Start here: Area Agency on Aging of the Permian Basin — (432) 563-1061
A single free call connects Odessa-area seniors and family caregivers to benefits counseling, care options, and referrals across every category in this guide. AAAPB's main office is in Midland, but it directly runs Ector County's three senior centers.
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: Odessa 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 Area Agency on Aging of the Permian Basin (AAAPB) and West Texas Opportunities' Odessa Neighborhood Center can walk seniors through the SNAP application at no cost aaapb.com ↗
SNAP income and asset limits are adjusted annually — a benefits counselor at 2-1-1 or AAAPB 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 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 — confirm current figures with the local agency
- Local agency: West Texas Food Bank — Odessa, 411 South Pagewood Ave., Odessa, TX 79761, (432) 580-6333 — administers CSFP senior boxes across its 19-county service area, including Ector County wtxfoodbank.org ↗
- How to apply: Call (432) 580-6333 to confirm CSFP is currently open locally and complete a short application (proof of age and income)
CSFP availability and caseload limits can have a waiting list — AAAPB ((432) 563-1061) can also point you to backup senior-nutrition options if enrollment is closed.
State and Local Nutrition: Local meals on wheels, food pantries, community meals, etc.
Home-Delivered Meals (Meals on Wheels)
Meals on Wheels of Odessa (MOWO) delivers hot, nutritious meals to homebound seniors and people with disabilities throughout Odessa.
- Meals on Wheels of Odessa (MOWO): 1314 E. 5th St., Odessa, TX 79761 — (432) 333-6451 — home-delivered meals for homebound seniors and adults with disabilities; ask about current capacity and any waitlist Meals on Wheels - Odessa ↗️
Meals on Wheels capacity can shift with funding and volunteer availability — AAAPB ((432) 563-1061) keeps track of the current operator if there's a wait.
Congregate & Community Meals
Seniors who can get out of the house can get a hot meal and company at any of Ector County's three senior centers, all of which run daily congregate meal programs (see Section 6 for full activity details).
- Northside Senior Center: 1225 North Adams (13th & Adams), Odessa, TX 79761 — (432) 337-5281 — Mon–Fri, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
- Southside Senior Citizens Center: 900 South Dixie Blvd., Odessa, TX 79761 — (432) 337-4531 — Mon–Fri, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. — congregate meals
- Westside Senior Center: 2265 West Sycamore Dr., Odessa, TX 79763 — (432) 385-7715 — Mon–Fri, 8:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. — congregate meals
All three centers are directed under AAAPB's Ector County senior services (Director: Mary Salaz) — call any location, or AAAPB directly, to ask about the day's meal and reserve a seat if needed.
Food Pantries in Odessa
Free groceries and pantry staples — no SNAP enrollment required. Hours change seasonally, so call before visiting.
- Catholic Charities of Odessa — Food Pantry: 2500 Andrews Hwy., Odessa, TX 79761 — (432) 332-1387 — distribution Tue/Wed/Thu, 9:00–11:00 a.m. and 1:00–3:00 p.m.; you must call first to schedule an intake interview before your first visit ccodessa.com ↗
- West Texas Food Bank — Odessa: 411 South Pagewood Ave., Odessa, TX 79761 — (432) 580-6333 — as of January 2026 the Odessa office no longer runs its own walk-in pantry; it now directs the public to partner agencies and mobile distributions across Ector County wtxfoodbank.org ↗
- West Texas Food Bank — partner agency & mobile pantry list: Download the current partner-agency flyer or mobile distribution schedule for the Odessa area (updated regularly) wtxfoodbank.org/help ↗
2-1-1 Texas (dial 2-1-1) can confirm same-day food pantry hours and connect you to SNAP, WIC, and TANF if you're not sure where to start.
Elder Care: Caregiver assistance, local area on aging, etc.
Ector County's aging-services system runs through one regional agency — the Area Agency on Aging of the Permian Basin (AAAPB) — which both funds caregiver and benefits programs and directly operates Odessa's three senior centers. Starting there saves a lot of phone-tag.
Area Agency on Aging of the Permian Basin (AAAPB)
- What it does: Connects seniors, adults with disabilities, and family caregivers to benefits counseling, in-home care options, caregiver respite, and care coordination across 17 West Texas counties aaapb.com ↗
- Phone: (432) 563-1061
- Address: 2910 LaForce Blvd., Midland, TX 79706
- Coverage: 17 counties in the Permian Basin region, including Ector County (Odessa)
Programs coordinated through AAAPB include:
- Family Caregiver Support Program — respite care, caregiver training, and support for people caring for an aging spouse, parent, or relative
- Care coordination / case management for seniors who want to stay in their own home
- Medicare/benefits counseling to help compare plans and catch billing errors
- Information & referral into nutrition, transportation, legal, and in-home care programs
- Ector County contact page: AAAPB's page listing Ector County senior centers, meal sites, and local contacts aaapb.com/ector-county ↗
Ector County Senior Centers
AAAPB directly operates three senior centers in Odessa (director: Mary Salaz for all three), which double as information & referral hubs, congregate meal sites, and transportation-assistance points in addition to their enrichment programming (Section 6).
