Our Programs
Back to School Immunizations
Check Calendar For Dates!
August
Immunize! State Law requires that all students entering public or private schools be immunized against certain vaccine-preventable diseases.
Some vaccines need a series of doses to be effective.
Vaccines are essential to a healthy school year and protect students from serious illness. When your child is immunized against vaccine-
preventable diseases it helps prevent outbreaks in their schools and contributes to better health for all children in Texas.
Validation of immunization records by a physician or public health clinic will be required for entering school. Any documents signed by a
physician or public health clinic listing each immunization and the month, day, and year in which it was given will be accepted by the school.
Bring your health insurance information with you. No insurance? You can get vaccinated for free!
To register and for additional information, please contact the Center Administrator at
(512) 353-0356 during normal business hours.
Refreshments and door prizes!
Eligibility
- For students in grades K-12 of Guadalupe County.
- Open to all kids through age 18.
- Immunizations are free, must meet insurance type which in no insurance and underinsurance.
You may be asked to provide insurance information, but no one will be turned away for lack of insurance.
- Do not need proof of immigration status.
Services
- Bring your children to receive all State Law required school immunizations.
- Continue to check our PROGRAMS webpage for back-to-school immunizations and flue shot options in September and beyond.
In Partnership With
Basic Adult Computer, ESL and GED
Check Calendar For Dates! 14 Student Slots Available
The Adult Education Program is FREE and serves the rural counties surrounding Travis County. The in-person classes are designed for adults with
limited mastery of basic educational skills; who do not have a high school diploma; or who are unable to speak, read or write the English language.
To register and for additional information, please contact the Center Administrator at
(512) 353-0356 during normal business hours.
Refreshments and doorprizes!
Eligibility
- All Adult Education students must be at least 19 years of age.
- Open to all those who are seeking to learn English.
- Open to all those who are seeking a GED.
Services
- Learn basic computer skills.
- English as a Second Language (ESL) Class – Assist students in language acquisition through speaking, listening, reading, and writing the English Language.
- General Equivalency Diploma/Development Class – provides services to adults with limited mastery of basic educational skills; adults who do not have a secondary school diploma.
In Partnership With
Benefits Assistance
Check Calendar For Dates!
The San Antonio Food Bank assists clients with application and renewal assistance for various federal benefits.
To apply and for additional information, please contact the Center Administrator at
(512) 353-0356 during normal business hours.
Eligibility
- Agency staff qualifies families who fall under the low income guidelines or based on families currently receiving federal benefits. Must reside in Guadalupe County, which falls under the auspices of The San Antonio Food Bank.
Services
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SNAP
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) offers nutrition assistance to millions of eligible,
low-income individuals and families and provides economic benefits to communities.
Households who receive SNAP can use benefits to buy foods such as:
- breads and cereals
- fruits and vegetables
- meats, fish and poultry
- dairy products
To learn more about SNAP, please visit
http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap
.
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Adult Medicaid
Medicaid is the State and Federal cooperative venture that provides medical coverage to eligible need individuals.
Medicaid was introduced to improve the health of people who might otherwise go without medical care for themselves and their children.
You can think of Medicaid as a type of health insurance for low-income families, children, and people who are elderly or have a disability.
But unlike regular health insurance, you don't have to pay for it, and most services are free.
How does Medicaid work?
Each month you will receive a Medicaid ID card. It is very important that you keep it in a safe place.
You will have to show that card each time you visit a doctor or get a prescription filled.
You will not receive a monthly ID card if your only benefit is payment of all or part of your Medicare Part B premium.
What is covered?
In most cases, Medicaid pays for doctors' services, laboratory and X-ray charges, medication, nursing facility and hospital services,
family planning, eyeglasses, hearing aids, ambulance, podiatry, chiropractic, maternity, nurse midwife, and other health care services.
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CHIP – Children’s Medicaid
Children in Texas without health insurance may be able to get low cost or free health coverage
from the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) or Children’s Medicaid.
What is covered?
