store

3016 Bellmead Drive

9am – 5pm, Monday – Saturday

10am – 3pm Sunday

(254) 799-0777

In 2011, Caritas Waco served 24,420 families by providing them with 2,098,539 pounds of food. In June 2012, 2,116 families were served with food assistance totaling 137,018 pounds.

 

To become a Caritas client you need to show three forms of identification to the receptionist.

1. Social Security Cards for everyone in your household,
2. Proof of address ( rent or lease agreement / current utility bill), or
3. Identification Card

Clients can receive food from Caritas once a month, clothing vouchers every four months, and utility payments once every two years. Homeless individuals can receive clothing once a month and food once a week.

You will be given a number to see an interviewer.

The Interview Process:

If you are a new client, the interviewer will explain Caritas’ services. You will be registered within our system and given a Caritas ID card. The interviewer determines what ways we would be able to aid you. Subsequent visits require your Caritas ID card and proof of address (current utility bill or anything mailed to your current address recently).

 

What about SHELTER? We didn’t quite know if there was a need for shelter, but maybe we can talk about HOUSING. So here goes.

 

The Obama Administration has implemented a number of programs to assist homeowners who are at risk of foreclosure and otherwise struggling with their monthly mortgage payments. The majority of these programs are administered through the U.S. Treasury Department and HUD. This page provides a summary of these various programs. Please continue reading in order to determine which program can best assist you.

Distressed homeowners are encouraged to contact their lenders and loan servicers directly to inquire about foreclosure prevention options that are available. If you are experiencing difficulty communicating with your mortgage lender or servicer about your need for mortgage relief, click here for information about organizations that can help contact lenders and servicers on your behalf.

Making Home Affordable

The Making Home Affordable © (MHA) Program is a critical part of the Obama Administration’s broad strategy to help homeowners avoid foreclosure, stabilize the country’s housing market, and improve the nation’s economy.

Homeowners can lower their monthly mortgage payments and get into more stable loans at today’s low rates. And for those homeowners for whom homeownership is no longer affordable or desirable, the program can provide a way out which avoids foreclosure. Additionally, in an effort to be responsive to the needs of today’s homeowners, there are also options for unemployed homeowners and homeowners who owe more than their homes are worth. Please read the following program summaries to determine which program options may be best suited for your particular circumstances.

Modify or Refinance Your Loan for Lower Payments

• Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP): HAMP lowers your monthly mortgage payment to 31 percent of your verified monthly gross (pre-tax) income to make your payments more affordable. The typical HAMP modification results in a 40 percent drop in a monthly mortgage payment. Eighteen percent of HAMP homeowners reduce their payments by $1,000 or more. Click Here for more information.
• Principal Reduction Alternative (PRA): PRA was designed to help homeowners whose homes are worth significantly less than they owe by encouraging servicers and investors to reduce the amount you owe on your home. Click Here for more information.
• Second Lien Modification Program (2MP): If your first mortgage was permanently modified under HAMP SM and you have a second mortgage on the same property, you may be eligible for a modification or principal reduction on your second mortgage under 2MP. Likewise, If you have a home equity loan, HELOC, or some other second lien that is making it difficult for you to keep up with your mortgage payments, learn more about this MHA program. Click Here for more information.
• Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP): If you are current on your mortgage and have been unable to obtain a traditional refinance because the value of your home has declined, you may be eligible to refinance through HARP. HARP is designed to help you refinance into a new affordable, more stable mortgage. Click Here for more information.

 

“Underwater” Mortgages

In today’s housing market, many homeowners have experienced a decrease in their home’s value. Learn about these MHA programs to address this concern for homeowners.

• Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP): If you are current on your mortgage and have been unable to obtain a traditional refinance because the value of your home has declined, you may be eligible to refinance through HARP. HARP is designed to help you refinance into a new affordable, more stable mortgage. Click Here for more information.
• Principal Reduction Alternative: PRA was designed to help homeowners whose homes are worth significantly less than they owe by encouraging servicers and investors to reduce the amount you owe on your home. Click Here for more information.

• Treasury/FHA Second Lien Program (FHA2LP): If you have a second mortgage and the mortgage servicer of your first mortgage agrees to participate in FHA Short Refinance, you may qualify to have your second mortgage on the same home reduced or eliminated through FHA2LP. If the servicer of your second mortgage agrees to participate, the total amount of your mortgage debt after the refinance cannot exceed 115% of your home’s current value. Click Here for more information.

