GULF COAST FIELD PROFILE

Field Intelligence: Harris County

County Seat: Houston • Municipal Centers: Houston, Pasadena, Baytown, Spring, Katy, Humble, Tomball

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Crisis Shelter Partner

Houston Area Women's Center (HAWC / 713-528-2121) & The Bridge Over Troubled Waters (Pasadena)

Legal Aid Provider

Lone Star Legal Aid (Houston HQ) & Houston Volunteer Lawyers & AVDA (Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse)

Community Action (CSBG)

Gulf Coast Community Services Association (GCCSA)

LOCAL DISCRETIONARY FUNDS

Emergency Micro-Aid in Harris County

AVDA (Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse) Legal & Direct AssistanceFree legal representation, safety planning, micro-aid

Dedicated representation for protective orders, divorce, child custody, and emergency client assistance funds for survivors in Harris County.

Gulf Coast Community Services Association (GCCSA)Utility payments, rental support, emergency food

Harris County Community Action agency providing emergency food, utility bill assistance (CEAP), rental stabilization, and education support.

St. Vincent de Paul Society Archdiocese of Galveston-HoustonEmergency funds, gas, utilities, furniture vouchers

Network of over 50 parish conferences across Harris County providing direct home visit emergency assistance for utilities, rent, gas, and furniture.

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-HoustonRental assistance, food, rapid rehousing

Comprehensive emergency financial assistance, food distribution, and transitional housing assistance for individuals and families in crisis.

Northwest Assistance Ministries (NAM)Housing, utilities, medical clinic, domestic violence services

Serving North and Northwest Harris County with emergency basic needs, housing services, pediatric/medical clinics, and family violence safety.

LOCAL DIRECTORY

County Directory Entries (2)

Harris County, TexasDISCRETIONARY AID

[PUBLIC SOURCE CHECKED · 2026-08-20]

AVDA (Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse) Houston Legal & Client Aid

AVDA · Harris County

1. What It Can Actually Help With:

Dedicated free legal representation for protective orders, divorce, and child custody in Harris County family courts, plus emergency client financial assistance for safety essentials and relocation.

• Funding Limit: Legal representation provided at zero cost; micro-aid based on case manager allocation

2. Who Can Use It & Access Conditions:

Survivors of domestic abuse in Harris County with household income under 200% FPL.

Income Restriction:Income generally at or below 200% FPL

Referral Required:None (self-apply via phone or website intake)

Shelter Connection:Not Required

Police Report:Not Required

3. What Can Block Access (The Catch):

•Must reside in Harris County or have pending legal matter in Harris County courts
•Income limit under 200% FPL for ongoing court representation
•Court appearance required for contested hearings

4. Immediate Next Step:

Call 713-224-9912 or submit an online legal intake form at avda-tx.org.

Source URL

Harris County, TexasDISCRETIONARY AID

[PUBLIC SOURCE CHECKED · 2026-08-20]

Houston Area Women's Center (HAWC) Crisis & Shelter Services

Houston Area Women's Center · Harris County

1. What It Can Actually Help With:

Operates 24/7 crisis hotline, emergency residential safe shelter, safe hotel placements, legal advocacy, hospital accompaniment, violence recovery counseling, and transitional housing navigation in Harris County.

• Funding Limit: Shelter beds subject to daily bed availability; 24/7 hotline open continuously

2. Who Can Use It & Access Conditions:

Individuals and families experiencing domestic violence or sexual assault in Greater Houston.

Income Restriction:None for crisis shelter and hotline

Referral Required:None (call 24/7 hotline)