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Abilene, Texas

Start here: Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of West Central Texas — 1-855-937-2372

A single free call connects seniors across the 19-county West Central Texas region — including Taylor County/Abilene — to benefits counseling, care options, and referrals across every category in this guide.

Federal Nutrition: How to apply for SNAP and CSFP in state

Two federal programs put food and grocery dollars directly in seniors' hands: SNAP (food benefits you can spend at grocery stores) and CSFP (a free monthly box of shelf-stable and canned foods for adults 60+). Both are administered locally and both are worth applying for even if you're unsure you'll qualify — income limits are higher than most people expect.

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)

SNAP provides a monthly EBT card seniors use like a debit card for groceries. Texas residents 60 and older, including those on a fixed income or Social Security, can qualify — and households with an elderly (60+) or disabled member get a higher asset limit and extra medical-expense deductions that often increase the benefit amount.

  • Apply online: Create an account and complete Form H1010 (fastest method; upload documents and check status the same way) YourTexasBenefits.com ↗
  • Apply by phone: 2-1-1 Texas, option 2 (or 877-541-7905) — a caseworker can take the application over the phone, which is often easiest for seniors or caregivers 211texas.org ↗
  • Apply in person or by mail: Abilene HHSC benefits office — call 2-1-1 first to confirm the current address, as HHSC periodically consolidates local offices Texas HHS – SNAP ↗
  • What you'll need: Photo ID, Social Security numbers for household members, proof of income (Social Security/pension award letters), and housing/utility costs
  • Interview: Most applicants complete a required phone interview with an HHSC caseworker after applying
  • Timeline: Standard applications are decided within 30 days; households with very low income/resources can qualify for expedited service within about 7 days
  • Help applying: The Aging and Disability Resource Center of West Central Texas and the Area Agency on Aging can walk seniors through the SNAP application at no cost wctcog.org/adrc ↗

SNAP income and asset limits are adjusted annually — a benefits counselor at 2-1-1 or the ADRC can give you the current figures and estimate what you'd receive before you apply.

CSFP (Commodity Supplemental Food Program)

CSFP is a separate USDA program specifically for adults 60 and older (no SNAP application required, though you can receive both). Once a month, participants pick up or have delivered a free box of foods such as canned fruit and vegetables, cereal, pasta, canned meat or fish, cheese, and juice.

  • Eligibility: Age 60+ and income at or below 130% of the federal poverty level (roughly $20,300/year for a single-person household — confirm current figures with the local agency)
  • Where to ask locally: CSFP enrollment/availability in Taylor County rotates between food-assistance agencies — start with the Food Bank of West Central Texas or Meals on Wheels Plus (both in Section 2) to confirm current enrollment status fbwct.org ↗
  • Help finding it: The ADRC (1-855-937-2372) tracks which local agency currently runs CSFP and can make a direct referral wctcog.org/adrc ↗

CSFP availability and caseload limits vary by county and can have a waiting list — if it's full, ask about the food bank's senior-specific pantry hours instead.

State and Local Nutrition: Local meals on wheels, food pantries, community meals, etc.

Home-Delivered Meals (Meals on Wheels)

Meals on Wheels Plus is the primary home-delivered meal provider for Abilene and the surrounding Big Country area, currently serving over 1,700 people.

  • Meals on Wheels Plus: 717 North 10th St., Abilene, TX 79601 — (325) 672-5050 — home-delivered meals for homebound seniors and adults with disabilities; request meal service online or by phone mealsonwheelsplus.com ↗
  • Also runs Pet Food on Wheels (pet food/vet visits so seniors don't skip their own meals to feed a pet), Groceries on Wheels (shelf-stable grocery delivery), Books on Wheels, and emergency assistance (fans, heaters, medical-care coordination)

Because Meals on Wheels Plus runs several linked programs, one call can often set up more than just meal delivery — ask what else you may qualify for.

Congregate & Community Meals

Seniors who can get out of the house have many options for a hot meal and company in Abilene — from the city's senior center lunch program to a wide network of faith-based community meals.