 

Assistance for Unemployed Homeowners

• Home Affordable Unemployment Program (UP): If you are having a tough time making your mortgage payments because you are unemployed, you may be eligible for UP. UP provides a temporary reduction or suspension of mortgage payments for at least twelve months while you seek re-employment. Click Here for more information.

• Emergency Homeowners’ Loan Program (EHLP), Substantially Similar States: If you live in Connecticut, Delaware, Idaho, Maryland, or Pennsylvania, Click Here for more information about EHLP assistance provided in your state.

• FHA Forbearance for Unemployed Homeowners: Federal Housing Administration (FHA) requirements now require servicers to extend the forbearance period for unemployed homeowners to 12 months. The changes to FHA’s Special Forbearance Program announced in July 2011 require servicers to extend the forbearance period for FHA borrowers who qualify for the program from four months to 12 months and remove upfront hurdles to make it easier for unemployed borrowers to qualify. Click Here for more information.

 

Managed Exit for Borrowers

• Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives (HAFA): If your mortgage payment is unaffordable and you are interested in transitioning to more affordable housing, you may be eligible for a short sale or deed-in-lieu of foreclosure through HAFA SM. Click Here for more information.
• “Redemption”is a period after your home has already been sold at a foreclosure sale when you can still reclaim your home. You will need to pay the outstanding mortgage balance and all costs incurred during the foreclosure process. Click Here for more information.

 

 

 

CONTACT FHA

FHA staff are available to help answer your questions and assist you to better understand your options as an FHA borrower. There are several ways you can contact FHA for more information, including:

• Call the NSC at (877) 622-8525
• Call the FHA Outreach Center at 1-800-CALL FHA (800-225-5342)
• Persons with hearing or speech impairments may access this number via TTY by calling the Federal Information Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

• Email the FHA Resource Center
• The Online FHA Resource Center

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For those times when you need help with FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE or other related things, such as bills, utilities, etc., here is a little help.

BELLMEAD CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH 

912 East Loop 340

Waco, TX 76705

Phone: 254.799.0229

Website: www.bellmeadcalvary.org

Bill Payment

Services: When funds are available, they will pay for the last $25 of one of the client’s bills

Stipulations: Bring proof of residence and photo I.D.

HIGHLAND BAPTIST CHURCH

THE CARE CENTER

Phone: 254.754.8923

Hours: Monday-Thursday and Tuesday: 7pm-8:30pm

Services: Food, clothing, bill assistance with ATMOS gas, TXU, and Waco  water, prescription assistance, transportation assistance for out of town medical appointments

How to Apply: Client must fill out application, return application to Care Center, staff will then call client to make appointment. Walk-ins are taken  Tuesday evenings 7pm-8:30pm after appointments. Help client fill out application and mail in. Applications are only accepted Wednesday through Sunday, application time Monday thru Thursday: 1-5pm

Stipulations: Must have appointment, utilities assistance is for termination  notice only, does not assist with rent

CARITAS 

300 S. 15th Street

Waco, TX 76701

Phone: 254.753.4593

Fax: 254.752.4434

Email: caritas@calpha.com

Website: www.caritas-waco.org

Services: Provides emergency/supplemental assistance in the form of food (once a month), clothing (once every 3 months), household items, utility, mediation, rent and mortgage, and travel assistance (eligibility requirements), utilities $55-65, food distribution, and can assist with furniture, assistance with application for Food Stamps and TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families).

Stipulations: Help varies with income. Know your income and expenses. Food  Stamps, TANF, and SSI recipients automatically qualify. Client should have photo ID and proof of address (unless homeless) and SS #. To receive assistance with a bill, it must be a termination notice or eviction notice.

How to Apply: For assistance with anything other than a bill, client can go to  Caritas with necessary documents Monday-Friday: 8am-3pm; household goods Monday-Wednesday: 8am-12pm. Clients are served on a first come first serve basis and must wait to be seen by an interviewer. For assistance with a bill, call Linda Chavez to set up an appointment for the client.

Food Voucher Store

Phone: 254.753.0125

How to Apply:If possible, call first to set up appointment.

