Get Help at CCSC: Food, Clothing, Rent, Utilities & Job Training
Christian Community Service Center (CCSC) is a Houston nonprofit providing emergency food packages, clothing, hygiene supplies, limited financial assistance and workforce development programs. It serves people experiencing financial hardship through two Emergency Services locations in central and southwest Houston.
Information reviewed October 23, 2026. CCSC is a nonprofit assistance organization, not a gym, fitness center or municipal event hall.
CCSC Houston Locations & Service Hours
Christian Community Service Center operates two Emergency Services locations. Both offer food assistance, but clothing distribution is available at the Central location only.
| Location | Address | Food pantry hours |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency Services – Central | 3434 Branard Street, Houston, TX 77027 | Monday–Friday: 10 AM–2 PM Saturday: 9 AM–12 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Emergency Services – Southwest | 6856 Bellaire Boulevard, Houston, TX 77074 | Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 10 AM–2 PM Saturday: 9 AM–12 PM Wednesday/Sunday: Closed |
Which Location Should You Choose?
- Food packages: Central or Southwest, whichever is more convenient.
- Clothing: Central at 3434 Branard Street only.
- Hygiene kits and diapers: Ask at either Emergency Services location, subject to availability.
- Rent or utility assistance: Call first; an interviewer will arrange the appropriate appointment location.
- JobNet and career coaching: Central at 3434 Branard Street.
Public transportation: CCSC identifies METRO routes #25, #82 and #84 for the Central office, and METRO route #2 for Southwest. Confirm current stops and schedules before traveling.
Christian Community Service Center Fees
CCSC is supported by donations, community partners and volunteers. Its primary assistance programs are designed to help eligible households rather than charge them for access.
| Program | Client cost | Important condition |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency groceries | Free | Household interview and eligible service area |
| Clothing pantry | Free | Central location only |
| Hygiene kits | Free | Limited distribution frequency and supply |
| Diapers | Free | Subject to availability |
| Rent assistance | No application charge | Appointment, financial crisis and eligibility review |
| Utility bill assistance | No application charge | Appointment and eligibility review |
| Workforce programs | Free | Orientation and program-specific eligibility |
| Seasonal youth programs | Free for eligible families | Application periods and participant limits |
What Help Does CCSC Provide?
Five-day grocery packages adjusted for household size and available food supplies, including fresh produce when available.
Gently used clothing, basic hygiene items and diapers for qualifying household members, according to availability.
Short-term payment assistance for eligible households experiencing a documented financial crisis.
Potential help with electricity, water or natural gas bills when a household meets program requirements.
Computer classes, resume help, interview preparation, job-readiness coaching and career-development activities.
Seasonal school supplies, backpacks, clothing gift cards, holiday toys, books and school-based vision services.
CCSC is different from a general recreation center. Other Texas nonprofit community facilities may also provide basic-needs assistance; for example, our Southside Community Center guide explains housing and daily support services available in San Marcos, Texas. Eligibility, hours and programs are separate from CCSC.
Free Food Pantry: Eligibility, Documents & Visit Steps
CCSC distributes grocery packages intended to help a household meet approximately five days of food needs. Packages may include shelf-stable foods, fresh produce and other available grocery items.
What Can You Receive?
| Assistance | Published frequency |
|---|---|
| Five-day grocery package | Up to 6 visits during a 6-month period |
| Hygiene kits | Up to 2 distributions within 6 months |
| Diapers | Up to 2 distributions within 6 months, as available |
| Clothing room | Up to 2 visits in 6 months at the Central location |
CCSC updates the household interview every six months. After a six-month service period ends, households may qualify for another six months of assistance.
Documents to Bring
- Photo identification, such as a driver’s license or passport, if available.
- ID or birth certificate for each household member receiving assistance.
- Proof of the current residential address.
- Information about household members, requested during the intake interview.
How to Get Food and Clothing
Confirm that your residence is inside the CCSC Emergency Services area listed below.