- Northside Senior Center: 1225 North Adams (13th & Adams), Odessa, TX 79761 — (432) 337-5281 — Mon–Fri, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. — meals, health screening, fitness, tai chi, computer classes, information & referral, transportation assistance
- Southside Senior Citizens Center: 900 South Dixie Blvd., Odessa, TX 79761 — (432) 337-4531 — Mon–Fri, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. — congregate meals, transportation, recreation, money management, health screening
- Westside Senior Center: 2265 West Sycamore Dr., Odessa, TX 79763 — (432) 385-7715 — Mon–Fri, 8:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. — congregate meals, exercise, games, information & referral
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
Odessa's public transit is run by the Midland Odessa Urban Transit District, branded as EZ-Rider, which offers fixed-route buses and ADA/senior paratransit throughout Odessa (and connections to Midland).
EZ-Rider — Fixed-Route Bus
- How it works: Fixed bus routes throughout Odessa; the Downtown Transfer Plaza (5th & Lincoln, across from the Ector County Library) is the main hub ez-rider.org ↗
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 6:15 a.m.–7:10 p.m.; Saturday, 8:15 a.m.–4:15 p.m.; no service Sundays or major holidays
- Phone: (432) 561-9990
- Standard fare: $1.25 per one-way trip for adults; an All-Day Pass is $3.00
- Senior/disabled fare: $0.60 per one-way trip — present a Medicare card to the bus operator to qualify; a Monthly Senior/Disabled Pass is $19.00 ez-rider.org/fares ↗
EZ-Rider Paratransit (ADA / Door-to-Door)
For riders who can't use the fixed-route system due to a disability, EZ-Rider offers certified door-to-door paratransit service on the same operating schedule as the fixed route.
- Fares: $2.50 one-way for trips within 3/4 mile of a fixed route; $5.00 one-way for trips beyond that distance (fare tickets purchased in advance)
- Hours: Same as fixed route — Monday–Friday, 6:15 a.m.–7:10 p.m.; Saturday, 8:15 a.m.–4:15 p.m.
- Eligibility & application: Requires a completed application and medical-professional verification, certified by EZ-Rider under ADA criteria; applications available in English and Spanish ez-rider.org/paratransit ↗
- Phone: (432) 561-9990 (mobility-training appointments: ext. 116)
Certified paratransit riders also receive free fixed-route bus access with their EZ-Rider ID card.
Other Transportation Help
- West Texas Opportunities transportation referrals: 1-800-245-9028 — case management line that can refer eligible seniors to additional local transportation resources
- 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 AAAPB for a referral
- Healthcare Assistance:
- Rx Assistance:
- Medicare Rx Assistance:
- Insulin Assistance:
- EyeCare America: eligible patients can receive a free eye exam plus a one year follow up for any condition diagnosed in the initial exam.
- National Institute of Health: provides information for several organizations that can assist with eye exams, eyeglasses, and eye-related prescriptions.
- National Ramp: provides information and resources for obtaining a ramp.
- Paying for Senior Care: provides information for state assistance programs for Durable Medical Equipment.
- 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
- Odessa Housing Authority: 124 E. 2nd St., Odessa, TX 79761 — (432) 333-1088 — Mon–Thu 8:00 a.m.–Noon & 1:00–5:00 p.m., Fri 8:00 a.m.–Noon odessahatx.com ↗
- Administers Public Housing and Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) programs, including Mainstream Vouchers, Project-Based Vouchers, VASH (for veterans), and Foster Youth to Independence
- Waitlists open periodically rather than staying open year-round — call or check their website for current status
- Emergency rent help: 2-1-1 Texas or West Texas Opportunities (below) can screen for whichever local rental-assistance fund is currently accepting applications 211texas.org ↗
Utility Assistance
CEAP and LIHEAP help pay electric, gas, and water bills, with priority given to households with an elderly or disabled member.
