Start here: Central Texas Aging, Disability & Veterans Resource Center (ADRC) — 1-855-937-2372
A single free call connects Temple-area seniors and family caregivers to benefits counseling, care options, and referrals across every category in this guide. The ADRC's office is just next door in Belton.
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: Temple 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 Central Texas ADRC and the Bell County HELP Center (Hill Country Community Action Association) can walk seniors through the SNAP application at no cost ctadvrc.org ↗
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)
- Local agency: Hill Country Community Action Association (HCCAA), through its Bell County HELP Center — 604 N. 3rd St., Temple, TX 76501, (254) 549-0811 hccaa.com ↗
- How to apply: Call the Bell County HELP Center to confirm CSFP is currently open locally and to complete a short application (proof of age and income)
CSFP availability and caseload limits vary by county and can have a waiting list — the ADRC (1-855-937-2372) can also point you to the Central Texas Food Bank's senior programs as a backup if enrollment is closed.
State and Local Nutrition: Local meals on wheels, food pantries, community meals, etc.
Home-Delivered Meals (Meals on Wheels)
Hill Country Community Action Association runs home-delivered meals for homebound seniors in Temple and Belton.
- HCCAA Bell County HELP Center: 604 N. 3rd St., Temple, TX 76501 — (254) 549-0811 — home-delivered meals for homebound seniors 60+ in the Temple/Belton area; ask about current capacity and any waitlist hccaa.com ↗
- Meals on Wheels Texas — provider locator: If HCCAA's program is full, the statewide directory can confirm any other current Bell County provider mealsonwheelstexas.org ↗
Congregate & Community Meals
Seniors who can get out of the house have both a hot community lunch program and social meal events through the city's Active Adults program.
- Feed My Sheep: 613 S. 3rd St., Temple, TX 76504 — (254) 239-9863 — free lunch Mon–Fri 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.; Sunday lunch 12:30–1:30 p.m.; breakfast Saturday 8:00–9:00 a.m. Feed My Sheep Cafe ↗️
- Sammons Community Center — Active Adults potlucks & game nights: 1701 N. General Bruce Dr., Temple, TX 76504 — (254) 298-5690 — social meal events as part of the senior activity calendar (see Section 6) templeparks.com ↗
Food Pantries in Temple
Free groceries and pantry staples — no SNAP enrollment required. Hours change seasonally, so call before visiting.
- St. Vincent de Paul of Greater Temple: 106 West Avenue D, Temple, TX 76504 — (254) 773-7591 — Thursdays 9:00–10:30 a.m.; also runs a thrift store benefiting East Bell County
- Churches Touching Lives for Christ (CTLC): 702 West Avenue G, Temple, TX 76504 — (254) 778-6885 — drive-thru pantry, Tuesdays 12:30–3:00 p.m., Saturdays 9:00–11:30 a.m. ctlcministries.org ↗
- To participate, clients line up in their cars beginning on 13th Street and progress to the front of our building at 702 W. Avenue G , where they are checked in by volunteers. Once Qualified, they drive to the side parking lot, where volunteers load the groceries into the client's cars.
- Love of Christ Food Pantry: 2000 W. Airport Rd., Temple, TX 76504 — (254) 774-8411 — drive-thru pantry, Wednesdays 6:00–7:15 p.m., Thursdays 9:00–11:15 a.m. locfoodpantry.org ↗
- Taylor's Valley Baptist Church: 2470 West F.M. 93, Temple, TX 76502 — (254) 939-0503 — drive-thru pantry, first four Wednesdays of the month, 9:30–11:30 a.m. Taylor's Valley Food Pantry ↗️
- You may come any two Wednesdays in a month
- The Salvation Army — Bell County Corps: 419 West Avenue G, Temple, TX 76504 — (254) 774-9996 — Mon–Thu 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. salvationarmy.org ↗
Mobile Pantries & Central Directories
- Temple College Leopard Pantry: 2600 S. 1st St., Temple, TX 76504 — campus food pantry plus a Central Texas Food Bank mobile distribution, 4th Saturday of the month, 9:00–11:00 a.m. templecollege.edu ↗
- This is only for Temple College employees and students
- VA Clinic Temple Mobile Pantry (veterans): 1901 Veterans Memorial Dr., Bldg. 163, Temple, TX 76504 — 4th Thursday of the month, 10:00–11:00 a.m. — call 512-282-2111 to confirm the current schedule
- Operation Feeding Temple: A coordinated directory of Temple's food-pantry partners, kept current operationfeedingtemple.org ↗
- Central Texas Food Bank: Regional food bank supplying most Temple pantries; searchable locator for the nearest current distribution find-food-now ↗
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.
