Start here: Heart of Texas Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) — (254) 292-1855 or 1-855-937-2372
- A single free call connects seniors across Bosque, Falls, Freestone, Hill, Limestone, and McLennan counties — including Waco — 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: Waco HHSC benefits office, 612 Austin Ave., Waco, TX 76701 — call 2-1-1 first to confirm current hours, 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: Caritas of Waco offers free, in-person federal-benefits assistance for SNAP, Medicare, and Medicaid, and the Heart of Texas ADRC can also walk seniors through the application at no cost caritas-waco.org ↗
SNAP income and asset limits are adjusted annually — a benefits counselor at 2-1-1, Caritas of Waco, 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: Caritas of Waco distributes senior food boxes as part of its food-assistance program — 300 S. 15th St., Waco, TX 76701, (254) 753-4593 caritas-waco.org ↗
- How to apply: Call or visit Caritas of Waco to confirm current senior-box enrollment and complete a short application (proof of age and income)
CSFP-style senior box availability and caseload limits can vary — the Heart of Texas ADRC (254-292-1855) tracks which local agency currently runs it and can make a direct referral if Caritas' program is full.
State and Local Nutrition: Local meals on wheels, food pantries, community meals, etc.
Home-Delivered Meals (Meals on Wheels)
Meals on Wheels Waco delivers meals across McLennan, Falls, and Hill counties to seniors who are homebound and cannot safely prepare their own meals.
- Meals on Wheels Waco: 501 W. Waco Dr., Waco, TX 76707 — (254) 752-0316 or (254) 752-0387 mowwaco.org ↗
- Eligibility: age 60+, homebound (unable to enter a vehicle without assistance), unable to prepare nutritious meals independently, socially isolated, and available to receive meals between 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.; a social worker confirms eligibility
- Also runs a Pet Program (pet food so seniors don't skip meals to feed a pet), a Senior Care Corner, and congregate senior-center programming (see Harrison Community Center below)
There can be a waitlist for home-delivered meals — ask about congregate meals at Harrison Community Center as a bridge option while you wait.
Congregate & Community Meals
Seniors who can get out of the house have a dedicated senior lunch program plus a wide network of community meal sites across Waco.
- Harrison Community Center (Senior Program): 1718 N. 42nd St., Waco, TX 76710 — (254) 750-5980, registration (254) 752-0316 — free lunch, socializing, games, and physical activity for ages 60+, presented by Meals on Wheels Waco; Mon/Wed/Fri 8:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. waco-texas.com ↗
- Gospel Café: 825 South 10th St. — (254) 753-5916 — sit-down meals Wed/Thu/Fri 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
- Mission Waco Meyer Center: 1226 Washington Ave. — (254) 753-4900 — breakfast Fri 6:30 a.m.
- Salvation Army Community Kitchen: 300 Webster Ave. — (254) 757-1641 — lunch Mon/Tue 12:00–12:30 p.m.; dinner Mon–Fri 5:30–6:15 p.m.
- The Hangar Jesus Table: 417 S. 17th St. (under the 18th St. Bridge) — Tuesday evenings, 6:00 p.m.
- Freedom of God Ministries: 7549 N. Hwy. 6 (Speegleville) — Friday meal, 6:30–7:30 p.m.
Food Pantries in Waco
Free groceries and pantry staples — no SNAP enrollment required. Hours change seasonally, so call before visiting.
- Caritas of Waco: 300 S. 15th St. — (254) 753-4593 — Mon–Fri 8:30–10:45 a.m. & 1:00–2:45 p.m. caritas-waco.org ↗
- Church of the Open Door Food Basket: 900 N. Loop 340 — (254) 799-4996 — Mon & Wed 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
- Crestview Church of Christ: 7129 New Delhi Rd. — (254) 776-0711 — Mon & Thu 9:00–11:00 a.m.
- Columbus Avenue Church — Pathway Ministries: 1300 Columbus Ave. — (254) 537-9096 — call every 2nd Monday at 8:00 a.m.
- The Salvation Army: 4721 W. Waco Dr. — (254) 756-7271 — 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
- Hands of Mercy: 3301 Clay Ave. — (254) 752-2293 — Tue 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.; curbside Wed 9:00–11:00 a.m.
- Acts Christian Storehouse Pantry: 300 S. 13th St. — (254) 759-1800 — 2nd & 4th Wed, 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
- Living Word COGIC: 1005 Dunbar St. — (254) 799-3796 — 2nd & 4th Thu, 12:00 p.m.