- Dentist visits, cleanings, and fillings
- Eye exams and glasses
- Choice of doctors, regular checkups, and office visits
- Prescription drugs and vaccines
- Access to medical specialists and mental health care
- Hospital care and services
- Medical supplies, X-rays, and lab tests
- Treatment of special health needs
- Treatment of pre-existing conditions
To learn more about CHIP/Children’s Medicaid, please visit
https://chipmedicaid.org/.
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Longterm Care
Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) provides a range of services to Texans with disabilities that help ensure their well-being, dignity and choice.
Programs also are in place to support family members who care for them.
MPED
MEPD (Medicaid for person with disabilities) provides assistance paying your medical expenses,
assistance with home care and nursing home facilities, or help paying Medicare cost-sharing expenses.
To learn more about long term care, please visit
https://hhs.texas.gov/services/disability.
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WIC
WIC is a nutrition program that helps pregnant women, new mothers, and young children eat well, learn about nutrition, and stay healthy.
Nutrition education and counseling, nutritious foods, and help accessing health care are provided to low-income women,
infants, and children through the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program, popularly known as WIC.
What about fathers?
Fathers of children under the age of 5 are encouraged to enroll their children in the WIC program.
Just like any other parent or guardian, fathers can bring their children to appointments,
attend nutrition classes, and receive and redeem benefits for their children.
Active participation by fathers is a great help in keeping WIC children healthy.
What does WIC provide and who receives the benefits?
WIC provides nutrition education, nutritious foods, referrals to health and human services, breast feeding support, and immunizations (at some clinics).
Food benefits are issued for each client.
Both fathers and mothers can receive and spend benefits for their children.
To learn more about WIC, please visit
http://texaswic.dshs.state.tx.us/wiclessons/english/splash/.
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TANF
The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)program is designed to help needy families achieve self-sufficiency.
States receive block grants to design and operate programs that accomplish one of the purposes of the TANF program.
The four purposes of the TANF program are to:
- Provide assistance to needy families so that children can be cared for in their own homes
- Reduce the dependency of needy parents by promoting job preparation, work and marriage
- Prevent and reduce the incidence of out-of-wedlock pregnancies
- Encourage the formation and maintenance of two-parent families
To learn more about TANF, please visit
https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ofa/programs/tanf/about
.
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Healthy Texas Women
Healthy Texas Women is a program dedicated to offering women’s health and family planning at no cost to eligible women in Texas.
These services help women plan their families, whether it is to achieve, postpone, or prevent pregnancy.
They also can have a positive effect on future pregnancy planning and general health.
Healthy Texas Women provides a wide variety of women’s health and core family planning services, including:
- Pregnancy testing
- Pelvic examinations
- Sexually transmitted infection services
- Breast and cervical cancer screenings
- Clinical breast examination
- Screening and treatment for cholesterol, diabetes and high blood pressure
- HIV screening
- Long-acting reversible contraceptives
- Oral contraceptive pills
- Permanent sterilization
- Other contraceptive methods such as condoms, diaphragm, vaginal spermicide, and injections
- Screening and treatment for postpartum depression
This program pays only for the services listed above. If a health problem such as cancer is found,
you will be referred to a doctor or clinic that can treat you.
If you are pregnant, you will be referred to a program such as Medicaid for Pregnant Women.
You might have to pay for those extra services.
To learn more about Texas Healthy Women, please visit
https://www.healthytexaswomen.org/htw-program
.
In Partnership With
- San Antonio Food Bank. Visit Here!
- Center staff works together cohesively with the SAFB through the applicant intake and screening process.
Community Service & Court Ordered Volunteers Accepted!
Are you a student who needs hours as a school requirement or have been ordered by the court to volunteer rather than pay a fine? Don't put it off
until the last minute! Consider calling Centro Esperanza.
School community service aims to equip students with the necessary skills and abilities for career and educational advancement and motivate
them to take an active role as leaders in their communities.
Court-ordered community service is offered as a way to satisfy court-ordered fines, costs, and fees if one cannot pay due to financial hardship.
The community service provides a genuine benefit to the community and is completed in person at our site.
Our organization does prohibit individuals from performing community service based on criminal history (convictions for specific types of
offenses) and/or Sex Offender status.
