On this page:
Facing financial hardship and the possibility of losing your home is an incredibly stressful experience. If you are struggling to pay rent, know that you are not alone and that resources are available.
For residents needing Montgomery County Texas rental assistance, support is provided not by a single government office, but through a dedicated network of local nonprofit organizations, faith-based groups, and community service agencies. This network can feel complex to navigate during a crisis.
The goal here is to provide a clear, organized, and direct path to the organizations that can offer financial help for rent, prevent eviction, and provide the tools for long-term stability. Help ranges from one-time emergency grants for rent and utilities to free legal aid and financial counseling designed to put you back on solid ground.
When facing an immediate housing crisis, the following organizations are the primary points of contact for emergency financial assistance in Montgomery County. It is crucial to understand that each has its own application process, eligibility rules, and funding limitations. Success often depends on being prepared with the correct documents and contacting the right agency for your specific situation.
Community Assistance Center (CAC): The Central Hub for Crisis Aid
The Community Assistance Center (CAC) is a comprehensive social services organization that has served as a central point of care for Montgomery County residents since 1981. It is often the first stop for individuals and families experiencing a financial crisis, providing resources to meet basic needs like housing, food, and clothing with the goal of helping clients achieve greater financial independence.
Services Offered
CAC provides a range of crisis services to address immediate needs and promote long-term stability. These include:
Eligibility and Application Process
Assistance is not guaranteed and requires a formal application process.
Contact Information
Interfaith of The Woodlands: Serving South Montgomery County
Established in 1973, Interfaith of The Woodlands is a multi-denominational human service agency dedicated to providing for the needs of residents in The Woodlands and the surrounding South Montgomery County area. Their Family Services program is designed to help families in crisis achieve self-sufficiency.
Services Offered
Through its Family Services program, Interfaith offers a variety of support services.
Eligibility and Application Process
Interfaith evaluates the needs of each family or individual to provide appropriate assistance. Because program requirements can change based on funding, the most direct way to understand eligibility and the application process is to contact their office directly.
Contact Information
The Salvation Army of Conroe: Accessing Social Services
The Salvation Army is a national organization with a strong local presence in Conroe, offering a variety of programs to help those in need. Their services are designed to address both immediate crises and long-term stability.
Services Offered
The Conroe Salvation Army provides several forms of assistance, though all financial aid is limited and based on available funding.
Eligibility and Application Process
To receive rental or utility assistance, you must make an appointment with their Social Services department. You can also visit the national Salvation Army assistance website (https://sahelp.org/) and enter your zip code to begin a confidential online application. For local services, calling the Conroe office is the best first step to inquire about current funding, eligibility criteria, and how to schedule an appointment.
Contact Information
Society of Samaritans (SOS): Targeted Help for Magnolia ISD Residents
The Society of Samaritans (SOS) is a vital community resource with a specific service area. They provide food, clothing, and financial assistance to residents living within the Magnolia Independent School District (ISD).
Services Offered
SOS provides specific, limited financial assistance to help with emergency needs.
Eligibility and Application Process
Assistance is generally available to a household once every 12 months. The application process is form-based.
Contact Information
St. Vincent de Paul Society: Faith-Based Financial Support
Operating from the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Conroe, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) is a volunteer-led organization providing direct, compassionate aid to neighbors in need across most zip codes in the area.
Services Offered
SVdP provides several types of aid to the community.
Eligibility and Application Process
All requests for financial assistance must be initiated with a phone call. The process is not available online. Call 936-539-1188 during their hours of operation: Monday through Thursday, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. An interview with a volunteer will be part of the process to assess need and process the request.