Bell County's aging-services system is organized around one entry point — the Aging, Disability & Veterans 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.
Central Texas Aging, Disability & Veterans Resource Center (ADRC)
- What it does: A single free call that screens for and connects seniors, adults with disabilities, veterans, and caregivers to benefits counseling, in-home care options, housing navigation, and long-term-care planning ctadvrc.org ↗
- Phone: 1-855-937-2372 (1-855-YES-ADRC)
- Address: 2180 N. Main St., Belton, TX 76513 (just west of Temple)
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
- Coverage: Bell, Coryell, Hamilton, Lampasas, Milam, Mills, and San Saba counties — includes all of Temple
Area Agency on Aging of Central Texas (AAACT)
AAACT is the regional aging agency (operating under the Central Texas Council of Governments) that funds and coordinates services for adults 60+ in the Temple/Bell County area, including:
- Family Caregiver Support Program — respite care, caregiver training, and support groups for people caring for an aging spouse, parent, or relative
- Care coordination / case management for seniors at risk of nursing-home placement who want to stay at home
- Medicare counseling (HICAP-style benefits counseling) to help compare plans and catch billing errors
- Information & referral into nutrition, transportation, legal, and in-home care programs
- Phone / office: Central Texas Council of Governments, (254) 770-2200 aaact.org ↗
- Address: 2180 N. Main St., Belton, TX 76513
Because AAACT is reached through the same office as the ADRC, calling 1-855-937-2372 is the simplest way in — ask specifically for the Family Caregiver Support Program or benefits 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
Temple's public transit is run by the Hill Country Transit District, branded as "The HOP," which offers fixed routes, on-demand microtransit, and dial-a-ride/paratransit throughout Bell County.
The HOP — Fixed Route & Microtransit
- How it works: Fixed bus routes plus a flexible, app- or phone-scheduled van service within Temple — book same-day or up to 14 days ahead takethehop.com ↗
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 6:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. (weekday service; confirm current Saturday coverage)
- How to book: HOP mobile app (free, iOS/Android), online booking portal, or by phone
- Phone: (254) 933-3700
- Fare: $2.00 base fare per trip, with discounted fares for seniors, riders with disabilities, students, and military — ask about a reduced-fare senior pass when you book
Senior Dial-a-Ride / Paratransit
The HOP also operates dial-a-ride service tailored to seniors and ADA paratransit for riders who can't use fixed-route buses.
- How to arrange: Call (254) 933-3700 to ask specifically about senior dial-a-ride or ADA paratransit eligibility and scheduling
- Advance notice: Paratransit trips typically need to be booked at least a day in advance — call to confirm current lead time
Other Transportation Help
- 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
- Veteran transportation: Veterans can ask the VA Clinic in Temple or the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) van program about rides to VA medical appointments
- 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
- Temple Housing Authority (Central Texas Housing Consortium): 700 West Calhoun Ave., Temple, TX 76501 — (254) 773-2009 — Mon–Thu 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m., Fri 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. cthc.org ↗
- Administers Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and public housing, serving roughly 326 low- and moderate-income households
- Waitlists open periodically rather than staying open year-round — call or check their website for the current status
- Applications prioritize elderly, disabled, veteran, and local-resident status when a waitlist opens
- Emergency rent help: 2-1-1 Texas or the Bell County HELP Center (below) can screen for whichever local rental-assistance fund is currently accepting applications 211texas.org ↗
Utility Assistance
Two overlapping programs — CEAP and LIHEAP — help pay electric, gas, and water bills, with priority given to households with an elderly or disabled member.
