Free Furniture & Household Items for Single Mothers in Texas

Last updated: September 2025

This guide shows practical, no‑nonsense ways to get free or near‑free beds, sofas, tables, and basic household items in Texas. It also covers backup options if funds run out in your area. When you see a program, office, or resource named, tap the link right there in the sentence.

— ASingleMother.org Editorial Team

If You Only Do 3 Things — Emergency Actions to Take

• Call 2-1-1 now and ask for furniture “vouchers” or “furniture bank referrals” in your county. If 2-1-1 doesn’t connect from your phone, call 1-877-541-7905. Use the statewide search at 2‑1‑1 Texas and TDHCA’s provider finder at Help for Texans to pull a list before you call so you can ask for specific agencies. (211northtexas.org)
• Ask your child’s school counselor for an immediate bed referral. In DFW, schools can send children 3–18 to the free Beds4Kidz program at Dallas Furniture Bank; in many cities, school social workers can also connect to Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP) for free twin beds. (dallasfurniturebank.org)
• If you left a violent home or a disaster, tell the intake worker. Your caseworker can prioritize a furniture referral to Houston Furniture Bank, Dallas Furniture Bank, or San Antonio Furniture Bank; disaster losses may also qualify for FEMA “personal property” replacement through DisasterAssistance.gov. (houstonfurniturebank.org)

Quick Help Box — Keep These Contacts Handy

• 2‑1‑1 Texas: Call 2-1-1 or 1-877-541-7905; search at 2‑1‑1 Texas; if still stuck, use HHSC’s Find Services. (211northtexas.org)
• TDHCA “Help for Texans”: Find energy bill help, weatherization, and local community action agencies at Help for Texans; general hotline 1‑800‑525‑0657. (tdhca.texas.gov)
• PUC of Texas (utility shutoff disputes): Call 1‑888‑782‑8477; file a complaint at PUCT Consumer Help. (puc.texas.gov)
• TANF Cash (can be used for furniture): Apply at Your Texas Benefits — TANF; read income and payment levels on the official page. (hhs.texas.gov)
• Local bulk pickup (curb “free finds” days): Austin on‑demand three times/year via ARR My Schedule; Dallas monthly brush/bulk rules posted at Dallas Sanitation. (austintexas.gov)

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How This Works in Texas

Getting free furniture in Texas often means working through a partner agency that issues a voucher to a furniture bank or thrift partner. The fastest path is to get a caseworker referral and a delivery time on the calendar.

• Start with an intake call at 2‑1‑1 Texas and search Help for Texans for “Utility Bill Payment” and “Emergency & Homeless Services” to find the agencies that can write furniture vouchers. Ask for furniture help specifically so the screener flags the right providers. (211northtexas.org)
• Know the referral rule: Major furniture banks serve clients only through approved partner agencies; you usually can’t walk in. That’s true in Houston at Houston Furniture Bank and in Dallas at Dallas Furniture Bank. San Antonio’s warehouse also requires agency appointments via San Antonio Furniture Bank. (houstonfurniturebank.org)
• Beds for kids have special pipelines: In North Texas, schools can refer directly to Beds4Kidz, and many Texas cities have Sleep in Heavenly Peace chapters that deliver a free twin bed with bedding to children 3–17. Apply early; some chapters pause applications when the waitlist is long. (dallasfurniturebank.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask 2‑1‑1 to search “Furniture Vouchers,” “Household Goods,” and “Community Action Agency” in your county. Try parish conferences of St. Vincent de Paul (many issue store vouchers) or The Salvation Army for a one‑time voucher after a home visit. Also scan local “Free” groups on Freecycle and Buy Nothing to grab same‑day pickups. (svdpfbgtx.org)

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Who Qualifies and What to Expect

Most Texas furniture banks serve families moving from shelter to housing, survivors leaving abuse, fire/flood victims, refugees, and very low‑income households with a verified need.