Contact Information
Other Faith-Based and Community Support
Several other community and faith-based organizations offer crisis assistance, often for specific circumstances:
Table 1: Montgomery County Emergency Aid At-a-Glance
| Organization Name | Contact Phone | Website | Key Services | How to Initiate Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Community Assistance Center (CAC) | 936-539-9211 | cac-mctx.org | Rent, Utilities, Food, Case Management | Call for appointment (Tues-Thurs, 1-4 pm) |
| Interfaith of The Woodlands | 281-367-1230 | woodlandsinterfaith.org | Rent, Utilities, Food, Emergency Shelter | Call to inquire about eligibility & process |
| The Salvation Army of Conroe | 936-760-2440 | salvationarmyhouston.org | Rent, Utilities, Shelter, Food | Call for appointment or apply online by zip code |
| Society of Samaritans (SOS) | 281-259-8452 | societyofsamaritanstx.org | Rent (up to $300), Utilities (up to $200) for Magnolia ISD | Complete online forms from website |
| St. Vincent de Paul Society | 936-539-1188 | shconroe.org/st-vincent-de-paul | Rent, Utilities, Prescriptions, Food | Call for assistance (Mon-Thurs, 10 am-2 pm) |
| April Sound Church | 936-588-2832 | soundchurchtx.com | Rent (with eviction notice), Utilities | Call to inquire |
Receiving a notice to vacate or a court summons can be frightening. The eviction process in Texas moves very quickly, so it is vital to act immediately to protect your rights. Seeking free legal help is one of the most important steps you can take.
The Eviction Process in Texas: A Step-by-Step Overview
For cases of non-payment of rent, the eviction process generally follows these steps:
Lone Star Legal Aid (LSLA): Your First Call for Free Legal Defense
The moment you receive a "Notice to Vacate" from your landlord is the moment you should contact Lone Star Legal Aid. Waiting until the court date severely limits your options. LSLA is the primary provider of free civil legal services, including eviction defense, for low-income residents in Montgomery County and the surrounding region.
Services Offered
LSLA's Eviction Defense project provides free legal assistance to tenants facing eviction. Their attorneys can represent you in court, negotiate with your landlord, and ensure your rights are protected. They also offer a wealth of self-help resources, including instructional videos, appeal forms, and informational flyers in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese.
Eligibility and Application Process
To receive help, clients must meet financial and legal status eligibility requirements. You can apply for assistance 24/7 through their website or by calling their local office during business hours.
Contact Information (Conroe Office)
Eviction Prevention and Mediation Services
Beyond direct legal representation, other resources may be available:
It is critical to distinguish between emergency rental assistance and long-term housing programs. Government programs like Section 8 are designed for long-term affordability but are not a solution for an immediate crisis due to extremely long waiting lists.
Montgomery County Housing Authority (MCHA): The Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8)
The MCHA administers the federal Housing Choice Voucher Program, commonly known as Section 8, for Montgomery County. This program provides rental subsidies to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.
Application Process and Availability
This is not an emergency program. The waiting list for vouchers is currently closed and opens very infrequently. For example, the list was last scheduled to open for four days in July 2025.
When the list does open, MCHA uses a computerized lottery to select a small number of applications to be placed on the waiting list. This means there can be a multi-year wait for assistance.
Contact Information
Montgomery County Community Development (MCCD)
The Montgomery County Community Development department works to create decent housing and expand economic opportunities, primarily for low- and moderate-income residents. This department functions more as a planning and funding body for long-term community projects rather than a provider of direct emergency aid to individuals.
Contact Information
Texas Housing Stability Services (HSS) Program
Although the massive statewide Texas Rent Relief program is now closed, the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) continues to support local communities. Through its Housing Stability Services (HSS) Program, TDHCA has allocated millions of dollars to local non-profits and legal aid providers across the state. This program is a key source of funding for many of the organizations listed previously, reinforcing the importance of contacting those local agencies directly.
Some organizations focus their assistance on specific populations who may face unique challenges in securing stable housing.
Assistance for Youth & Young Adults: Angel Reach
Angel Reach is a faith-based nonprofit in Conroe dedicated to serving youth and young adults (ages 16-24) who have aged out of the foster care system or are at risk of homelessness.
Services Offered
Angel Reach provides two core programs.
Eligibility and Application Process
Youth interested in the Transitional Living Program can apply using forms on the Angel Reach website. While residents are required to pay rent, it is based on a sliding scale to ensure affordability.
Contact Information
Support for Veterans and Their Families
Veterans facing housing instability have access to several targeted resources in the county.
A one-time rent payment can solve an immediate crisis, but long-term stability often requires addressing the root causes of financial hardship. Several organizations in Montgomery County offer free coaching and counseling to help residents build a stronger financial future.
Financial Opportunity Centers (Volunteers of America)
Funded in part by Montgomery County United Way, Volunteers of America (VOA) operates Financial Opportunity Centers (FOCs) in Conroe and The Woodlands.
