Athens
Ask about Athens
Ask in your own words. We look up programs and offices for Athens and tell you where to go next.
Local offices in Athens
We found these on official websites. Call before you go, since hours and places can change.
Housing help · City office
Athens Housing Authority
607 East Tyler Street, Suite 113, Athens, TX 75751
Help here
- Housing assistanceAsk the housing authority about public housing and rental assistance applications.Apply online
Last checked October 9, 2026 · Found on athenstx.gov
Utilities · City office
Athens Utility Billing
508 East Tyler Street, Athens, TX 75751
Help here
- Water and sewer service and billsApply for water service, pay a water bill, or ask about a water or sewer problem.
Last checked October 9, 2026 · Found on athenstx.gov
State office
Athens Driver License Office
511 Highway 175 W, Athens, TX 75751
Help here
- Driver license and identification card servicesSchedule an appointment for in-person Texas driver license or identification card services.Apply online
Last checked October 9, 2026 · Found on dps.texas.gov
Library · County office
Henderson County Clint W. Murchison Memorial Library
121 S. Prairieville Street, Athens, TX 75751
Help here
- Library servicesVisit the library to use its books and other public library services.
Last checked October 9, 2026 · Found on hendersoncountylibrary.com
Local office · City office
Athens City Hall
508 East Tyler Street, Athens, TX 75751
Help here
- City services and informationContact City Hall to ask questions or get help finding the right city department.Read more
Last checked October 9, 2026 · Found on athenstx.gov
Parks and recreation · Nonprofit
Cain Center
915 S Palestine Street, Athens, TX 75751
Help here
- Recreation and community programsVisit the center for recreation programs, fitness facilities, and community activities.
Last checked October 9, 2026 · Found on athenstx.gov
Checked on October 9, 2026
Food near you
Food pantries and free meals, closest to the center of Athens first. Hours change, so call first when you can.
Free grocery market
Inspired Vision Compassion Center
61 miles from the center of Athens2019 N. Masters Drive, Dallas, TX 75217
Hours
- Mon9:30 AM to 5 PM
- Tue9:30 AM to 5 PM
- Wed9:30 AM to 5 PM
- Thu9:30 AM to 5 PM
- Fri9:30 AM to 5 PM
What to bring: Bring a picture ID and a current document with your name and address dated within the last 60 days.
Listed on ivcompassion.org, checked on October 9, 2026
Food pantry
Dallas College Pleasant Grove Center Community Pantry
Dallas College
61 miles from the center of Athens802 S. Buckner Blvd., Dallas, TX 75217
Hours
- Fri9 AM to 2 PM. Community Pantry Days; dates vary
Who can come: Community members during listed Community Pantry Days
What to bring: No registration is needed for Community Pantry Days.
Listed on dallascollege.edu, checked on October 9, 2026
Food pantry
St. Michael's Food Pantry
St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church
64 miles from the center of Athens950 Trails Parkway, Garland, TX 75043
Hours
- Thu9 AM to 11:30 AM. Closed on major holidays
- Fri9 AM to 11:30 AM. Closed on major holidays
- Sat9 AM to 11:30 AM. Closed on major holidays
What to bring: Picture ID required per family.
Listed on stmichaelgarland.org, checked on October 9, 2026
Free meals
Table 25
New Liberty Baptist Church
66 miles from the center of Athens333 W. Centerville Rd, Garland, TX 75041
Hours
Hours not listed. Call first.
We gather every Tuesday from 4:00 to 6:00pm. Home-cooked meal at 6pm.
Who can come: Anyone in need
Listed on newliberty.com, checked on October 9, 2026
Mobile pantry
Fresh Food
The Salvation Army of North Texas
68 miles from the center of Athens451 W. Avenue D, Garland, TX 75040
Hours
- Thu11 AM to 2 PM (1st of the month). Drive thru
What to bring: One visit per month.
Listed on salvationarmydfw.org, checked on October 9, 2026
Food pantry
The Salvation Army of North Texas Food Pantry
The Salvation Army of North Texas
68 miles from the center of Athens451 W. Avenue D, Garland, TX 75040
Hours
- Mon9 AM to 12 PM. Walk in
- Tue9 AM to 12 PM. Walk in
- Wed9 AM to 12 PM. Walk in
- Thu9 AM to 12 PM. Walk in
- Fri9 AM to 12 PM. Walk in
What to bring: One visit per month.
Listed on salvationarmydfw.org, checked on October 9, 2026
Nonprofits that serve Athens
Each one serves this area. Call before you go, since services and hours change.
Food bank
Food banks supply the food pantries and meal sites near you. Call or check the website to find one close by.
Nonprofit
East Texas Food Bank
3201 Robertson Road, Tyler, TX 75701
Listed on feedingamerica.org, checked on October 10, 2026
Free legal help
Free help with civil legal problems, like eviction, benefits and family law, for people with low incomes. Funded by the Legal Services Corporation.
Nonprofit
Lone Star Legal Aid
Listed on lsc.gov, checked on October 10, 2026
Community action
Local nonprofits that help people with low incomes. Many help with energy bills, rent, jobs and taxes. Call to ask what they offer now.
Nonprofit
Community Services, Inc.
