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Interfaith Ministries provides temporary, short-term assistance with basic financial needs to residents of Wichita County and Holliday, Texas. Persons seeking assistance have a confidential interview with a trained, caring volunteer who looks, along with the client, at the monthly household income and expenses, provides information and explores options for other assistance beyond that which Interfaith may provide. He/she may help the client set goals. Food may be given, and short-term financial assistance is available to pay for utility bills, rent, deposits, prescriptions, ID cards and other needs.

 

WHAT HELP IS AVAILABLE?

Utility Bills

• If you have a termination notice on a utility bill, Interfaith may be able to help. Interfaith can help with utility deposits if you have income from a job, TANF, Social Security, or any other ongoing source.

Food

• Food is available if you have applied for food stamps and are waiting to receive benefits. Please bring proof that you have applied. Food is available if your food stamps have been delayed. Please bring proof of delay. Food is available in certain emergency situations.

Housing

• Interfaith can help with housing deposits if you have income from a job, TANF, Social Security, or any other ongoing source. Rent assistance is available one time every two years. Must have 6 months in same residence and 6 months’ income from an ongoing source.

Prescription & Medical Needs

• Prescriptions may be filled one time only. You MUST have the written prescription or printout from the pharmacy. Pain medication, controlled substances or over-the-counter items are NOT filled. Assistance may be available for long-term prescription needs. Eyeglasses and exams are provided based on individual needs–one time only. Assistance with medical equipment may be given.

Other Help

• Help is available for bus tickets or gasoline, Please bring proof of emergency need. We can also help you get identification cards and birth certificates. Interpreting assistance is available for non-English and limited-English speakers.

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WHAT DO YOU DO?

• You must be a Wichita County or Holliday resident.
• Bring your social security card, a valid Texas ID and any bills, prescriptions or other paperwork relating to your need to: 1101 11th Street. (Corner of 11th and Austin)
• No need to make an appointment. You will be seen on a first-come, first-served basis. Please come as early as possible.
• We are open each weekday morning from 9-10:45am. We are also open three afternoons from 1-2:45pm on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What’s the process for getting assistance at Interfaith Ministries?

• Interfaith is open each weekday morning at 9:00 AM as well as Monday, Tuesday and Thursday afternoons at 1:00 PM. No appointment is necessary; you will be seen on a first-come, first-served basis. Please come as early as possible to 1101 11^th St. in Wichita Falls (corner of 11^th & Austin).
• You will be interviewed by an Intake Volunteer regarding household income and expenses and your immediate situation, as well as what you anticipate happening in the next several months.
• The volunteers on duty follow the policies and guidelines developed by the Interfaith Ministries Board of Directors, to determine whether IMI can help.
• Assistance is based on funds available that day, as well as the number and amount of requests received.
• You will be asked to call back after 4:00pm and listen for your case number, to find out if Interfaith will be able to assist with your need.
• If IMI can only pay part of your bill, you will need to pay the balance and bring a receipt back to Interfaith before our payment can be made.
• If Interfaith is not able to help, you will be given referral information regarding other agencies that may assist. Interfaith Ministries’ goal is to provide information and encouragement to help you take steps toward meeting your own needs.

What do I need when I come to Interfaith Ministries for help?

• Reside in Wichita County or Holliday, Texas.
• Bring a valid Texas photo ID card and Social Security card.
• Bring any bills, prescriptions or other paperwork relating to your need.

How can I get help with a utility bill?

• Assistance may be given with termination notices on electric bills (Reliant or TXU), gas bills, or water bills.
• Utility deposits may be paid if you have income from a job, TANF, Social Security or other ongoing source so that you’ll be able to pay the monthly bill.
• Interfaith may be able to assist up to three times during a 12-month period.
• Interfaith may assist with a phone bill
  • if your doctor says you need a telephone for medical reasons.
  • if you have a job that requires you to be on call.

How can I get help with food?

• Food is available if you have applied for food stamps and are waiting to receive benefits. Please bring proof that you have applied.
• Food is available if your food stamps have been delayed. Please bring proof of delay.
• Food is available in certain emergency situations.
• Food may be given once during a 12-month period.

How can I get help with housing?

• Rent deposits may be paid if you have income from a job, TANF, Social Security or other ongoing source so that you’ll be able to pay the monthly bill.
• Rent assistance may be given if you live in the same residence for 6 months, and have had income for 6 months from an ongoing source.
• Rent assistance is available one time in a 24-month period.

Are there limitations on the amount or frequency of assistance given by Interfaith Ministries?

• Interfaith Ministries provides short-term assistance for necessities such as utility bills, rent, prescriptions and food.
• In most cases when assistance is given, Interfaith Ministries will pay part of the bill and you are responsible for part.
• Interfaith will hold our amount to be paid for you for 7-10 working days. You will be asked to pay the balance of the bill and bring the receipt as proof of payment. At that time IMI will pay the amount “on hold”.
• Ongoing prescription assistance is available through a separate program called the Rx Project. There is an application process to qualify for assistance.
• The IMI Board of Directors sets guidelines and requirements for each type of assistance given. The volunteers and staff at Interfaith Ministries must follow these guidelines. Please call Interfaith Ministries for more information about your specific need.

When should I come for help with a bill?

• Interfaith Ministries may be able to assist if you have a termination notice on a utility bill. However, please do not wait until your service is terminated; as you will then have to pay reconnect fees and additional deposits to reestablish service. You usually have about 10 days from the time you receive a termination notice until service is terminated.
• If you need assistance with rent, ask for help when you know you will be late making your payment. Please do not wait until you get an eviction notice; in most cases it will be too late for Interfaith to provide assistance.

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