Utility assistance — help paying your electric, gas, or water bill

BakerRipley helps Houston families apply for utility assistance programs when electric, gas, or water bills become unmanageable. The help comes from federal programs like LIHEAP for heating and cooling, state emergency funds for water and electric bills, and local charities for urgent situations. Some programs pay utility companies directly, while others provide cash for families to handle multiple bills at once.

Key details

• How to apply: Call 211 or visit 211texas.org
• Cost: Free
• Income requirement: At or below 150% poverty level
• Bring: Proof of income + utility bill

About BakerRipley

For over 100 years, BakerRipley has been part of Houston's fabric. We run 30+ community centers across the city, reaching over 500,000 neighbors a year — from free tax preparation and English classes to emergency rental …

The service covers ZIP code 77081 and Houston, with BakerRipley offices where families can apply in person.

Keeping utilities on during tough times means your family can stay healthy, preserve food, do homework, and keep medical equipment running. Most programs help each household once per year, though emergency situations sometimes allow additional assistance.

Call 211 or visit 211texas.org to start the process. You can also visit BakerRipley offices with recent utility bills, proof of income for everyone in your household, and identification.

Staff will check available programs and submit applications the same day, with most approvals coming within a week.