Use Central or Southwest for groceries. Choose Central if you specifically need clothing.
No appointment is required, but the number of families served each day is limited.
Provide household information and explain your needs during the confidential interview.
Eligible households may receive groceries, hygiene supplies and other available items.
Ask when you can return and when your six-month intake renewal is required.
CCSC Service Area: Check Your Houston ZIP Code
Emergency Services provides its principal food, clothing and financial assistance programs to households living in 29 designated ZIP codes.
77002, 77003, 77004, 77005, 77006, 77007, 77010, 77011, 77012, 77019, 77020, 77021, 77023, 77025, 77026, 77027, 77028, 77030, 77031, 77036, 77046, 77056, 77057, 77072, 77074, 77081, 77096, 77098, 77401.
If your ZIP code is not listed, call 2-1-1 for Texas/United Way community resource referrals rather than driving to CCSC and discovering you live outside its service area.
Important: Youth Services uses a separate 33-ZIP-code service area, and Workforce Development can serve job seekers across greater Houston. Do not assume the Emergency Services ZIP-code list applies to every CCSC program.
Rent & Utility Bill Assistance: Amounts and Rules
CCSC may help eligible Houston households facing a qualifying financial crisis pay part of a rent or utility bill.
CCSC’s 2025 financial assistance flyer lists a maximum payment of $600 toward rent.
The published assistance limit is up to $200 for eligible electricity, natural gas or water bills.
Approved payments are directed to the landlord, apartment office or utility company, rather than being handed to the applicant as cash.
Basic Financial Assistance Rules
- The residence must fall within CCSC’s 29-ZIP-code Emergency Services area.
- Applicants must have lived at their current address for at least four months.
- A documented crisis or emergency financial hardship is required.
- Every financial assistance request requires an interview.
- Financial assistance may be received once in a 12-month period.
- CCSC lists a lifetime maximum of three financial assistance payments per household.
- All financial assistance is subject to approval and available funding.
Documents You May Need
- Photo ID, passport or birth certificate for household members.
- Lease agreement or proof of housing arrangement for rent assistance.
- Rent statement, late notice or other documentation showing the amount owed.
- Current utility bill, disconnection notice or past-due notice, where applicable.
- Income documents or evidence of reduced employment income.
- Proof of financial crisis, such as unexpected medical expenses, car repair expenses, job loss or reduced working hours.
- Any additional documents the interviewer specifically requests.
How to Request Assistance
- Call 713-871-9741. The appointment line operates Monday–Friday, 10 AM–2 PM.
- Explain the emergency. State whether you need rent, electricity, water or gas assistance and provide your home ZIP code.
- Discuss eligibility. Tell the representative how long you have lived at your current address and describe the financial hardship.
- Confirm required paperwork. Ask exactly which IDs, lease documents, statements and proofs of crisis to bring.
- Attend your scheduled interview. Financial assistance cannot be processed through an unscheduled walk-in visit.
- Wait for the decision. If approved, CCSC arranges eligible payment directly with the appropriate payee.
If the line is busy, CCSC advises trying again due to high call volume. Do not assume a voicemail or missed call reserves an appointment.
Workforce Development & Free Job Training
CCSC also helps people improve financial stability through job-readiness instruction, career guidance, computer classes and vocational training. Its Workforce Development programs are free of charge.
| Program | What it offers |
|---|---|
| JobNet | Computer training, resume writing, interview preparation, job-search assistance and office resources |
| Career Coaching | One-to-one career planning, financial coaching, budgeting, credit improvement and job-readiness guidance |
| Home Caregiver Training | 42+ hours of training for nonmedical caregiving, including hands-on instruction and CPR certification |
| Martha’s Way | 36+ hours of training for people interested in professional housekeeping and launching a housekeeping business |
JobNet Office Hours
Address: 3434 Branard Street, Houston, TX 77027
| Day | JobNet hours |
|---|---|
| Monday–Thursday | 9 AM–3 PM |
| Friday | 9 AM–1 PM |
| Saturday/Sunday | Closed for regular JobNet service |
JobNet phone: 713-626-8320.