PO Box 612, Corsicana, TX 75151-0612
Listed on tdhca.texas.gov, checked on October 9, 2026
Offices for all of Henderson County
Athens is in Henderson County. These county and state offices serve people there too.
Public health · State office
Athens WIC Clinic
1115 US-259, Suite D, Henderson, TX 75654
Help here
- WIC nutrition supportWIC helps eligible pregnant people, new parents, infants, and children under five with food and nutrition.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on office.texaswic.org
State office
Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Athens Office
101 W Baker Street, Athens, TX 75751
Help here
- State health and human services benefitsVisit the local state office for help with health and human services benefits.Apply onlineRead more
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on hhs.texas.gov
Local office · State office
2-1-1 Texas
Help here
- Help finding local servicesCall or search online for referrals to food, housing, health, and other support services.
Last checked October 9, 2026 · Found on 211texas.org
Human services · County office
Henderson County Indigent Health
125 N Prairieville, Room 100, Athens, TX 75751
Help here
- County Indigent Health Care ProgramApply for health care assistance through the county program.Apply online
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on henderson-county.com
Public health · State office
Texas Department of State Health Services, Athens
101 W Baker St, Athens, TX 75751
Help here
- Public health clinic servicesContact the Athens public health office about its clinical services.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on dshs.texas.gov
Older adults · Regional office
Area Agency on Aging of East Texas
3800 Stone Road, Kilgore, TX 75662
Help here
- Aging services and referralsOlder adults and caregivers can get help finding local services and support.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on easttexasaaa.org
Texas programs by kind of help
These are run by Texas and work the same everywhere in the state. Each page lists the programs and how to apply.
- FoodFood benefits, WIC, school meals and food banks.
- HousingRent help, shelter, and help with heat and power bills.
- HealthHealth coverage, Medicare, mental health care and help with drug costs.
- MoneyCash help, disability, retirement and veterans payments, and tax help.
- CareChild care, help for older adults and disability support.
- EducationHelp paying for college and training, and free preschool.
- WorkJobs, unemployment, and the IDs and papers you need for work.
- Legal helpFree legal help with eviction, family law, benefits and more.
- SafetyHelp with abuse at home, a safe place to stay, and crisis lines.
Checked on October 8, 2026
Federal help anyone can use
These come from the federal government, so they work the same in every state.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Social Security Administration. Monthly payments for people with little income and few resources who are 65 or older, blind, or have a disability, including children.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Social Security Administration. Monthly payments for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes and now cannot work because of a disability that will last a long time.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - Social Security retirement benefits
Social Security Administration. Monthly payments for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes, starting as early as 62. Spouses and widows may also get benefits.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - Medicare
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Health insurance for people 65 or older and for some younger people with a disability or kidney failure.
Call 1-800-633-4227 - Extra Help with Medicare drug costs
Social Security Administration. Help paying for Medicare prescription drug plans for people with limited income and resources.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - VA health care
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Health care at VA clinics and hospitals for veterans who served in the active military and did not get a dishonorable discharge.
Call 1-877-222-8387 - VA disability compensation and benefits
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Monthly payments for veterans with an illness or injury caused or made worse by military service, plus education, home loan and other benefits.
Call 1-800-827-1000 - FAFSA, the federal student aid form
U.S. Department of Education. One free form that opens federal grants, work-study and loans for college or trade school. Many states and schools use it for their own aid too.
Call 1-800-433-3243 - Federal Pell Grant
U.S. Department of Education. Money for college or trade school that usually does not have to be paid back, for students with financial need.
Call 1-800-433-3243 - HealthCare.gov
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The federal marketplace for health insurance plans. Many people can get lower monthly costs based on their income.
Call 1-800-318-2596 - Lifeline phone and internet discount
Federal Communications Commission. A monthly discount on phone or internet service for households with low income or who get benefits like SNAP, Medicaid or SSI.
Call 1-800-234-9473 - Head Start and Early Head Start
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Free preschool, child care and family support for young children from birth to age 5 in families with low income, run by local programs.
Call 1-866-763-6481 - IRS Free File
Internal Revenue Service. File your federal tax return online for free with tax software offered through the IRS, if your income is under the year's limit.
- VITA and TCE free tax help
Internal Revenue Service. IRS-certified volunteers prepare and file your taxes for free, in person, for people with low or moderate income, older adults and people with disabilities.
Call 1-800-906-9887 - Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
Internal Revenue Service. A federal tax credit for people who work and earn low to moderate income. It can mean a bigger refund, even if you owe no tax.
Call 1-800-829-1040 - Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Help paying rent in a home you choose, for families with very low income, older adults and people with disabilities. Local housing authorities run it, and many have waiting lists.
- Replace a Social Security card
Social Security Administration. Get a free replacement Social Security card if yours was lost, stolen or damaged. Many people can ask online.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - FEMA disaster assistance
Federal Emergency Management Agency. Help with a place to stay, repairs and other needs after a disaster the President has declared in your area.
Call 1-800-621-3362
Checked on October 9, 2026
Talk to a person
- 2-1-1 Texas
Free help finding food, housing, bills and more near you.
Call 211 - 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 if you are in crisis or worried about someone. Any time.
Call 988Text 988