Specific projects each day are based on the needs of the community and programs. Our volunteer opportunities range from outdoor
beautification projects, cleaning windows, cleaning refrigerators, and clean and stocking shelves, sweeping and mopping, sorting donations,
breakdown boxes, assisting with mobile food distributions by sorting and carrying food to clients’ cars, general office duties, storage sorting
and packing, and more.
To be considered and registered for this program and for additional information, please contact the Center Administrator at
(512) 353-0356
during normal business hours.
Volunteer Responsibilities:
- Follow direction and safety guidelines.
- Arrive on time.
- Wear casual work shoes and closed-toe shoes.
Volunteer Requirements:
- Must reside in Guadalupe or Hays County.
- Minimum requirement is 17 years of age.
- All volunteers under the age of 18 must –Have a waiver signed by a parent or guardian; Must be accompanied and be under parental or guardian supervision when volunteering.
- Must show proof of age – a certified copy of birth certificate, school record, vaccination record, driver’s license or State Identification Card.
- Able to work outdoors in various weather conditions and along natural terrain.
When you volunteer at Centro Esperanza, you are helping to bring hope to despaired communities!
Community Wellness Education
Check Calendar For Dates!
Eligibility
- Agency staff qualifies individuals based on their income (verbal declaration) by using a voucher provided by the SAFB and Federal Income Guidelines.
- Must have application on file.
Services
The Community Wellness Education initiative works to promote healthy eating patterns and active life styles to promote health and prevent disease of the community, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, etc. We offer a variety of free classes across all ages: parents of young children, school-aged children/teens, adults, and seniors.
Classes
All San Antonio Food Bank community wellness classes are available free of charge to organizations within low-income or food insecure populations. The wellness team educates parents of young children, school-aged children/teens, adults, and older adults throughout the year. Classes focus on helping individuals adapt healthy eating patterns, increase physical activity, and preventing chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, etc. Most wellness classes include a cooking demonstration. If you want to learn more about how to adapt your traditional foods to make them healthier or increase your physical activity, these classes are the right fit for you!
All classes are taught by highly qualified professionals:
- Registered dietitians
- Nutrition professionals
- Physical activity specialists
- Certified chefs
- Public health professionals
- Master gardeners
The San Antonio Food Bank Nutrition, Health and Wellness department is committed to improve the prospects that individuals in the community will have access to healthy foods and affordable food choices and engage in physically active lifestyles consistent with the current USDA Dietary Guidelines.
Sponsor
Daisy Cares Pet Food
Check Calendar For Dates!
4th Tuesday, Monthly
3 pm - 5 pm
Program Guidelines
The primary purpose of this program is to prevent animal surrenders due to a family's inability to feed their pet(s).
To schedule an appointment to sign up for the program, please contact the Center Administrator at
(512) 353-0356 during normal business hours.
Eligibility
-
Agency staff qualifies families who fall under the low-income guidelines or based on families receiving federal benefits such as
TANF, WIC, CHIP, MEDICAID, SNAP (Food Stamps), or individuals who are disabled and low income by utilizing SAFB family intake form
and issuing a voucher provided by the SAFB.
Services
-
Families may come in to receive free of charge - pet food and supplies as made available through SAFB.
If you are in need of additional vital resources, please call for outsource information.
In Partnership With
- San Antonio Food Bank. Visit Here!
- Center staff works together cohesively with the SAFB through the applicant intake and screening process.
ESPERANZA Baby Pantry
Check Calendar For Dates!
Quarterly - March, June, September
A lack of an adequate supply of diapers is a serious problem for parents with limited resources in our community.
Our Baby Pantry is stocked with SAFB items and in-kind donations
from within the community and its neighboring communities to assist the vast number of families we reach annually.
We rely on donations to fund our 501 (c) (3) organization.
It is heartfelt that with your continued support we will be able to assist many more families in our community.
To schedule an appointment to sign up for the program, please contact the Center Administrator at
(512) 353-0356 during normal business hours.
Eligibility
Families may come in once a quarter to receive diapers, baby wipes and other supplies free of charge.
Services
This service offers families emergency baby supplies when their resources are extremely limited.