Orientation Times
| Language | Orientation sessions |
|---|---|
| English | Wednesday 1:30–2:30 PM; Friday 9–10 AM |
| Spanish | Wednesday 12:15–1:15 PM; Friday 9:30–10:30 AM |
Participants should bring photo ID for orientation. CCSC states that Workforce Development serves job seekers age 17 and older, including people outside the restricted Emergency Services ZIP codes who live in greater Houston.
Some courses require a background check or separate class registration. The Home Caregiver and Martha’s Way training programs have their own onboarding procedures.
If you are looking for a facility that provides medical care rather than job coaching or basic-needs relief, our San Fernando Community Health Center services guide explains the separate role of a community health clinic. That clinic is in California and is not a Houston CCSC location.
Youth Services: School Supplies, Christmas Gifts & Vision Care
CCSC provides several seasonal programs designed to help eligible children and families. Registration windows are different from daily food pantry operations.
School supplies, backpacks and clothing gift cards for eligible students from pre-K through grade 12.
Usual schedule: online preregistration in April, in-person registration in May and distribution in August.
New toys and books for children from birth through age 15, plus grocery gift cards for qualifying families.
Usual schedule: online preregistration in September, in-person registration in October and distribution in December.
School-based vision screenings followed by professional eye examinations and eyeglasses for selected students.
Enrollment: through participating schools rather than direct public registration.
Youth Services uses its own ZIP-code eligibility rules. For questions, email seasonal@ccschouston.org or call the Emergency Services line.
Donate Food, Clothing or Other Items
CCSC accepts donations to support its assistance programs. Useful items may include nonperishable food, gently used clothing, hygiene supplies and diapers.
Before Dropping Off Donations
- Choose whether to donate food, clothes, hygiene items or supplies for a seasonal program.
- Make sure clothing is clean and in reusable condition.
- Check whether the center currently needs the specific food or household supplies you have.
- Contact CCSC for the appropriate donation drop-off entrance and hours.
- Ask whether staff can issue the documentation you need for your records.
Central donation address: 3434 Branard Street, Houston, TX 77027.
Donation drop-off is a different process from receiving emergency services. Do not assume the food distribution queue is also the correct donation entrance.
If your items are better suited to a reuse retailer rather than a direct assistance pantry, our Savers Community Donation Center guide explains its item categories and donation drop-off process. Savers is a separate business, not a CCSC location or substitute for donating food directly to families.
Volunteer at Christian Community Service Center
Volunteer opportunities include pantry support, clothing distribution, client reception, interview assistance, job coaching, gardening, administrative support and seasonal youth events.
- Food pantry: sort donations, stock shelves and prepare grocery packages.
- Clothing pantry: organize clothing and help clients select suitable items.
- Client services: greet visitors, answer calls or assist intake processes after required training.
- Workforce Development: support clients learning job-search and workplace skills.
- Seasonal events: help organize school supplies or holiday gifts.
Many recurring volunteer opportunities take place during weekday service hours or Saturday mornings. Some roles require orientation, screening or a minimum commitment.
Volunteer Registration Steps
- Open the official CCSC volunteer page.
- Complete the Volunteer Interest Form.
- Wait for contact from the volunteer manager.
- Discuss the program, schedule and volunteer eligibility.
- Complete any required orientation or screening before beginning.
Contact volunteer@ccschouston.org for volunteering questions.
Some visitors search for community centers expecting fitness classes, swimming pools or room rentals. Those are not CCSC’s primary services. Our community recreation center guide explains how to identify public recreation facilities when that is the service you actually need.