• Proof you’ll likely need: Photo ID; lease or proof of housing; proof of income/benefits; and a referral letter from a partner agency listed on Help for Texans. If you lost items in a declared disaster, apply at DisasterAssistance.gov because FEMA’s “Other Needs Assistance” can cover basic “home furnishings.” (tdhca.texas.gov)
• Delivery fees: Some banks deliver free via partner funds; others charge a set delivery fee that agencies can sometimes cover. Houston posts standard delivery tiers for caseworkers at Houston Furniture Bank — Caseworker Portal; always ask whether your agency can pay this for you. (houstonfurniturebank.org)
• Timelines: Dallas says they contact you within a week after getting a referral; agencies vary on funding and stock. Beds programs often move fastest. Track your intake date and follow up every 3–5 business days. See referral and timing notes at Dallas Furniture Bank — Get Help. (dallasfurniturebank.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your caseworker to try a different partner agency on Houston Furniture Bank’s partner list, or request a St. Vincent de Paul voucher (see SVdP). If inventory is tight, shift to online “free” sources like Freecycle and your neighborhood on Nextdoor for curb alerts. (houstonfurniturebank.org)

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Step‑by‑Step: Get a Furniture Voucher Fast

• Find an agency that can refer you using Help for Texans and 2‑1‑1 Texas. Ask for “furniture bank referral” or “voucher ministry.” (tdhca.texas.gov)
• Complete intake by phone or in person. Bring a photo ID and lease; if displaced by violence or disaster, say so. Agencies listed by TDHCA or parish SVdP can issue vouchers or send formal referrals. (tdhca.texas.gov)
• Schedule pickup/delivery once the bank receives your referral. Houston and Dallas publish partner rules — partner caseworkers book the selection appointment at Houston Furniture Bank, while Dallas agencies coordinate via DFB. (houstonfurniturebank.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: If you don’t already have a caseworker, ask your child’s school social worker or counselor (for beds see Beds4Kidz) or apply to a community action agency through Help for Texans; they can often write a referral. Also check Salvation Army Family Stores about one‑time vouchers issued by local social service offices. (dallasfurniturebank.org)

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Texas Furniture Banks and Voucher Programs (Most Reliable Starting Points)

Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio banks require agency referrals and have their own procedures; read each site before you apply and ask your caseworker to handle the referral. (houstonfurniturebank.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Try parish St. Vincent de Paul for a clothing/furniture voucher; in DFW, contact Salvation Army North Texas about a one‑time store voucher. If funds are depleted, ask for a waitlist note and check back weekly. (svdpfbgtx.org)

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Quick Wins: Same‑Day “Free” Sources Near You

• Watch curb alerts on Nextdoor and search the “free” feed on Freecycle; message fast, bring help to load, and confirm there are no bedbugs or heavy mold. Never share your exact address in a public post. (join.nextdoor.com)
• Check city bulk set‑out calendars. Austin allows three on‑demand bulk collections per year — use My Schedule and look for “bulk” weeks; Dallas posts monthly brush/bulk weeks and a once‑a‑year 20‑cubic‑yard exception at Dallas Sanitation. Drive safe; don’t block traffic. (austintexas.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask neighbors on Nextdoor for a curb alert tag; check local Habitat ReStores for low‑cost items (Austin: ReStore; San Antonio: Home Centers). Some agencies may give ReStore vouchers after a home visit. (join.nextdoor.com)

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Government Programs That Can Free Up Cash for Furniture

• TANF Cash can be used for furniture and housewares. Texas lists allowed spending, eligibility, and current grant levels on TANF — HHS, and “One‑Time TANF for Relatives” pays a $1,000 one‑time grant if you’re caring for a relative’s child and meet rules. Apply at YourTexasBenefits or by phone. Reality check: grants are low and approval can take weeks. Call to confirm current availability. (hhs.texas.gov)
• Disaster losses: If a storm or flood destroyed your beds or appliances, FEMA’s Individuals & Households Program can help replace “home furnishings” under “Personal Property” in a declared disaster. Apply at DisasterAssistance.gov and review FEMA IHP details. Timelines depend on the declaration; watch state/local updates. (disasterassistance.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your caseworker to screen you for local short‑term aid through community action agencies listed at Help for Texans and for charity vouchers through St. Vincent de Paul. (tdhca.texas.gov)

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How to Stop Utility Shutoff in Texas Today

If a shutoff notice is hanging over you while you’re trying to furnish a home, act the same day.