Whether it is disposable diapers, baby wipes, and formula, families may come in to receive them free of charge
- as made available through SAFB and in-kind donations.
If you are in need of additional vital resources, please call for outsource information.
Specific diaper sizes are not guaranteed and are available on a first come, first served basis.
In Partnership With
- San Antonio Food Bank. Donate - San Antonio Food Bank (safoodbank.org).
-
Center staff registers families in need of emergency baby supplies made available through SAFB and in-kind donations,
and distributes available items on a first come, first served basis.
Glucose BINGO
Check Calendar For Dates!
2nd Thursday, Monthly
11 am - 1 pm
Glucose Bingo Program, is connecting at-risk residents to community center for diabetes and high blood pressure screening.
These screenings are necessary – to educate people about their health and prevent the serious consequences of undiagnosed diabetes and hypertension.
The diabetes program is an important tool that can help identify people living with diabetes and hypertension who may not yet know it yet.
Screenings for diabetes and prediabetes are critical to identify people who have not yet been diagnosed.
Many people with type 2 diabetes do not show early symptoms – because of this, they can remain undiagnosed for years.
This is alarming because the longer a person remains undiagnosed and is not able to manage their blood sugar,
the more their risk for health complications increases.
The on-site glucose screening involves a risk assessment questionnaire and a blood glucose test
after 8 hour fasting and providing diabetes educational materials.
The on-site blood pressure screening is performed as well as providing educational materials for community members to measure their blood pressure.
The program works to improve chronic disease prevention, care and management with a goal to ensure that people with or at high risk of chronic diseases,
such as high blood pressure, have access to community resources and support to prevent, delay or manage chronic conditions.
We hope to see more community members our organization services in the future to identify
people living with undiagnosed diabetes or prediabetes and hypertension.
These screenings also provide an opportunity to educate people about how to manage their conditions and improve quality of life.
If you or a loved one are looking to be screened, come and attend a Glucose Bingo.
For additional information, please contact the Center Administrator at (512) 353-0356 during normal business hours.
Nutritional Education Class and Chair Low-Impact Zumba immediately following the diabetic and hypertension screenings.
Refreshments and BINGO winner prizes!
Eligibility
Services
- Chair Zumba.
- Blood Glucose Screening.
- Blood Pressure Screening.
- Free Bingo.
- Nutritional Education.
- Chair Low-Impact Zumba.
In Partnership With
-
Glucose Screening Tests, Diabetes education and availability of diabetic testing supplies for those diagnosed with diabetes
and chair low-impact zumba, is provided by Wesley Nurse, First United Methodist Church.
- Blood Pressure Screening Tests including Hypertension education provided by Hospice & Pallative Homehealth Care.
- Nutritional Education provided by San Antonio Food Bank Nutritional.
- Free Bingo and prizes provided by Redwood Community Center, Inc., RCCI, dba - Centro Esperanza.
HOPE Haven Summer Youth Program
Check Calendar For Dates!
June through August
Totally Free!
Eligibility
- The community youth between the ages of 6-16 years.
Services
- SOCCER & RECREATION ACTIVITIES – such as arts and crafts, tournaments, board games and other activities are offered.
- SHOW N’ TELL FRIDAY, guest speaker or demonstrator program promotes positive interaction and life- rewarding skills.
- SMCISD FEEDING PROGRAM, FREE LUNCH will be provided to youth under 18 years of age. Adults are eligible to purchase a meal for $3.00 per plate.
- SYNERGY Snack Pack, a food subsidization program designed to feed children whose only summer food source may be the food they are receiving at the community center. As a partnering agency of the San Antonio Food Bank (SAFB), specific foods are attained by the center and placed into shopping mall style bags. The bags are then distributed immediately following the Show N’ Tell Friday presentation to youth who participate in the summer youth program.
Ten Week Duration, Monday – Friday Weekly
- Week 1: June through Week 10: August
Sponsor
Please help us eliminate child hunger in our community by volunteering your time or by making a donation today.
Hygiene Closet
Check Calendar For 2024-2025 Year Dates!