Directions & Contact Information
Central Houston Location
Christian Community Service Center – Central
3434 Branard Street
Houston, TX 77027
Emergency Services: 713-871-9741
Southwest Houston Location
CCSC Emergency Services – Southwest
6856 Bellaire Boulevard
Houston, TX 77074
Emergency Services: 713-871-9741
Important Phone Numbers
| Service | Contact |
|---|---|
| Main information | 713-961-3993 |
| Emergency food, rent and utility help | 713-871-9741 |
| Workforce Development | 713-626-8320 |
| Youth Services questions | seasonal@ccschouston.org |
| Volunteering | volunteer@ccschouston.org |
| Other Texas community resources | Dial 2-1-1 |
What to Prepare Before Contacting CCSC
- Know which program you need: food, clothing, financial help, employment or youth services.
- Confirm your home ZIP code and whether program eligibility covers your address.
- For food assistance, bring household IDs if available and proof of address.
- For rent assistance, collect lease and crisis documentation before the interview.
- For utility assistance, keep the recent bill and disconnect/past-due notices.
- For employment services, prepare an ID for orientation.
- For seasonal youth programs, check the registration month and age rules.
- Arrive early for walk-in services, because daily capacity is limited.
- For financial assistance, never arrive without an appointment.
- Ask about translation or accessibility arrangements if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are Christian Community Service Center hours?
Emergency Services Central is open Monday–Friday 10 AM–2 PM and Saturday 9 AM–noon. The current CCSC website lists Southwest as open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 10 AM–2 PM and Saturday 9 AM–noon. Southwest’s older flyer lists 1 PM closing, so call before a late-day visit.
2. Is Christian Community Service Center free?
Yes. Food, clothing and qualifying workforce programs are free. CCSC does not charge an application fee for rent or utility assistance. Financial assistance is subject to eligibility and funding.
3. Do I need an appointment for the CCSC food pantry?
No. Food and clothing programs accept walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis. Early arrival is recommended because daily capacity is limited.
4. How often can I receive food from CCSC?
CCSC lists up to six five-day grocery packages during a six-month eligibility period. A household interview update is required every six months.
5. Where can I get free clothing at CCSC?
Gently used clothing is distributed at the Central Emergency Services location at 3434 Branard Street, Houston, TX 77027. Clothing service is not available at the Southwest location.
6. How much rent assistance can CCSC provide?
CCSC’s 2025 financial assistance flyer lists up to $600 toward rent. This is a maximum, not a guaranteed payment. Actual assistance depends on eligibility, crisis verification and available funds.
7. How much utility assistance does CCSC provide?
The published financial assistance flyer lists up to $200 for qualifying electricity, natural gas or water bills. The organization sends approved payments directly to the appropriate provider.
8. How do I apply for CCSC financial assistance?
Call 713-871-9741 Monday–Friday, 10 AM–2 PM. Explain your crisis, arrange an appointment and bring the required identification, household and financial documents to the interview.
9. Does CCSC offer free job training?
Yes. CCSC offers free JobNet classes, career coaching, computer instruction, Home Caregiver Training and Martha’s Way housekeeping business training. Call 713-626-8320 for orientation and program information.
10. Can someone outside Houston’s CCSC service ZIP codes get help?
Emergency food and financial programs primarily serve 29 designated Houston-area ZIP codes. Workforce Development serves eligible job seekers across greater Houston. If you live outside the Emergency Services area, dial 2-1-1 for assistance referrals.
Official Applications, Forms & Resources
Use the following official resources for the final action after determining which program you need:
- Christian Community Service Center – Get Help
- Food and Clothing Eligibility and Locations
- Rent and Utility Assistance Rules
- Emergency Services Financial and Food Assistance Flyer (PDF)
- Workforce Development and Orientation
- Youth Services and Seasonal Registration
- Official Contact and Location Details
Last reviewed October 23, 2026. Service capacity, maximum assistance amounts, eligibility and seasonal registration windows can change. This is an independent informational guide, not an official CCSC application or payment website.