  • Rose Park Senior Activity Center: 2625 S. 7th St., Abilene, TX 79605 — (325) 734-5300 — lunch program for seniors 55+ alongside daily activities abilenetx.gov ↗
  • Breakfast on Beech Street (B.O.B.S.): 1423 N. 3rd St. — (325) 660-6949 — breakfast Mon–Fri 6:30–7:15 a.m.
  • Love & Care Ministries: 233 Fannin St. — (325) 670-0246 — breakfast Mon–Fri 7:00–8:30 a.m.; lunch Mon/Tue/Thu 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. lcmin.com ↗
  • City Lights Ministries: 336 Hickory St. — (325) 673-6686 — lunch Mon/Wed/Fri 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
  • The Salvation Army: 1726 Butternut St. — (325) 677-1408 — breakfast daily 6:00 a.m.; lunch Sat–Sun 12:30 p.m.; dinner Mon–Fri 5:30 p.m., Sat–Sun 5:00 p.m. salvationarmy.org ↗
  • Southwest Drive Community UMC: 3025 Southwest Dr. — (325) 677-8346 — lunch Tuesdays 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
  • Bethel United Methodist Church: 1102 N. Willis St. — (325) 677-1408 — dinner Wednesdays 6:00–7:00 p.m.
  • Church on the Rock: 1228 Grape St. — (325) 677-1408 — dinner Wednesdays 6:00p.m.
  • Grace United Methodist Church: 1434 Grape St. — (325) 672-8121 — dinner first Wednesday of the month, 6:00–8:00 p.m.
  • Freedom Fellowship: 941 Chestnut St. — (325) 673-5295 — dinner Wednesdays 6:00–7:00 p.m.
  • Grace Fellowship: 910 Cypress St. — (325) 673-5295 — dinner Wednesdays 6:00–7:00 p.m.

Food Pantries in Abilene

Free groceries and pantry staples — no SNAP enrollment required. Hours change seasonally, so call before visiting.

  • Highland Food Pantry: 701 Walnut St. — (325) 673-1234 — Mon 9:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m., Thu 6:00–7:00 p.m., Fri 9:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
  • Crescent Heights Baptist Church: 1902 N. Mockingbird Ln. — (325) 677-3749 — Mon 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
  • Love & Care Ministries (pantry): 233 Fannin St. — (325) 670-0246 — Mon–Thu 9:00–11:30 a.m. & 1:00–3:00 p.m. lcmin.com ↗
  • Presbyterian Food Pantry: 333 Orange St. — (325) 677-3501 — Tuesdays 1:00–4:00 p.m.
  • United Methodist Food Pantry: 2626 N. 1st St. — (325) 864-6605 — Tue 4:00–8:00 p.m., Wed 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
  • Baptist Social Ministries: 618 S. Pioneer Dr. — (325) 672-4193 — Tue–Thu 1:00–3:00 p.m.
  • Abilene Community Fridge: 4235 N. 1st St. — open 24/7, no application needed
  • Minda Street Church of Christ: 625 T&P Ln. — (325) 704-8774 — every 4th Saturday, call for an appointment
  • Christian Service Center: 3185 N. 10th St. — (325) 673-7531 — by appointment; also the local rent/utility-assistance office (see Section 5) cscabilene.org ↗
  • Beltway Park Church Food Pantry: 4009 Beltway South — (325) 704-2329 — by appointment

Central Directories & Backup Resources

  • Food Bank of West Central Texas: 5505 N. 1st St., Abilene, TX — (325) 695-6311 — the regional food bank supplying most Abilene pantries; can direct you to the nearest current distribution fbwct.org ↗
  • Abilene & Big Country Hunger Coalition: A coordinated directory of every food pantry and community meal in the area, kept current hungercoalition.org ↗

2-1-1 Texas (dial 2-1-1) can also confirm same-day food pantry hours and connect you to SNAP, WIC, and TANF.

Elder Care: Caregiver assistance, local area on aging, etc.

West Central Texas' aging-services system is organized around one entry point — the Aging and Disability Resource Center — which then connects seniors and their caregivers to the Area Agency on Aging's specific programs. Starting there saves a lot of phone-tag.

Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of West Central Texas

  • What it does: A single free call that screens for and connects older adults, people with disabilities, caregivers, families, and veterans to benefits counseling, service navigation, housing listings, and Medicare/Medicaid counseling wctcog.org/adrc ↗
  • Phone: 1-855-937-2372
  • Address: 3702 Loop 322, Abilene, TX 79602 (West Central Texas Council of Governments)
  • How to reach it: By phone, walk-in at the main office, or online referral
  • Coverage: 19 West Central Texas counties, including Taylor, Callahan, Jones, and Nolan — all of the Abilene area

 Area Agency on Aging of West Central Texas

The Area Agency on Aging (operating under the West Central Texas Council of Governments) funds and coordinates services for adults 60+ across the same 19-county region, including:

  • Caregiver Support Program — for family caregivers of adults 60+, as well as older relatives (55+) raising grandchildren under 18
  • Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program — investigates complaints and advocates for residents in nursing homes and assisted living facilities
  • Nutrition Services — coordinates home-delivered and congregate meals across the region (see Section 2)
  • Medicare counseling — open-enrollment help and answers to Medicare questions
  • Information & referral — general intake, needs assessment, and follow-up support
  • Phone / office: West Central Texas Council of Governments, (325) 672-8544 wctcog.org ↗
  • Address: 3702 Loop 322, Abilene, TX 79602

Because the Area Agency on Aging is reached through the same office as the ADRC, calling 1-855-937-2372 is the simplest way in — ask specifically for the Caregiver Support Program or Medicare counseling.