10 am to 12 pm
The Hygiene Closet is a mutual CLEAN to EMPOWER aid initiative to provide needed hygienic essentials to our community members.
By embracing and applying good hygiene practices to safeguard physical health, improve self-assurance,
and project a CLEAN image, these practices will ultimately lead to EMPOWERMENT and fulfillment of life.
To schedule an appointment to sign up for the program and obtain a voucher, please contact the Center Administrator at
(512) 353-0356 during normal business hours.
Eligibility
- Agency staff is accepting voucher registration form from community household members.
Services
Some of the personal hygiene items available will be:
- laundry detergent.
- toilet paper.
- soap, shampoo.
- toothbrushes, toothpaste.
- feminine hygiene products.
- packaged razors (no loose ones).
- shaving cream.
Limited supply, items are available on a first come first serve basis.
In Partnership With
- Superior HealthPlan.
-
Center staff coordinates with Superior HealthPlan representative to organize and schedule
hygiene closet events for distribution of items on a first come first serve basis.
Influenza/FLU Clinic
Check Calendar For Dates!
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone six months of age and older get the flu vaccine every season.
In addition to the flu vaccine for adults, teens, and children, there are flu vaccines approved for different groups:
- Pregnant women
- Older adults (65 years and older)
- Small children
- People with chronic conditions
The flu vaccine is especially important for people with chronic health conditions and those who have a high risk of developing complications from the flu.
Since infants younger than six months cannot be vaccinated against the flu,
it's crucial that the people around them get the flu shot for the baby's health.
It cannot be said often enough—the flu shot does not cause flu illness.
Texas Department of State Health Services Guadalupe County has partnered with our agency to bring the influenza clinic on-site.
Those wishing to receive influenza vaccination must schedule an appointment to sign up for the program,
please contact the Center Administrator at
(512) 353-0356 during normal business hours.
Eligibility
- No Medical Insurance.
- No Medicaid.
- No Medicare.
- Open to all ages.
Services
In Partnership With
Just In Time
Check Calendar For Dates!
2nd Tuesday, Monthly
10 am - 12 pm
SAFB offsite food distribution program also known as Just In Time, is still available to Bexar County and has been extended to some of their rural areas, such as ours.
NOTICE: Pre-registrations are required to participate in Just In Time Distribution.
To schedule an appointment to sign up for the program, please contact the Center Administrator at
(512) 353-0356 during normal business hours.
Eligibility
- Agency staff qualifies individuals based on their income by using a voucher provided by the SAFB and Federal Income Guidelines.
- Must have application on file.
Services
Just In Time is a San Antonio Food Bank (SAFB) program intended to deliver product directly to our agency on or close to our distribution date to minimize storage and directly distribute to neighbors.
This allows product to quickly reach neighbors allowing them to enjoy the quality of the product for a longer period of time.
Product varies from produce, short dated dairy, meal simples or bread. This is based off availability.
Just In Time also connects individuals to other SAFB programs including Client Services (Federal Benefit Assistance) and Nutrition, Health and Wellness Education.
Vouchers available 3 weeks prior to event.
During hours of operation: Tuesday - Friday 9 am - 5 pm.
In Partnership With
- San Antonio Food Bank. Visit Here!
- Redwood Community Center Inc., RCCI, dba - Centro Esperanza hosts monthly Just In Time distributions in collaboration with the San Antonio Food Bank.
Volunteers must arrive by 8am.
Nutrition, Health & Wellness Education
Check Calendar For Dates!
2nd Thursday, Monthly
10 am - 11 am
We have partnered with the San Antonio Food Bank Nutrition, Health and Wellness department which is committed to improve the prospects
that individuals in the community will have access to healthy foods and affordable food choices
and engage in physically active lifestyles consistent with the current USDA Dietary Guidelines.
Eligibility
Services
The Nutrition, Health & Wellness education program is committed to improving healthy
eating patterns and active life styles to promote health and prevent disease of the community, such as type 2
diabetes, heart disease, etc. We offer a variety of free classes across all ages: parents of young children,
school-aged children/teens, adults, and seniors.