• Use the extreme weather rule: Texas retail electric providers cannot disconnect for nonpayment during a heat advisory or a freeze event under 16 TAC §25.483. Ask for a deferred payment plan for bills due during that emergency. Then contact your local CEAP provider through Help for Texans. (law.cornell.edu)
• File a quick complaint if a provider won’t work with you: Contact the Public Utility Commission’s Consumer Protection Division at 1‑888‑782‑8477 or use the online form at PUCT — File a Complaint. This can pause collections while they review, and it documents the problem. (puc.texas.gov)
• Tap your city utility discount: In San Antonio, CPS Energy’s Affordability Discount Program gives a monthly bill discount (about $18.36 combined as of Feb 2025) and has REAP emergency assistance; in Austin, see Austin Energy income‑based programs and Customer Assistance updates; Houston Water has a W.A.T.E.R. Fund for eligible customers. Call to confirm the current amounts. (awsqacms.cpsenergy.com)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Call 2‑1‑1 for CEAP appointments and legal aid; if your provider refuses to follow weather rules, cite 16 TAC §25.483 and ask to escalate; then file with PUCT and also ask the Office of Public Utility Counsel about medical/critical care protections. (puc.texas.gov)

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City‑Specific Help Boxes

Houston Water Bill Help

• Ask about bill adjustments and the W.A.T.E.R. Fund through Houston Public Works — Utility Billing; schedule an appointment if needed. Keep copies of leak repairs and high‑bill documentation. Reality check: service delays were common in 2024–2025; report missed service to 311 and watch city updates. (houstonpublicworks.org)
• Furniture leads: For referrals, work with an agency listed by Houston Furniture Bank; if your family is refugee/asylee, ask World Relief Texas or Catholic Charities Houston about apartment set‑ups (they often coordinate with HFB). (houstonfurniturebank.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Call 2‑1‑1 for alternate agencies; check parish St. Vincent de Paul for furniture/clothing vouchers. (archgh.org)

Dallas Utility and Furniture Help

• Bulk pickup and free finds: Use Dallas Sanitation’s monthly brush/bulk schedule; stay within the 10‑cubic‑yard limit unless you request the 20‑yard exception. Set out only in the window to avoid fines. (dallas.gov)
• Furniture leads: Ask an approved agency to refer you to Dallas Furniture Bank; for children’s beds, your school counselor can send a Beds4Kidz referral; DIY beds also come from Sleep in Heavenly Peace — DFW. (dallasfurniturebank.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Try St. Vincent de Paul North Texas for emergency help; ask about a thrift voucher after a home visit. (svdpdallas.org)

San Antonio: CPS Energy and Furniture

• Stop shutoff: Apply to CPS Energy’s ADP and ask about REAP; income screens and discounts update annually. Call 210‑353‑2222 for questions. (awsqacms.cpsenergy.com)
• Furniture leads: Work through a caseworker to schedule with San Antonio Furniture Bank; provide your referral form and ID, and bring tie‑downs if you do your own pickup. (thesanantoniofurniturebank.weebly.com)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask 2‑1‑1 for Catholic Charities or SVdP conferences that issue store vouchers; if you only need beds, apply at SHP San Antonio. (shpbeds.org)

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Local Organizations, Churches, and Support Groups

• Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) Conferences provide home visits and, when funding allows, vouchers for furniture and clothing redeemable at their stores. Start with SVdP North Texas or SVdP Fredericksburg for how vouchers work. Ask for a “voucher ministry” referral. (svdpdallas.org)
• The Salvation Army can issue one‑time vouchers for clothing, furniture, and housewares through local Family Stores after an intake. Find contacts at Salvation Army North Texas or the Austin store list at Salvation Army Austin. (salvationarmyntx.org)
• Faith and volunteer groups: In Collin/North Dallas, Bed Start provides beds and essential furnishings; in Killeen/Temple, Furniture for Families serves families by partner referral. Call to confirm current availability before you apply. (bedstart.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Call 2‑1‑1 and ask for additional “furniture voucher” and “household goods” listings; if you have school‑age kids, ask your counselor to connect you to local bed charities such as SHP. (211northtexas.org)