 Other Elder Care Contacts

  • 2-1-1 Texas: Statewide backup line for benefits, long-term care, and Medicaid waiver questions 211texas.org ↗
  • Adult Protective Services (elder abuse/neglect concerns): 1-800-252-5400 (24-hour statewide hotline) dfps.texas.gov ↗

Transportation: Senior transportation

Abilene's public transit is CityLink, run by the City of Abilene, and it offers fixed routes, a reduced senior fare, ADA paratransit, and a free travel-training program to help seniors ride independently.

CityLink — Fixed-Route Buses

  • How it works: 14 fixed routes across Abilene, operating Monday–Saturday (no Sunday or holiday service) abilenetx.gov/citylink ↗
  • Hours: Monday–Friday 6:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. office hours; Saturday 7:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
  • Standard fare: $1.75 adult fare; day pass $3.75; monthly pass $53.00
  • Senior reduced fare: $0.75 per ride with a CityLink Reduced Fare ID Card ($2 one-time fee, valid 2 years); reduced monthly pass is $23.50 Fares & Passes ↗
  • Senior Service: round-trip van rides from your home to the Rose Park Senior Center for seniors aged 60+ years old, $1.50 per ride Senior Service ↗️
  • Getting the ID card: Apply in person at the CityLink Station, 1189 S. 2nd St., with photo ID and proof of age/eligibility (Medicare card accepted)
  • Contact: (325) 676-6609 (fixed-route)

 Senior Travel Training

  • What it is: A free program teaching seniors and people with disabilities how to ride CityLink independently — trip planning, transit orientation, and group sessions
  • How to register: Call (325) 676-6287, Option 2

 ADA Paratransit

Curb-to-curb van service for riders whose disability prevents them from using fixed-route buses; a medical professional must verify eligibility.

  • How to apply: Online (client application + medical professional questionnaire), in person at 1189 S. 2nd St. (7:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.), or by phone ADA Paratransit ↗
  • Phone: (325) 676-6287, Option 2 — office hours 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., Monday–Friday
  • Fares: $2.50 one-way (or $25 for 10 tickets) within the ADA service area; $3.75 one-way (or $75 for 20 tickets) in the extended service area — exact change required
  • Scheduling: Book online via the Ecolane Web Portal at least 3 days ahead, or call for next-day service
  • Service hours: Monday–Friday 6:15 a.m.–5:45 p.m.; Saturday 7:15 a.m.–5:45 p.m.; no Sunday or holiday service

 Other Transportation Help

  • Rolling Plains Management Corporation: 1150 Estates Dr., Suite A, Abilene, TX 79601 — (325) 672-3969 — offers rural and medical transportation across its 28-county service area in addition to utility and housing assistance rollingplains.org ↗
  • Non-emergency medical transportation (Medicaid): If you have Medicaid, your managed care plan covers rides to medical appointments — call the member services number on your Medicaid card, or ask the ADRC (1-855-937-2372) for a referral

  • Veterans Crisis Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 (Veterans- press 1)
  • Adult Maltreatment Hotline: 800-482-8049
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
    • Hours: 24/7. Languages: English, Spanish, and 200+ through interpretation service
  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration or SAMHSA's National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
  • Crisis Services & Suicide Prevention: Dial 988

Housing: Rental assistance, home cleaning and repair assistance, utility assistance, etc.

Rental Assistance

  • Abilene Housing Authority: 1149 E. South 11th St., Abilene, TX 79602 — (325) 676-6385 abileneha.org ↗
  • Administers the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program (about 1,399 vouchers, plus specialized vouchers for veterans, people with disabilities, and others), public housing (213 units at 4 sites), and Low-Income Housing Tax Credit apartments (572 units at 4 sites)
  • Apply online through their website, or call to schedule an in-person appointment
  • Not a seniors-only program, but seniors are a served population — ask specifically about any current preference or set-aside for elderly applicants
  • Rolling Plains Tenant Based Rental Assistance (TBRA): (325) 672-3969 — a second rental-assistance option for income-eligible households, including seniors and veterans rollingplains.org ↗
  • Emergency rent help: Christian Service Center offers one-time rent assistance — 3185 N. 10th St., (325) 673-7531, by appointment cscabilene.org ↗

 Utility Assistance

Several overlapping local options help pay electric, gas, and water bills, with priority typically given to households with an elderly or disabled member.

