Essential Needs & Support Services

Tarrant County College (TCC) helps students get into and complete their educational and career goals - even if economic or other barriers have been holding them back. Utilizing various partnerships with community organizations, we connect students with helpful resources such as financial educational sessions, food pantries, childcare, tax services, emergency fund, and many others.

TCC offers essential needs including food, toiletry and baby items, housing resources, clothing, and additional basic needs items. The goal is to aid in student readiness by alleviating life barriers that may impact academic and personal success. TCC offers a range of support services at no cost to students.

Food Insecurity

The Northeast, Northwest, South, and Southeast campuses have free food pantries available to all TCC students, faculty, and staff. The campuses also host monthly Fresh Food Markets sponsored in collaboration with local food banks and charity organizations. For more information on TCC Food Pantries.

In addition to the campus resources, the following is a list of organizations that support individuals and families with food needs. Contact the provider directly for hours of operation and qualifications. These organizations are not affiliated with TCC but are community resources for assistance.

Student Parents

The TCC Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) is made available through the Department of Education (DOE) Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) grant. CCAP supports the educational success of eligible student-parents by providing access to certified, high-quality childcare facilities. There are various guidelines and expectations for student-parents.

Student parents dealing with food insecurity or essentials for children can also visit campus food pantries for products which may include baby food, formula, diapers, etc. Check your campus food pantry hours for pick-up.

Child Care & After School Programs: These programs are not affiliated with TCC but are community resources for assistance.
Child Care Texas Workforce Solutions
United Community Centers
ChildCare.gov: Financial assistance programs offering help paying for childcare.
Texas Rising Star: Eligible families of children under the age of 13 may receive childcare financial assistance so that parents can work, attend school, or participate in training.

Housing Insecurity

TCC does not have on-campus housing, but there are a variety of resources in the community to help you find housing.

For housing assistance within Tarrant County and surrounding areas, reach out to some of the following organizations:

ACH Child and Family Services: Services for children including an emergency shelter and housing for single mothers and their children who are homeless due to domestic violence.
Arlington Life Shelter: Arlington Life Shelter is committed to assisting individuals and families impacted by homelessness in North Texas to create a path to self-sufficiency.
Benefits for Homeless Veterans
Day Resource Center: Support services for homeless people.
Get Rent Help: For Tarrant County residents having difficulty paying rent and/or utilities.
Housing and Urban Development Rental Assistance
Presbyterian Night Shelter: Their “housing first” approach helps break the cycle of homelessness through housing assistance, support services, and employment opportunities.
SafeHaven: Emergency shelter and transitional housing for those leaving situations of domestic violence.
Salvation Army
Tarrant County Homeless Coalition: Assistance for housing and rent.
Tarrant County Housing Assistance Office (TCHAO): Provides safe, decent, and affordable housing for low-income families.
Union Gospel Mission: Free meals, shelter, and programs to help people in need gain access to skills and resources
Vacancy Clearinghouse (Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs): Search this database for reduced-rent apartments.
Arlington Housing Authority (COVID-19): Help for those who need housing assistance due to COVID-19.

Financial Insecurity

The Student Emergency Assistance Fund provides financial assistance to students who are unable to meet basic needs due to an emergency. The fund provides short-term financial help and does not replace or supplement financial aid. For eligibility requirements, please visit TCC’s

Emergency Assistance Fund

Long-term needs will be directed to the Office of Student Financial Aid and/or community resources. Financial aid options can include self-help aid such as loans or work-study.

Monthly Bill Assistance: If you are seeking assistance with monthly bills, please visit the resources listed here.
ATMOS Energy Assistance
LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program)
Reliant CARE program: The Community Assistance from Reliant Energy (CARE) program works with non-profit social service agencies to provide extra funds to customers who qualify.
TXU Energy Aid
Help with Bills (USA.gov): Federal assistance programs.
Tarrant County Utilities Assistance: Community Action Partners may provide help with utility bills.
Get Rent Help: For Tarrant County residents having difficulty paying rent and/or utilities.

Transportation

TCC student ID doubles as a free pass on all Trinity Metro buses and the Trinity Rail Express with TCC’s EasyRide program. If you are enrolled in 3 credit hours or 48 continuing education contact hours and are not a dual enrollment student, you qualify for the program. For more information visit EasyRide.

TCC Southeast students are also eligible for free rides with the Via Quick Ride program.

Community Resources

Catholic Charities of Fort Worth (CCFW) Transportation with a Purpose: Transportation services are provided to CCFW clients and partner agencies for employment, medical appointments, and public benefit office visits, and operate from Monday through Friday.
Transportation Resources: A list of transportation services in Tarrant County.