Classes
All San Antonio Food Bank nutrition, health & wellness classes are available free of charge to organizations
within low-income or food insecure populations. The wellness team educates parents of young children, school-aged
children/teens, adults, and older adults throughout the year. Classes focus on helping individuals adapt healthy
eating patterns, increase physical activity, and preventing chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease,
etc. Most wellness classes include a cooking demonstration. If you want to learn more about how to adapt your
traditional foods to make them healthier or increase your physical activity, these classes are the right fit for
you!
All classes are taught by highly qualified professionals:
- Registered dietitians.
- Nutrition professionals.
- Physical activity specialists.
- Certified chefs.
- Public health professionals.
- Master gardeners.
The San Antonio Food Bank Nutrition, Health and Wellness department is committed to improve the prospects that
individuals in the community will have access to healthy foods and affordable food choices and engage in physically
active lifestyles consistent with the current USDA Dietary Guidelines.
In Partnership With
Pop-Up Market (DISASTER RELIEF)
Check Calendar For Dates!
1st Saturday, Monthly
10 am - 12 pm
SAFB offsite food distributions also known as Pop-Up Distributions are made available so they can meet families in need closer to where they live.
Working alongside community partners, these distributions take place in Comal and Guadalupe counties.
NOTICE: Pre-registrations are required to participate in Pop-Up Distribution.
To schedule an appointment to sign up for the program, please contact the Center Administrator at
(512) 353-0356 during normal business hours.
Eligibility
- Agency staff qualifies individuals based on their income by using a voucher provided by the SAFB and Federal Income Guidelines.
- Must have application on file.
Services
- Pop-Up Market is a San Antonio Food Bank (SAFB) program that provides large quantities of perishable and non-perishable food items (and more) to qualified individuals and families.
- Pop-Up Market also connects individuals to other SAFB programs including Client Services (Federal Benefit Assistance) and Nutrition, Health and Wellness Education.
- Vouchers available 3 weeks prior to event during hours of operation.
In Partnership With
- San Antonio Food Bank. Visit Here!
- Promiseland Church Ministry Volunteers are the backbone to the Pop-Up Market Distribution.
- Redwood Community Center Inc., RCCI, dba - Centro Esperanza hosts monthly Pop-Up Markets in collaboration with the San Antonio Food Bank.
Volunteers must arrive by 8 am.
The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)
Check Calendar For Dates!
1st Friday, Monthly
10 am - 12 pm
The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) is a federally funded program through the USDA and TDA.
This program aims to improve the health and nutritional status of low-income elderly persons
through nutrition education activities and the donation of supplemental foods.
The program offers a shelf stable food box and a block of cheese to average about 30-35lbs once per month.
Exact contents vary, though every box includes canned vegetables and fruits, juice, proteins, peanut butter or beans,
milk, grains, and a 2-pound block of cheese.
To schedule an appointment to sign up for the program, please contact the Center Administrator at (512) 353-0356 during normal business hours.
Please be sure to bring proof of address, income and a picture ID that proves your name and age.
Eligibility
-
The seniors must be 60 years of age and older and be within 130% of the federal poverty guidelines to participate in the program.
Each qualifying senior in a household can sign up separately to receive the program.
Services
-
The USDA provides approved USDA Food for grocery packages that are used for home consumption.
The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) administers the CSFP through contracts with
individual food banks and provides oversight of their operations.
Local organizations distribute the food packages and provide nutrition education to more than 34,000
eligible participants through an agreement with their respected food banks.
-
CSFP participants may choose to designate one or more proxies when they sign up for the program.
A proxy is someone who has permission to pick up a CSFP box on the participant's behalf when they are not able to pick up the box in person.
We encourage seniors who are unable to pick up themselves to have family members, friends,
or neighbors act as their proxies and attend the distribution on their behalf.
-
If you are hoping to pick up food on behalf of a senior who is not yet a CSFP participant,
you can sign them up for the program on their behalf by providing a signed note with proof of address,
income and a picture ID that proves their name and age for CSFP.
Make sure the signed note includes their name, your name,
a statement that the senior is appointing you to be their proxy, their signature, and the date.
In Partnership With
- San Antonio Food Bank. Visit Here!
