Senior Services in Houston: What's Available

Houston has an extensive network of services for residents 60 and older — from meal programs and transportation to legal help and social activities. The hub of the system is the Harris County Area Agency on Aging and the City of Houston's 42 Multi-Service Centers, many of which run dedicated senior programs.

If you are a senior or caring for one, start with 211 — they maintain the most complete directory of senior services in the region.

Source: Harris County Area Agency on Aging; City of Houston HPARD

Meals:

• Meals on Wheels — home-delivered meals for homebound seniors. Interfaith Ministries delivers across Houston. Call 713-533-4900.
• Congregate meals — free group lunches at Multi-Service Centers and senior centers. Social and nutritious. Call your nearest MSC.

Transportation:

• METROLift — door-to-door paratransit for seniors and people with disabilities. Apply at ridemetro.org/metrolift or call 713-225-0119.
• Harris County Rides — subsidized taxi/rideshare for seniors 60+ in unincorporated Harris County. Call 713-578-2100.

Healthcare:

• Medicare counseling: call HICAP (Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program) at 713-394-4976 — free, unbiased help understanding Medicare options.
• Harris Health community clinics accept Medicare and offer sliding-fee services.

Legal:

• Lone Star Legal Aid Senior Law Project: 713-652-0077 — wills, advance directives, guardianship, benefits appeals, elder abuse.

Social and recreation:

• 42 Multi-Service Centers offer fitness classes, computer labs, arts programs, and social clubs for seniors. Find yours at houstontx.gov/parks.

Source: Interfaith Ministries; METRO; Harris County AAA

Start here:

1. Call 211 and say you need senior services. They will ask your ZIP code and connect you with local resources.
2. Or call the Harris County Area Agency on Aging at 713-394-4976 for a comprehensive needs assessment.

For immediate needs:

• Need food today: call Meals on Wheels at 713-533-4900
• Need a ride to a doctor: call METROLift at 713-225-0119 (need to apply first) or Harris County Rides at 713-578-2100
• Need Medicare help: call HICAP at 713-394-4976
• Being abused or neglected: call Adult Protective Services at 1-800-458-9858

Key contacts:

• 211 Texas: dial 211
• Harris County Area Agency on Aging: 713-394-4976
• Meals on Wheels (Interfaith Ministries): 713-533-4900
• METROLift: 713-225-0119
• Adult Protective Services: 1-800-458-9858

City of Houston:

• Multi-Service Centers: houstontx.gov/parks/communitycenters.html