- First Woodway Baptist Church Food Pantry: 101 Ritchie Rd. — (254) 640-5551 — Thu 8:30–11:00 a.m. & 12:30–2:30 p.m.
- Carver Park Baptist Church: 1020 E. Herring Ave. — (254) 799-2766 — 1st & 3rd Friday, 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
- St. Francis Ministry Food Pantry: 315 Jefferson Ave. — (254) 752-8434 — 2nd & 4th Saturday, 9:00–11:00 a.m.
- 2nd Missionary Baptist Church: 2001 Dallas St. — (254) 799-6300 — 2nd & 4th Friday, 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Mobile Pantries & Central Directories
- Shepherd's Heart Mobile Food Pantry: (254) 213-7833 — rotating stops throughout Waco, Mart, McGregor, Robinson, and Lacy Lakeview shepherdsheartpantry.org ↗
- Central Texas Food Bank Mobile Food Pantry: Rotating distributions serving Waco and surrounding towns (Lott, Marlin, Kosse, Mexia, Groesbeck) — call 2-1-1 for the current schedule
- McLennan & Surrounding Counties Hunger Resource List: A regularly updated, comprehensive directory of every food pantry and community meal in the Waco area — the source for most listings above Hunger Resource List (PDF) ↗
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.
The Heart of Texas region's 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.
Heart of Texas Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC)
- What it does: A single free call that screens for and connects older adults, people with disabilities, family caregivers, and veterans to information, referrals, and coordination across multiple providers — includes a dedicated Housing Navigator hotcogtx.gov ↗
- Phone: (254) 292-1855 (local) or 1-855-937-2372 (statewide toll-free)
- Address: 1514 S. New Road, Waco, TX 76711
- Coverage: Bosque, Falls, Freestone, Hill, Limestone, and McLennan counties — includes all of Waco
Area Agency on Aging of the Heart of Texas
The Area Agency on Aging (operating under the Heart of Texas Council of Governments) funds and coordinates services for adults 60+ across the same six-county region, including:
- Benefits counseling — individualized Medicare/Medicaid guidance and legal assistance for people 60+ and Medicare recipients of any age
- Care coordination — case managers help arrange personal assistance, homemaker support, home repairs, durable medical equipment, and respite care for caregivers
- Health education — free evidence-based classes on falls prevention, caregiver stress management, and exercise
- Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program — trained advocates protecting residents' rights in nursing homes and assisted living facilities
- Nutrition programs (contracted) — congregate meals and Meals on Wheels (see Section 2), plus dementia-specific caregiver training and counseling through Oliver Counseling
- Phone / office: Heart of Texas Council of Governments, (254) 292-1800 hotcogtx.gov ↗
- Address: 1514 S. New Road, Waco, TX 76711
Because the Area Agency on Aging is reached through the same office as the ADRC, calling (254) 292-1855 is the simplest way in — ask specifically for benefits counseling or care coordination.
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
Waco Transit System runs the city's fixed-route buses and ADA paratransit, and offers a discounted fare program specifically for riders 65 and older.
Waco Transit — Fixed-Route Buses
- Standard fare: $1.50 per ride (cash only, no transfers); day pass $3.00; 31-day pass $40.00 Transit Fares ↗
- Senior fare (65+): $0.50 per ride with a Waco Transit Senior ID; reduced day pass $1.25
- Getting the Senior ID: Request an application at the Waco Transit dispatch office; approval takes up to 2 weeks, then a photo is taken and the ID costs $5.00
- Contact: (254) 750-1613 (dispatch office)
ADA Paratransit
A shared, reservation-based, door-to-door service for riders who cannot use fixed-route buses because of a disability.