-
Center staff works together cohesively with the SAFB through the applicant intake and screening process as well as conducting the distribution of CSFP boxes.
Utility Assistance
Our organization works in partnership with the Community Council of South Central Texas (Guadalupe County) Utility Assistance Program.
This program combines education and financial assistance to help low-income consumers reduce their utility bills. Services include utility
payment assistance for electric, natural gas, and propane.
Priority is assigned to households with the least amount of income and the greatest energy costs. Priority is also given to vulnerable individuals
60 years and over, persons with disabilities and families with children five years of age or under.
To schedule an appointment to apply for utility assistance, please contact the Center Administrator at (512) 353-0356 during normal business hours.
Utility Assistance Component
Payments to assist low-income households to reduce their home energy costs are based on the previous 12-month billing cycle. Payment of up to
allocation limits is based on the previous 12-month billing history. Low-income households with a vulnerable priority member receive assistance
up to their allocation limit. Households with non-vulnerable members receive six months of assistance up to their allocation limit. Service and
Repair of heating and cooling appliance components up to $5,000 for vulnerable households.
Allocation limits are:
- 0-50%=$2,400
- 51-75%=$2,300
- 75%-150%=$2,200
(Based on Percentage of Federal Poverty Guidelines)
Crisis Assistance Component
Provides Assistance with utility bills when households have lost service or are in danger of losing service and meet one of three conditions which include:
- Extreme Weather Conditions - Extreme Weather Conditions are only applicable during the summer months (June, July, August, September) and
winter months (November, December, January, February).
- President or Governor Declared Disaster
- Life Threatening Crisis.
Service and repair of heating and cooling appliance components up to $5,000 for non-vulnerable households can only be made during the crisis
situations listed above.
Payments are made directly to the utility company and do not include any fees for water, sewer, garbage, security lights, disconnection fees, late
fees, collection recovery fees, surge protectors, membership fees, deposits, agency assistance fees, returned check fees, etc.
Funding Source
This program is funded (in whole or in part) by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA).
If you are interested in applying for utility assistance, you must complete an application and include the following documents. All
documentation is required to complete an application. In complete applications will not be accepted.
Required Documents
- Social security cards for all household members.
- Proof of ALL income FOR THE PAST 30 DAYS for every household member 18years or older, who works or receives assistance.
(Check stubs, Social Security/SSI, award letters including minor children receiving any type of SS benefit included) Letters must be from
Social Security Administration and must reference or be dated for the current year, VA letter, unemployment, TANF letter, retirement,
pension, child support, etc.
- If any household member 18 or over is NOT receiving any income, you must complete the attached Declaration of Income Statement.
-
Proof of citizenship and identity for ALL household members.
NO EXCEPTIONS! (If you do not have the forms listed below, please contact your local office for a list of other acceptable forms.)
-Citizenship forms for every household member: certified copy or birth certificate (not footprint hospital record),
pass port, certificate of naturalization or US tribal registration with photo, permanent resident card.
-Identity: driver's license or state issued ID, military card, state offender card, current school ID
(immunizations or school records for minors may also be accepted as proof of identity).
-
A 12-monthbilling history from each of your energy providers, even if you are not receiving assistance from all of them.
(ELECTRIC, WATER, NATURAL GAS AND/ORPROPANE) NOTE: If you have less than 12 months in your home, please provide history for as many months as possible.
- Your current and past due electric bills and disconnection notice, if applicable.
- Your current and/or past due water/wastewater bill and disconnection notice if you have past due amounts, you need help with.
Eligibility
- Low-income individuals and households in Guadalupe County.
- To qualify for assistance, your household's yearly income must be below or at 150% of federal poverty guidelines.
Note: Counted gross income for the last 30 days: SS, SSDI, SSDC, unemployment benefits, TANF, VA, pensions, and proof of self-employment.
Services
- Utility Assistance.
- By appointment only!
In Partnership With
-
Community Council of South Central Texas (Guadalupe County)
http://www.ccsct.org/.
-
Center staff works together cohesively with the Community Council of South Central Texas through the applicant intake and screening process.