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Resources by Region (Examples you can call)

Agencies change intake hours/stock; call to confirm. Use Help for Texans if you don’t see your county here. (houstonfurniturebank.org)

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Diverse Communities — Tailored Pointers

LGBTQ+ single mothers: If you’re in Houston or Austin, ask about housing and stabilization that can include basic furnishings through The Montrose Center or family support groups at Out Youth Austin. Ask your caseworker to include furniture in your housing plan. Accessibility note: request large‑print forms or phone appointments when you email intake. (montrosecenter.org)

Single mothers with disabilities or disabled children: Ask 2‑1‑1 for disability services and CRCG coordination through HHSC/CRCG, and make sure your utility account notes “medically vulnerable/critical care” if applicable (your doctor completes the PUCT form). For energy bill help that frees up dollars for furniture, apply through CEAP on Help for Texans and mention medical equipment power needs. TTY services are available at PUCT. (crcg.hhs.texas.gov)

Veteran single mothers: Ask the Texas Veterans Commission for local SSVF partners who can fund move‑in essentials; TVC’s directory lists veteran aid by county. For DFW/Austin, World Relief Texas and veteran‑serving nonprofits often coordinate furniture set‑ups. Also call 2‑1‑1 for community action support through Help for Texans. (tvc.texas.gov)

Immigrant and refugee single moms: Refugee agencies may furnish apartments with donated goods; ask World Relief Texas or Catholic Charities Houston how they coordinate furniture with Houston Furniture Bank. If you’re outside a resettlement area, ask 2‑1‑1 for faith‑based groups that issue vouchers. (worldrelief.org)

Tribal‑specific resources: If you are a member or eligible through family, contact Alabama‑Coushatta Tribe of Texas or Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas Social Services for support; in El Paso County, Ysleta del Sur Pueblo DHHS can connect to household stabilization. Ask about emergency household goods or referrals. (alabama-coushatta.com)

Rural single moms with limited access: Use statewide tools — Help for Texans and 2‑1‑1 Texas — to find the nearest community action agency. Ask about mileage‑based delivery or partner churches that can transport items. For beds, apply to SHP and note your county in the application. (tdhca.texas.gov)

Single fathers: Most programs are for households with kids, regardless of the parent’s gender. You can use Help for Texans and 2‑1‑1 Texas the same way and ask for family stabilization or voucher programs. (tdhca.texas.gov)

Language access: 2‑1‑1 offers Spanish and interpreter lines; ask for help in your preferred language. State offices list TTY and relay. Use the appointment links on PUCT and HHSC pages and note if you need large‑print forms. (211northtexas.org)

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Waiting for a callback without a referral: Furniture banks won’t schedule you without a partner agency referral. Confirm your agency actually submitted the referral (ask for the date/time) at Houston Furniture Bank or DFB. (houstonfurniturebank.org)
• Assuming everything is free: Dallas Furniture Bank says furniture is low‑cost unless your agency covers the invoice; beds for kids are free but adult items may be not. Clarify costs early at DFB — FAQs. (dallasfurniturebank.org)
• Skipping city bulk rules: Setting items out on the wrong week can get you cited. Check Austin ARR My Schedule or Dallas monthly rules before you curb‑shop or set items out. (austintexas.gov)

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Reality Check

• Reality check: Funding runs out. Even strong programs like Houston Furniture Bank and DFB Beds4Kidz prioritize families with caseworkers and kids with no beds; you may wait 1–3 weeks in busy months. Keep calling and ask your caseworker to try multiple partners. (houstonfurniturebank.org)
• Reality check: Utility rules change by city/provider. The PUCT extreme‑weather rule stops shutoffs on heat‑advisory days or during freezes, but you must request a payment plan for bills due in that period. If staff refuse, cite 16 TAC §25.483 and call PUCT Consumer Protection. (law.cornell.edu)

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Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

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Application Checklist (Print or Screenshot)

