Renter Resources for Williamson County and the Cedar Park Area

Finding an apartment is one part of the process. Paying rent, keeping the lights on, understanding your rights as a tenant, and knowing where to turn when something goes wrong — that’s the rest of it.

The list below covers local and state programs for financial assistance, emergency rent help, food programs, tenant rights, eviction prevention, security deposit assistance, Section 8 housing, domestic violence support, and reentry housing. Most serve Williamson County directly. A few are statewide programs that accept applicants from this area. We keep this page updated, but program details can change so make sure you verify eligibility directly with each organization before applying.

If you’re not sure where to start, or you just need someone to help sort through what applies to your situation, call or text our team at 512-520-0311.

🏠Emergency Rental & Housing Assistance

  1. Texas Rent Relief Program – Statewide rental and utility assistance.
  2. Williamson County Assistance Programs – Local rental aid and homelessness prevention programs.
  3. The Salvation Army – Williamson County – Rent, utility, and emergency shelter assistance.
  4. Saint Vincent de Paul Society – Central Texas – Rent and financial aid for struggling individuals.
  5. The Caring Place – Rental and financial assistance for families in need.
  6. Foundation Communities – Affordable Housing & Support Services
  7. Family Eldercare – Housing Support for Seniors & Disabled Adults

🍽️Food Assistance

  1. Williamson County Regional Food Bank (Central Texas Food Bank Partner)
  2. Hill Country Community Ministries (HCCM) – Food pantry services in Leander, Cedar Park, and nearby areas.
  3. The Caring Place – Food Pantry & Financial Aid – Serving Georgetown and surrounding areas.
  4. Round Rock Area Serving Center – Food pantry, clothing, and financial assistance.
  5. Meals on Wheels of Central Texas – Free meal delivery for seniors and disabled individuals.

🚪 Eviction Assistance & Tenant Rights

  1. Texas RioGrande Legal Aid (TRLA) – Free legal services for tenants facing eviction.
  2. Austin Tenants’ Council – Help with landlord disputes, evictions, and fair housing.
  3. Texas Law Help – Tenant Rights Guide – Legal information for renters.
  4. Lone Star Legal Aid – Free legal support for housing-related issues.
  5. St. Vincent de Paul and Thrift Store – Dial the St. Vincent location at 209 North Main, Taylor, Texas 76574. Provides free household items, furniture, bedding, and utensils for Taylor Texas tenants in need. Some limited emergency financial help will often by offered, including for rent to families with an eviction notice. Main phone number is (512) 352-2453. https://ssvdp.org/thrift-stores

⚡Utility Assistance

  1. Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) – Texas Department of Housing & Community Affairs
  2. Round Rock Area Serving Center – Utility Assistance
  3. Texas Utility Help – Financial aid for water, electric, and gas bills.

💰 Security Deposit Assistance

  1. The Travis County Family Support Services – Offers security deposit help for low-income families.
  2. The Housing Authority of Williamson County (HAWC) – Assists with deposit costs for eligible tenants.
  3. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) – Wilco – Provides housing stability funds.

🏡 Section 8 Housing & Affordable Housing Programs

  1. Housing Authority of Williamson County (HAWC) – Manages Section 8 and affordable housing.
  2. Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) – Section 8 eligibility and applications.
  3. Foundation Communities – Affordable apartments with financial coaching and tenant support.
  4. HUD Affordable Housing Search – Locate subsidized housing options.

🔄 Reentry Housing for Formerly Incarcerated Individuals

  1. Texas Reentry Services – Helps former inmates with housing, jobs, and social reintegration.
  2. Goodwill Central Texas – Reentry Housing & Employment Assistance
  3. Bridges to Life – Housing & Support for Formerly Incarcerated People
  4. House the Homeless – Reentry Support for Formerly Incarcerated Individuals
  5. LifeWorks Austin – Transitional Housing for Formerly Incarcerated Young Adults

🛠️ Job Training & Employment Assistance

  1. Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area – Job search, training, and unemployment benefits.
  2. Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) – Job placement and reentry programs.
  3. American Job Centers – Texas – Skills training and job search for ex-offenders.
  4. Goodwill Central Texas – Job Training & Employment Assistance: https://www.goodwillcentraltexas.org Phone: (512) 637-7100
  5. Texas Workforce Commission – Statewide employment programs and unemployment benefits.

🚨Domestic Violence & Safety Resources

  1. Hope Alliance – Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Support
  2. Texas Advocacy Project – Legal assistance for survivors of domestic violence.
  3. SAFE Alliance – Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Services

🚑 Mental Health & Substance Abuse Resources

  1. Williamson County – Bring me home (Cedar Park residents only) The Bring Me Home Program is a free service offered by the Cedar Park Police Department that allows you to register individuals who may have difficulty communicating with first responders. This program is particularly intended to serve individuals with Autism, Down Syndrome, Alzheimer’s, and Dementia. https://www.cedarparktexas.gov/803/Bring-Me-Home-Program
  2. Bluebonnet Trails Community Services – Mental health, addiction recovery, and counseling.
  3. Integral Care Austin – Behavioral Health Services
  4. Oxford Houses of Texas – Sober living housing for those in recovery.

📑 Additional Help & Support

  1. 211 Texas (United Way) – Statewide referral service for housing, food, legal aid, and financial assistance.
  2. Round Rock Area Serving Center – Food, rent, and utility assistance.
  3. Catholic Charities of Central Texas – Housing and emergency financial assistance.