Services Offered
FOCs provide a "bundled" approach to financial stability. Clients receive one-on-one coaching in several key areas.
Locations and Contact
United Way THRIVE Financial Coaching
The United Way THRIVE initiative is a collaborative effort that partners with local agencies to provide high-quality financial education and coaching.
Services Offered
Coaches work with clients to create personalized plans for reducing debt, improving credit, building savings, and reaching long-term goals. The program also helps connect families with safe and affordable financial products, such as credit-builder loans and matched savings accounts, to help them avoid predatory lenders.
How to Access
The best way to connect with a United Way THRIVE partner for financial coaching is to call the 2-1-1 Texas/United Way HELPLINE.
The 2-1-1 Texas Helpline: A Universal Starting Point
If you are unsure where to begin, or if the agencies listed above are unable to assist you, your next call should be to 2-1-1.
What It Is
The 2-1-1 Texas/United Way HELPLINE is a free, confidential, and anonymous information and referral service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Why to Call
Trained specialists have access to the most up-to-date database of social services in the region. They can connect you with organizations that provide help for rent, food, childcare, healthcare, and more.
How to Contact
Yes, some programs can assist with security and utility deposits. The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) and certain local non-profits may offer this help, often as part of a larger rental assistance or re-housing plan. Always specify this need when applying for aid.
Your immediate first step is to contact Lone Star Legal Aid for free legal guidance on your rights as a tenant. Concurrently, you should apply for emergency rental assistance with an agency like the Community Assistance Center (CAC), as having a formal eviction notice often prioritizes your application.
Processing times vary significantly by agency. A local charity might provide a decision within a few weeks, while applying for a government program like the Housing Choice Voucher can involve a lottery and a waiting list that may last for months or even longer. Always ask the agency for an estimated timeline.
Yes. The Montgomery County Housing Authority provides accommodations, such as allowing a representative to apply on your behalf. State programs like the Section 811 Project Rental Assistance (PRA) are also specifically designed to help low-income persons with disabilities find stable, affordable housing in the community.
If your application is denied, you have the right to ask for a specific reason in writing. Review the reason for any errors or misunderstandings. If the denial was based on information in a credit or tenant screening report, you are entitled to a free copy of that report to check for inaccuracies.
Typically, no. Emergency rental assistance provided by most non-profits and through government grants is not a loan and does not need to be repaid. These funds are intended to provide stability during a financial hardship. However, always confirm the terms of any aid you receive directly with the agency.
Yes. Receiving other forms of government assistance does not disqualify you from applying for rental assistance. In fact, being enrolled in programs like SNAP, SSI, or TANF can sometimes make the income verification process faster, as it may serve as proof of your eligibility for help.
Most organizations that provide rental assistance also help with utility bills (electricity, water, gas). The state’s Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) is a key resource, and local non-profits like the Community Assistance Center and Society of Samaritans often have funds specifically for preventing utility disconnection.
Yes, virtually all rental assistance programs require a current, valid lease agreement in your name. This document is essential to verify your residency, your monthly rent obligation, and your landlord’s contact information. If you don't have a formal lease, seek legal advice from Lone Star Legal Aid.
Proof of hardship can include recent pay stubs showing reduced hours or income, an unemployment benefits letter, bank statements showing a depleted balance, or unexpected medical bills. Each agency has slightly different requirements, so confirm what documentation they need to see when you apply for assistance.
In 2024, navigating the complexities of snap replacement due to power outage 2024 has become a critical concern for many, as unforeseen disruptions test the resilience of essential food assistance. Discover the updated strategies and crucial steps to ensure your family's access to vital resources during these challenging times, and learn how to proactively safeguard your benefits against the unpredictable nature of modern power outages.
Ever found yourself at the Walmart checkout, iPhone in hand, only to realize Apple Pay isn't an option? While the retail giant has embraced other contactless payment methods, the reason behind their Apple Pay exclusion might surprise you.
Churches across the nation become beacons of hope during Thanksgiving, extending a helping hand to ensure everyone experiences the warmth and joy of the holiday season. Discover how these compassionate communities provide essential support, from festive meals to food baskets, making a profound difference in the lives of countless individuals and families.