• Photo ID: State ID, license, or other government‑issued ID
• Lease or proof of housing: Current lease, approval letter, or shelter exit paperwork
• Proof of income/benefits: Recent pay stubs, SNAP/TANF letter, or unemployment letter
• Referral letter: From a partner agency found via Help for Texans
• For kids’ beds: School counselor contact info; SHP application confirmation from SHP
• If disaster‑impacted: FEMA application number from DisasterAssistance.gov
• Delivery plan: Ask your agency if they can cover delivery; if self‑pickup, bring straps/blankets per SA Furniture Bank instructions

Call the agency to confirm documents before you go. (tdhca.texas.gov)

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Troubleshooting: If Your Application Gets Denied:

• Ask why, in writing: Request the reason and whether it’s funding, eligibility, or missing documents. Use the contact on Help for Texans to appeal to another provider. (tdhca.texas.gov)
• Try a different route: If you can’t get a furniture bank referral, ask SVdP or The Salvation Army for a store voucher; for kids’ beds, try SHP. (svdpfbgtx.org)
• Preserve utility service: Use PUCT rules and file a complaint at PUCT to pause collections while reviewed. Then apply for CEAP via Help for Texans. (puc.texas.gov)

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Tables You Can Use

Where to Start Based on Your Situation

(houstonfurniturebank.org)

Major Furniture Banks — What They Require

(houstonfurniturebank.org)

Texas Benefits That Can Help Indirectly

(hhs.texas.gov)

City Bulk Pickup Finder

(austintexas.gov)

Online “Free” Sources

(freecycle.org)

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County Differences You Should Know

• Dallas County: Bulk set‑out rules are strict, and over‑limit piles get charged. Track your week and set items out only Thu–Sun before pickup using Dallas Sanitation. Pair this with a DFB referral to stretch your budget. (dallas.gov)
• Harris County (Houston): City solid waste has experienced delays; check service updates and heavy trash schedules at Houston Solid Waste before you plan curb finds. For furniture, prioritize a referral to Houston Furniture Bank. (houstontx.gov)
• Bexar County (San Antonio): Your utility discount and REAP aid run through CPS Energy; ask your caseworker to align furniture help through SA Furniture Bank right after lease signing. (awsqacms.cpsenergy.com)

What to do if this doesn’t work: In any county, return to Help for Texans and ask 2‑1‑1 for different providers; many programs use points systems when funds are tight. (tdhca.texas.gov)

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FAQs (Texas‑Specific)

1. How fast can I get a child’s bed in Texas: In DFW, your school can refer the same week to Beds4Kidz; many cities have SHP chapters that deliver free twin beds to kids 3–17. Response times vary by season; ask about waitlists. (dallasfurniturebank.org)
2. Are furniture banks free: Not always. Dallas notes furniture is low‑cost unless your agency pays; beds for kids are free. Houston uses partner vouchers and may charge delivery. Read each program’s rules at DFB and Houston FB. (dallasfurniturebank.org)
3. Where do I find a referring agency: Call 2‑1‑1 and search Help for Texans for “Emergency & Homeless Services” or “Utility Bill Payment.” Ask for agencies that write furniture vouchers. (211northtexas.org)
4. I lost furniture in a storm — who can help: Apply at DisasterAssistance.gov; FEMA’s Other Needs Assistance can fund “home furnishings” after declared disasters. Bring proof of occupancy and losses. (disasterassistance.gov)
5. Can TANF pay for furniture: Yes. Texas HHS says TANF can be used for furniture and household supplies; see TANF Cash Help for current amounts and One‑Time TANF rules. (hhs.texas.gov)
6. How do I stop an electric shutoff during a heat advisory: Ask for a payment plan and cite the PUCT extreme‑weather rule 16 TAC §25.483; then apply for CEAP at Help for Texans. If denied, file at PUCT. (law.cornell.edu)
7. Do churches still give furniture vouchers: Many SVdP conferences and Salvation Army sites can, when funds allow, after a home visit or intake. Ask for a “voucher” specifically. (svdpfbgtx.org)
8. I’m a veteran — any special help: Contact the Texas Veterans Commission to locate SSVF providers; many can fund move‑in goods. If you’re in DFW/Austin, ask World Relief Texas whether they coordinate furnishings for specific family cases. (tvc.texas.gov)
9. Language access and TTY: 2‑1‑1 offers Spanish and interpreter services; PUCT and TDHCA list TTY/Relay options. See PUCT contacts and TDHCA Compact. (puc.texas.gov)
10. Are there rules for curbside “free finds”: Yes. Follow your city’s bulk rules — Austin scheduling at ARR My Schedule; Dallas monthly limits at Dallas Sanitation. Don’t block sidewalks or take unsafe items. (austintexas.gov)