- West Texas Opportunities — Odessa Neighborhood Center: 1415 E. 2nd St., Odessa, TX 79761 — (432) 333-9027 — CEAP (Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program) and weatherization assistance; also offers case management and an emergency-assistance line West TX Opportunities ↗
- CEAP: crisis help during extreme heat/cold and ongoing bill-payment assistance; income-eligible, with priority for elderly and disabled households
- LIHEAP: year-round heating/cooling bill assistance; automatic income qualification if you already receive SNAP, TANF, or SSI
- Emergency assistance / general referral line: 1-800-245-9028
Home Repair & Modification
- City of Odessa Housing Rehabilitation Program: Community Development Dept., 411 W. 8th St., Odessa, TX 79760 — (432) 335-4820 Program details ↗
- Rehabilitation/Reconstruction — substantial repairs to increase safety, health, and livability of the home
- Emergency Repair — urgent issues such as faulty heating, water leaks, electrical hazards, roof leaks, and structural problems
- Minor Repair — siding, insulation, roofing, flooring, energy-efficient windows, and door replacement
- Open to low- to moderate-income homeowners in Ector County — call the Community Development Department to review eligibility guidelines before applying
- West Texas Opportunities Weatherization: (432) 333-9027 — free weatherization (insulation, air sealing, minor repairs) for income-eligible homes, prioritizing seniors and people with disabilities West TX Opportunities ↗
- Home cleaning / chore assistance: Ask AAAPB ((432) 563-1061) for a referral to in-home chore and light-housekeeping services covered for eligible low-income seniors aaapb.com ↗
Home-repair funding is often grant-based and seasonal — the Community Development Department and AAAPB keep an up-to-date list of what's currently accepting applications.
Enrichment: Senior centers, community activities, etc.
Ector County's three senior centers — Northside, Southside, and Westside — are Odessa's hub for senior fitness, classes, games, and social connection, all operated under AAAPB.
Northside Senior Center
- Address / phone: 1225 North Adams (13th & Adams), Odessa, TX 79761 — (432) 337-5281 — Mon–Fri, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
- Health screenings and fitness classes, including tai chi
- Computer classes
- Information & referral and transportation assistance on-site
- https://www.ectorcountytx.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/North-Side-Senior-Citizens-Center-1
Southside Senior Citizens Center
- Address / phone: 900 South Dixie Blvd., Odessa, TX 79761 — (432) 337-4531 — Mon–Fri, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
- Congregate meals and recreation
- Money-management assistance and health screenings
- https://www.ectorcountytx.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/South-Side-Senior-Citizen-Center-2
Westside Senior Center
- Address / phone: 2265 West Sycamore Dr., Odessa, TX 79763 — (432) 385-7715 — Mon–Fri, 8:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
- Congregate meals, exercise, and low-impact fitness classes
- Games, puzzles, and a pool table; social activities throughout the week
Other Enrichment Options
- Ector County Library (Odessa's main branch is right across from the Downtown Transfer Plaza) often hosts free classes, tech-help sessions, and book clubs open to seniors
- Faith communities across Odessa (including Catholic Charities, which also runs the food pantry in Section 2) often run their own senior fellowship groups and outings — worth asking about when you call for other assistance
- AARP's local chapter and Permian Basin-area retiree groups may offer additional recreational and social programming — AAAPB can help with a referral
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 |
|
AAAPB — Area Agency on Aging of the Permian Basin (start here) |
(432) 563-1061 |
2910 LaForce Blvd., Midland, TX 79706 |
|
|
2-1-1 Texas (SNAP, general benefits) |
2-1-1 / 877-541-7905 |
Statewide phone line |
|
|
YourTexasBenefits.com (SNAP online) |
— |
Online application portal |
|
|
Meals on Wheels of Odessa (MOWO) |
(432) 333-6451 |
1314 E. 5th St., Odessa, TX 79761 |
|
|
West Texas Food Bank — Odessa (incl. CSFP) |
(432) 580-6333 |
411 South Pagewood Ave., Odessa, TX 79761 |
|
|
Catholic Charities of Odessa — Food Pantry |
(432) 332-1387 |
2500 Andrews Hwy., Odessa, TX 79761 |
|
|
Northside Senior Center |
(432) 337-5281 |
1225 North Adams, Odessa, TX 79761 |
|
|
Southside Senior Citizens Center |
(432) 337-4531 |
900 South Dixie Blvd., Odessa, TX 79761 |
|
|
Westside Senior Center |
(432) 385-7715 |
2265 West Sycamore Dr., Odessa, TX 79763 |
|
|
EZ-Rider (fixed route / paratransit) |
(432) 561-9990 |
Serves Odessa and Midland |
|
|
Odessa Housing Authority |
(432) 333-1088 |
124 E. 2nd St., Odessa, TX 79761 |
|
|
West Texas Opportunities — Odessa Neighborhood Center |
(432) 333-9027 |
1415 E. 2nd St., Odessa, TX 79761 |
|
|
City of Odessa Housing Rehabilitation Program |
(432) 335-4820 |
411 W. 8th St., Odessa, TX 79760 |
|
|
Adult Protective Services (24-hr hotline) |
1-800-252-5400 |
Statewide |
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.