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

Tarrant County College provides resources for individuals experiencing food insecurity.

In addition to the campus resources, the following is a list of organizations that support individuals and families with food needs. These organizations are to be contacted directly as they are not affiliated with TCC beyond resource sharing. Tarrant Area Food Bank

FindHelp.org
Community Link
Texas Food Pantries
Meals on Wheels
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

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.

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

Student Emergency Assistant Funds (SEAF)

The Student Emergency Assistance Fund (SEAF) 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, visit the TCC website.

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
ATMOS Energy Assistance
LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program)
Reliant CARE program: 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 three 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. Additional resources are available at specific campuses and students are encouraged to contact the Student Success & Advising Office for more information.

Students enrolled in classes at TCC Southeast are eligible for free transportation from the Arlington On-Demand Rideshare program. If you are enrolled in three credit hours or 48 continuing education contact hours and are not a dual enrollment student, you qualify for the program. For more information visit the Arlington On-Demand homepage. Additional resources are available at specific campuses and students are encouraged to contact the Student Success & Advising Office for more information.

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.