- Bell County HELP Center (HCCAA): 604 N. 3rd St., Temple, TX 76501 — (254) 549-0811, Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. hccaa.com ↗
- CEAP (Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program): crisis help during extreme heat/cold and ongoing bill-payment assistance; income limit is roughly 150% of the federal poverty level
- LIHEAP: year-round heating/cooling bill assistance; automatic income qualification if you already receive SNAP, TANF, or SSI
Home Repair & Modification
- City of Temple Housing Improvement (Home Repair) Program: (254) 298-5999 — repairs health/safety issues for income-eligible Temple homeowners (below 80% area median income) who occupy their home as a primary residence; critical repairs only, capped at 50% of the home's assessed value templetx.gov ↗
- HCCAA Weatherization Program: (254) 549-0811 — free weatherization (insulation, air sealing, minor repairs) for income-eligible homes, prioritizing seniors and people with disabilities hccaa.com ↗
- Home cleaning / chore assistance: Ask the ADRC (1-855-937-2372) or AAACT for a referral to in-home chore and light-housekeeping services covered for eligible low-income seniors ctadvrc.org ↗
Home-repair funding is often grant-based and seasonal (the City of Temple's program, for example, opens applications periodically as funding allows) — the ADRC keeps an up-to-date list of what's currently accepting applications.
Enrichment: Senior centers, community activities, etc.
Sammons Community Center's Active Adults program is Temple's hub for senior fitness, classes, and social connection — activities are open to older adults with costs that vary by program.
Sammons Community Center — Active Adults
- Address / phone: 1701 N. General Bruce Dr., Temple, TX 76504 — (254) 298-5690 templeparks.com ↗
- Fitness: yoga, Zumba, and strength-training classes
- Creative arts: painting, crocheting, and writing workshops
- Social events: game nights, potlucks, and travel clubs
- Learning: technology courses, cooking/baking classes, and educational lectures
- How to register: Online through Temple Parks & Recreation's activity registration portal, or call the number above Register online ↗
Other Enrichment Options
- Temple Public Library often hosts free classes, tech-help sessions, and book clubs open to seniors
- Faith communities across Temple (including several of the pantry hosts in Section 2) run their own senior fellowship groups and outings — worth asking about when you call for food assistance
- Temple College's Circle of Support connects community members, including seniors, to campus and community resources beyond the Leopard Pantry
- AARP's local chapter and Fort Cavazos-area 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 |
|
Central Texas ADRC (start here) |
1-855-937-2372 |
2180 N. Main St., Belton, TX 76513 |
|
|
Area Agency on Aging of Central Texas (AAACT) |
(254) 770-2200 |
2180 N. Main St., Belton, TX 76513 |
|
|
2-1-1 Texas (SNAP, general benefits) |
2-1-1 / 877-541-7905 |
Statewide phone line |
|
|
YourTexasBenefits.com (SNAP online) |
— |
Online application portal |
|
|
Bell County HELP Center (HCCAA) |
(254) 549-0811 |
604 N. 3rd St., Temple, TX 76501 |
|
|
Feed My Sheep (community meals) |
(254) 239-9863 |
613 S. 3rd St., Temple, TX 76504 |
|
|
Churches Touching Lives for Christ (CTLC) |
(254) 778-6885 |
702 West Avenue G, Temple, TX 76504 |
|
|
Central Texas Food Bank — Find Food Now |
— |
Locator for Temple-area pantries |
|
|
The HOP (transit / microtransit / dial-a-ride) |
(254) 933-3700 |
Serves Temple and Bell County |
|
|
Temple Housing Authority (Central Texas Housing Consortium) |
(254) 773-2009 |
700 West Calhoun Ave., Temple, TX 76501 |
|
|
City of Temple Home Repair Program |
(254) 298-5999 |
Serves Temple city limits |
|
|
Sammons Community Center (Active Adults) |
(254) 298-5690 |
1701 N. General Bruce Dr., Temple, TX 76504 |
|
|
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.