Hours: Monday-Friday: 8:30am-4:30pm

CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 

9191 Woodway Dr.

Waco, TX 76712

Phone: 254.754.3544

Hours: Monday-Friday: 9am-2pm

Services: Utilities and food assistance

ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES ADVANCEMENT CORPORATION (EOAC) 

512 Franklin

Waco, TX 76701

Phone: 254.756.0954

Services: Financial assistance with utility bills-electric, water, gas and  assistance with rent.

How to Apply: EOAC generally needs to see the clients themselves, you can call  to be sure they currently have funds or when funds will be available.

Hours: Monday-Friday:  8am-5pm

Services: Utility and Rental Assistance Program, can assist with electricity bill

Stipulations: Must be McLennan County

EOAC Neighborhood Services Center

Assistance with utilities (Utility and Rental Assistance Program)

932 N. 9th St.

Phone: 254.756.0954

Has three apartment units for the Self-Sufficiency Program for parents and children. Person in this program stays 30-90 days (jobs in two weeks). The program lasts about 12 months. Helps with transition into a new apartment, pays first month’s rent, tuition for two classes. Also pays for GED, and for certification tests. Emergency services, employment referrals, housing information, emergency financial aid for utility bills, rental assistance.

Hours: Open Monday-Friday: 8am-5pm

Sees clients Monday-Thursday

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH WACO 

500 Webster

Waco, TX 76706

Phone: 254.752.3000

Website: www.fbcwaco.org

Benevolence Ministry

254.754.3503

Services: Emergency fuel assistance, transportation assistance (bus/gas  vouchers), food (HEB cards), medication assistance, flexible as to what services can be provided, referrals and case management

How to Apply: Assist client with setting up an appointment

Stipulations: Client needs to have an appointment to receive assistance,  appointments are usually made for afternoons, client also needs a valid Driver’s License and a phone number or other means of being able to contact  the client in case appointments change, they usually require that appointments be set on Mondays for the next appointment day, but sometimes they make  exceptions (just call) School Uniforms make appointments with the Benevolence Coordinator

Agape Meal 

Fellowship Hall on 6th and Clay

Once a month, last Tuesday of the month

Dinner:  6pm-7pm

Bible Study: 7pm-7:30pm

LAKE SHORE BAPTIST CHURCH 

5801 Bishop Dr.

Waco, TX 76710

Phone: 254.772.2910

Fax: 254.772.2914

Website: www.lakeshorewaco.org

Utilities/rent: Help with approximately $350 per month for utilities, rent, etc.(generally in $50 amounts) distributed through recommendation by social workers at area agencies or congregations.

SALVATION ARMY 

1224 Connor St.

Waco, TX 76703 (located on access road on west side of I 35, south of 12th street)

Phone: 254.752.7261

Services: Provides financial assistance one time only, furniture and clothing will only be provided in verifiable crisis situations, food (upon verifiable need), pay up to 85% of utility bill or rent, voucher for half off in thrift store, Christian Crisis Intervention counseling

How to Apply: Call office – secretary will do a background check on previous services provided to the client and set up an appointment for the client if they are able to help.

Stipulations: Client must have verifiable emergency – Red Cross referral, fire report, police report, some sort of documentation of the emergency, client must  have ID and Social Security number and proof of income, clients must be residents of McLennan County.

SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH 

800 W. Hwy 6

Waco, TX 76712

Phone: 254.772.7815

Website: http://waco22.adventistchurchconnect.org

Community Center

How to Apply: come to center if need service

Hours: Tuesdays: 1pm-5pm

Services: assistance with utility bills, food, clothing, and hygiene products.

SEVENTH & JAMES BAPTIST CHURCH 

602 James Avenue

Waco, TX 76706

Phone: 254.753.6425

Fax: 254.753.1909

Website: www.seventhandjames.org

Email: mail@seventhandjames.org

How to Apply: Call church office and speak to Valerie, basic application can be filled out over the phone a physical visit is not necessary.

Services: Gas, water, rent, Medication Assistance Program (MAP), Meals-on- Wheels, Seeds of Hope

Stipulations: NOT electricity

ST. FRANCIS CATHOLIC CHURCH 

301 Jefferson Ave.

Waco, TX

Mailing: 315 Jefferson St.

Waco, TX 76701

Phone:    254.752.8434 (Main)

254.754.1012 (Rectory)

254.752.1159

254.752.3434

Services: Food, Clothing, Financial Assistance

Also, for Electric Service Payment Assistance, go to www.211texas.org.