If You Live in ZIP Codes 78703, 78705, 78722, 78751, 78756
St. Austin's St. Vincent de Paul Society provides support to our neighbors in need with rent and utility assistance. We occasionally help with other services on a case by case basis.
During this time of COVID-19, we meet with our neighbors by phone, or, when requested, make home visits maintaining all appropriate precautions: we wear masks and gloves and maintain 6' social distancing.
If you live in one of the five ZIP Codes listed above, call the parish at 512-477-1589 and leave a message. We check messages frequently and will get in touch with you as soon as possible. Please note that this is a temporary measure as we work our a problem with the SVdP phone line.
To find help from St. Vincent de Paul closest to you, use your address to ~
For Other Austin Residents or Austin Energy Customers
St. Austin's Outreach to Persons in Need program helps with a little bit of rent or one utility bill per household up to once every six months. We operate on a lottery system. Eligible applicants are randomly chosen in a weekly drawing. Due to the number of people requesting assistance, we can't help everyone. Those who are not chosen will not be notified.
To request assistance, you must be a resident of Austin OR a customer of Austin Energy needing help paying your utility bill. If you meet those requirements, you must text or email the following information to [email protected]:
1. Your phone number
2. A picture of your ID
3. An image of one utility bill OR images of your lease
Those who contact us will receive an automatic response with further information. All help is done over the phone on Thursday mornings. Applicants will only be contacted for assistance, to let them know they are not eligible, or to request missing information.
Your apartment complex or utility company must accept a partial payment check from us for you to receive assistance. We can't help with hotel/motel bills, rent or utility deposits, or rental payments to individuals. All other types of assistance we have helped with in the past are currently on hold.
For more information or to see our full eligibility criteria, click here.
If You Are Expecting or Have a Child Under Age 2
The Gabriel Project offers help for expectant mothers and caregivers of young children (under two) in need. Their support is confidential, immediate and practical. Their assistance covers many needs from diapers and wipes, to clothing for infants and young children. Gabriel volunteers provide emotional, spiritual, material, and educational support. For help, please call 877-WeCare2 (877-932-2732) to be connected with the Gabriel Project nearest you.
If You Live Outside of Austin
If you do not live in Austin or do not have a City of Austin/Austin Energy utility bill you need help with, you might be able to find other places that can help you by visiting FindHelp.org or by calling 2-1-1.
If You Are a Parishioner in Need
Please contact Kristen Dempsey Paysk, Director of Social Justice Ministries, at 512.477.9471 for confidential assistance.
If You Need More Help
Call 2-1-1. Operators will help you look for any type of assistance based on your needs and where you live.
Food Pantries operating:
Micah 6 Food Pantry: 2203 San Antonio St. on Thursdays, 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm and Saturdays, 10:30 am - 11:30 am
Reconciliation Church: 7000 Cameron Rd. on Wednesdays, 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm. Drive through pick up only.
St. Louis: 7601 Burnet Rd. on Saturdays, 8:30 am - 10:00 am. Drive through only, no getting out of cars. Be sure there is clear space for volunteers to place food in the back of the car. NO ZIP CODE restrictions.
Travis Heights: 4300 Russell Dr. on Mondays and Fridays, 10 am - 2:00 pm
Vincentian Family Center Food Pantry: 901 W. Braker Lane on Saturdays, 9 am - 12 pm noon
Austin Tenants Council (for rent disputes) offers phone counseling 512-474-1961Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 12 pm Noon and Monday - Thursday 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Catholic Charities of Central Texas offers a variety of services. Call 512 651-6100or visit their website to learn more/apply. All services are currently being offered remotely.
Counseling Services (direct line 512-651-6150)
Disaster Response
Financial Stability
St. Gabriel's Pregnancy and Parenting Program
Immigration Legal Services (direct line 512-651-6125)
St. Michael's Veteran Services (any type of discharge status, direct line 512-651-6154)
City of Austin Utility Bills Call 512-494-9400 for a list of organizations that can help with Austin Energy bills (does not include help paying deposits).
Travis County Health & Human Services offers a variety of services to Travis County residents. Call 512-854-9020 or visit their website to learn more/apply. Not all services available at all sites.
Financial Help (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
Food Services (Meals on Wheels Senior Lunch Program & SNAP Food Benefits)
Housing-Related Services (rent/mortgage/utility payment assistance & home repairs)
Job Search (Goodwill Job Search Assistance)
Health Insurance/Medical (Medical Access Program from Central Health, CHIP & Children's Medicaid, Texas Women's Health Program)
Participants enrolled in the program will receive a monthly box of shelf stable groceries, delivered in a contactless method directly to their home. All groceries and delivery are free of charge. Learn about eligibility and more at
Help is available to avoid losing your home to foreclosure and affecting your credit and your ability to rent or purchase another home:
Housing Counselors offer free assistance. For example, the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's "Find a Counselor" tool or call the HOPE™ Hotline, open 24-hours a day, seven days a week, at (888) 995-HOPE (4673).
Most lenders offer plans designed to help you work out your payments and to keep your home. It's in their interest to help you retain your home.