Free & low-cost help · Greater Houston
Help is closer than you think.
Health care, food, housing, bills, and rides — for people who are uninsured, on a fixed income, elderly, or living with a disability. No computer? Dial 2-1-1 any time.
Start here
Three calls that open almost every door
If you do nothing else on this page, make one of these. They are free, they answer in your language, and they will not ask for papers.
One call for everything
A real person, any language, day or night. Food, rent, bills, rides.
Call 2-1-1Need a doctor, no insurance?
HOPE Clinics — sliding-scale care, all locations. They see you regardless of immigration status.
713-773-0803Clinics near you
Find a clinic that sees you without insurance
Type your address or ZIP code, choose how far you can travel, and we will show the closest sliding-scale clinics — where what you pay is based on what you earn.
Sliding-scale clinics that see you with no insurance — regardless of immigration status.
Your plan
Not sure where to start? Build your plan.
Tap what you need help with. We'll give you the right numbers to call, in order — usually just 4 or 5 calls.
I need help with…
My age
People living in my home (including me)
Money coming in each month, for everyone in the home
Any of these?
Nothing you tap here leaves your phone. There is no account and nothing is saved.
Full directory
Browse every program
Pick a topic, or search for a word like “insulin”, “rent” or “dentures”.
All 196 programs verified against official sources, July 2026
Houston Help Finder
Free and low-cost help for uninsured, elderly, and disabled residents of Greater Houston · Every number verified July 2026 · No computer? Dial 2-1-1 any time · Share freely
Good to know
Before you pick up the phone
An honest word about Medicaid in Texas
In Texas, many adults under 65 do not qualify for Medicaid no matter how poor they are — this is called the coverage gap, and it is not your fault. If that is you, you still have real options on this page: sliding-scale clinics, the Harris Health financial assistance program for hospital care, charity pharmacies, and hospital charity care you have a legal right to apply for. Apply anyway and keep the denial letter — some programs need it as proof.
Words that help on the phone
Sliding scale — the price drops based on your income. Financial assistance / charity care — the hospital's program to cut or erase your bill; every nonprofit hospital must have one. Interest list — a waiting list for Medicaid home-care programs; join now, it can take years. Appeal — asking them to look again after a "no"; you usually have 90 days. Prior authorization — approval your plan wants before it pays. Waiver — a Medicaid program that pays for help at home instead of a nursing home.
Entries marked checked ✓ were re-verified against official sources in July 2026. Entries marked confirm first could not be re-verified — call before you travel.
This page lists government, community, and volunteer services. It is free and lists only free or income-based help. Programs change — when in doubt, dial 2-1-1.