  • Rolling Plains Management Corporation — CEAP/LIHEAP: 1150 Estates Dr., Suite A, Abilene, TX 79601 — (325) 672-3969 — Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program and LIHEAP heating/cooling bill help; automatic income qualification if you already receive SNAP, TANF, or SSI rollingplains.org ↗
  • Christian Service Center: 3185 N. 10th St. — (325) 673-7531 — gas vouchers (every 3 months) and other bill-related help, by appointment cscabilene.org ↗
  • CEAP: crisis help during extreme heat/cold plus ongoing bill-payment assistance; income limit is roughly 150% of the federal poverty level
  • LIHEAP: year-round heating/cooling bill assistance for income-eligible households

 Home Repair & Modification

  • Rolling Plains Weatherization Assistance Program: (325) 672-3969 — free weatherization (insulation, air sealing, minor repairs) for income-eligible homes, prioritizing seniors and people with disabilities rollingplains.org ↗
  • Home cleaning / chore assistance: Ask the ADRC (1-855-937-2372) or the Area Agency on Aging for a referral to in-home chore and light-housekeeping services covered for eligible low-income seniors wctcog.org/adrc ↗

Home-repair and weatherization funding is often grant-based and seasonal (applications may open once a year) — the ADRC keeps an up-to-date list of what's currently accepting applications.

Enrichment: Senior centers, community activities, etc.

Rose Park Senior Activity Center is Abilene's hub for senior classes, fitness, games, and social connection — membership is open to residents 55+ (and spouses), with most everyday activities free or low-cost.

Rose Park Senior Activity Center

  • Address / phone: 2625 S. 7th St., Abilene, TX 79605 — (325) 734-5300 abilenetx.gov ↗
  • Eligibility: Open to residents 55 and older, or the spouse of someone that age
  • Fitness classes: Zumba, cardio drumming, gentle fitness, line dancing, water walkers
  • Games & social clubs: bingo, bunco, Skip-Bo tournaments, chair volleyball, book club, coffee and crosswords
  • Arts & entertainment: ceramics, Thursday night dances, gospel singing
  • Other: daily lunch program, senior day trips, and volunteer opportunities

 Other Enrichment Options

  • Meals on Wheels Plus' Books on Wheels program delivers reading material along with meals for homebound seniors — ask when you sign up for meal service
  • Abilene Public Library branches often host free classes, tech-help sessions, and book clubs open to seniors
  • Faith communities across Abilene (including many of the meal and pantry hosts in Section 2) run their own senior fellowship groups and outings — worth asking about when you visit

AARP's local chapter and Dyess Air Force Base retiree programs may extend some recreational access to military-connected seniors — the ADRC can confirm eligibility

 Quick-Reference Directory

Every organization in this guide, in one place — call the first number when in doubt, or tap the link to open the website.

Organization

Phone

Address / Coverage

Website

ADRC of West Central Texas (start here)

1-855-937-2372

3702 Loop 322, Abilene, TX 79602

Visit ↗

Area Agency on Aging of West Central Texas

(325) 672-8544

3702 Loop 322, Abilene, TX 79602

Visit ↗

2-1-1 Texas (SNAP, general benefits)

2-1-1 / 877-541-7905

Statewide phone line

Visit ↗

YourTexasBenefits.com (SNAP online)

—

Online application portal

Visit ↗

Meals on Wheels Plus

(325) 672-5050

717 North 10th St., Abilene, TX 79601

Visit ↗

Food Bank of West Central Texas

(325) 695-6311

5505 N. 1st St., Abilene, TX 79603

Visit ↗

Christian Service Center

(325) 673-7531

3185 N. 10th St., Abilene, TX 79603

Visit ↗

Rolling Plains Management Corp. (utilities/weatherization/TBRA)

(325) 672-3969

1150 Estates Dr. Suite A, Abilene, TX 79601

Visit ↗

CityLink (fixed route)

(325) 676-6609

Serves the City of Abilene

Visit ↗

CityLink ADA Paratransit

(325) 676-6287, Opt. 2

1189 S. 2nd St., Abilene, TX

Visit ↗

Abilene Housing Authority

(325) 676-6385

1149 E. South 11th St., Abilene, TX 79602

Visit ↗

Rose Park Senior Activity Center

(325) 734-5300

2625 S. 7th St., Abilene, TX 79605

Visit ↗

Abilene & Big Country Hunger Coalition

—

Directory of area food resources

Visit ↗

Adult Protective Services (24-hr hotline)

1-800-252-5400

Statewide

Visit ↗

This guide was compiled in August 2026 from public sources and organization websites. Programs, hours, funding, and eligibility rules change — please call ahead to confirm before a visit or application, especially for waitlisted programs like Section 8 housing and CSFP.