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Spanish Summary (Resumen en español)

Este recurso explica cómo obtener muebles y artículos del hogar gratis o de bajo costo en Texas. La forma más rápida es llamar al 2‑1‑1 y pedir “vales de muebles” o una “referencia a un banco de muebles”. Use 2‑1‑1 Texas y Help for Texans de TDHCA para encontrar agencias locales. Los bancos de muebles como Houston Furniture Bank, Dallas Furniture Bank y San Antonio Furniture Bank funcionan por referencia de una agencia. Para camas infantiles, pida a la escuela una referencia a Beds4Kidz o solicite en Sleep in Heavenly Peace. Si perdió bienes por desastre, solicite en DisasterAssistance.gov. Para evitar cortes de luz, use la regla de clima extremo de la PUC de Texas y pida ayuda de CEAP mediante Help for Texans. Nota: Esta traducción fue generada con herramientas de IA; verifique la información actualizada antes de aplicar. (211northtexas.org)

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About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team.

This guide uses official sources including:

• Texas Department of Housing & Community Affairs (TDHCA) — Help for Texans
• Texas Health & Human Services — TANF Cash Help
• Public Utility Commission of Texas — Consumer Help
• 2‑1‑1 Texas Information & Referral Network
• Houston Furniture Bank and Dallas Furniture Bank

Last verified September 2025, next review January 2026.

This guide is produced based on our Editorial Standards using only official sources, regularly updated and monitored, but not affiliated with any government agency and not a substitute for official agency guidance. Individual eligibility outcomes cannot be guaranteed. Please note that despite our careful verification process, errors may still occur — email info@asinglemother.org with corrections and we respond within 72 hours. (tdhca.texas.gov)

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Final Notes

• Keep every receipt and letter: It helps with appeals and disaster claims at DisasterAssistance.gov and utility complaints at PUCT. (disasterassistance.gov)
• Call to confirm: Policies and funding shift. Before you drive or apply, confirm hours and eligibility using Help for Texans and 2‑1‑1 Texas. (tdhca.texas.gov)

Good luck — and keep asking for furniture vouchers, not just general assistance. The right words can move your case to the top of the stack.

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🏛️More Texas Resources for Single Mothers

Explore all assistance programs in 34 categories available in Texas

• 📋 Assistance Programs
• 💰 Benefits and Grants
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Child Support
• 🌾 Rural Single Mothers Assistance
• ♿ Disabled Single Mothers Assistance
• 🎖️ Veteran Single Mothers Benefits
• 🦷 Dental Care Assistance
• 🎓 Education Grants
• 📊 EITC and Tax Credits
• 🍎 SNAP and Food Assistance
• 🔧 Job Training
• ⚖️ Legal Help
• 🧠 Mental Health Resources
• 🚗 Transportation Assistance
• 💼 Job Loss Support & Unemployment
• ⚡ Utility Assistance
• 🥛 WIC Benefits
• 🏦 TANF Assistance
• 🏠 Housing Assistance
• 👶 Childcare Assistance
• 🏥 Healthcare Assistance
• 🚨 Emergency Assistance
• 🤝 Community Support
• 🎯 Disability & Special Needs Support
• 🏫 Afterschool & Summer Programs
• 🍼 Free Baby Gear & Children's Items
• 🎒 Free School Supplies & Backpacks
• 🏡 Home Buyer Down Payment Grants
• 🤱 Postpartum Health & Maternity Support
• 👩‍💼 Workplace Rights & Pregnancy Protection
• 💼 Business Grants & Assistance
• 🛡️ Domestic Violence Resources & Safety
• 💻 Digital Literacy & Technology Assistance
• 🤱 Free Breast Pumps & Maternity Support
• 📈 Credit Repair & Financial Recovery