- Eligibility: Cannot independently board, ride, or exit a fixed-route bus; cannot travel to/from a bus stop due to a disability; or need accessible service when accessible buses aren't available ADA Paratransit ↗
- How to apply: Submit an online application; a medical professional completes Part B; determination within 21 days; recertify every 2 years
- Phone: (254) 750-1620 — reservations taken 7 days a week, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; book up to 14 days ahead
- Fares: $3.00 one-way; $4.00 same-day trip; $30.00 for a 10-ride ticket book; personal care attendants ride free
- Service hours: Monday–Friday 5:15 a.m.–7:15 p.m.; Saturday 6:15 a.m.–8:15 p.m.; closed on observed holidays
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 (254-292-1855) for a referral
- Meals on Wheels Waco: Also coordinates transportation support for some clients as part of its wraparound senior services — ask when you contact them about meal delivery mowwaco.org ↗
- 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
- Waco Housing Authority & Affiliates: 4400 Cobbs Drive, Waco, TX 76710 — (254) 752-0324 wacopha.org ↗
- Administers Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and public housing, plus Family Self Sufficiency and "Freedom's Path Waco" (a veteran-focused housing program)
- Apply through the preliminary application portal at waitlistcheck.com — waitlists open periodically rather than year-round
- Not a seniors-only program, but seniors are a served population — ask specifically about any current elderly preference
- Caritas of Waco — Rental & Utility Assistance: 300 S. 15th St. — (254) 753-4593 — one-time rental and utility assistance as funding allows caritas-waco.org ↗
Utility Assistance
Local utility help mainly runs through Caritas of Waco, with the Heart of Texas ADRC able to point to any other current CEAP/LIHEAP openings in the six-county region.
- Caritas of Waco: 300 S. 15th St. — (254) 753-4593 — rental and utility bill assistance, plus help applying for CEAP/LIHEAP-type programs caritas-waco.org ↗
- CEAP (Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program): 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, with automatic qualification if you already receive SNAP, TANF, or SSI
Home Repair & Modification
- City of Waco Home Rehabilitation Program: (254) 750-5656 or hcd@wacotx.gov — no-interest loans up to $50,000 to repair a home and address lead-based-paint hazards; homeowners over 62 have no repayment requirement at all waco-texas.com/HCD ↗
- Waco Habitat for Humanity — Critical Home Repair Program: 220 N. 11th St., Waco, TX 76701 — (254) 756-7575 — repairs for health/safety issues (roofing, plumbing, electrical, grab bars, shower conversions) for homeowners 55+, disabled, or low-income families; serves veterans too wacohabitat.org ↗
Waco Habitat's Critical Home Repair Program is currently paused for new applications due to funding — call to ask about their waitlist or next funding cycle before ruling it out.
- Home cleaning / chore assistance: Ask the ADRC (254-292-1855) or the Area Agency on Aging's care coordinators for a referral to in-home chore and light-housekeeping services covered for eligible low-income seniors hotcogtx.gov ↗
Enrichment: Senior centers, community activities, etc.
Harrison Community Center is Waco's dedicated senior hub, run in partnership with Meals on Wheels Waco — free to join for residents 60 and older, with lunch and activities built in.
Harrison Community Center (Senior Program)
- Address / phone: 1718 N. 42nd St., Waco, TX 76710 — (254) 750-5980, registration (254) 752-0316 waco-texas.com ↗
- Eligibility: Age 60 and older; free to participate, registration required
- Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 8:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
- Socializing, games, physical activity, conversation groups, and a lunchtime meal are offered each session
- Meeting rooms are also available for private events and parties
Other Waco Parks & Recreation Community Centers
- South Waco Community Center & other locations: The City of Waco runs several neighborhood community centers that may host additional senior-friendly programming — check current offerings by center waco-texas.com ↗
Other Enrichment Options
- Meals on Wheels Waco's Senior Care Corner offers additional wellness and social-connection resources beyond meal delivery — ask when you contact them
- Waco-McLennan County Library branches often host free classes, tech-help sessions, and book clubs open to seniors
- Faith communities across Waco (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 can point to additional social clubs and volunteer opportunities for seniors in the Waco area
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 |
|
Heart of Texas ADRC (start here) |
(254) 292-1855 / 1-855-937-2372 |
1514 S. New Road, Waco, TX 76711 |
|
|
Area Agency on Aging of the Heart of Texas |
(254) 292-1800 |
1514 S. New Road, Waco, TX 76711 |
|
|
2-1-1 Texas (SNAP, general benefits) |
2-1-1 / 877-541-7905 |
Statewide phone line |
|
|
YourTexasBenefits.com (SNAP online) |
— |
Online application portal |
|
|
Caritas of Waco |
(254) 753-4593 |
300 S. 15th St., Waco, TX 76701 |
|
|
Meals on Wheels Waco |
(254) 752-0316 |
501 W. Waco Dr., Waco, TX 76707 |
|
|
Harrison Community Center (Senior Program) |
(254) 750-5980 |
1718 N. 42nd St., Waco, TX 76710 |
|
|
Waco Transit System (dispatch) |
(254) 750-1613 |
Serves the City of Waco |
|
|
Waco Transit ADA Paratransit |
(254) 750-1620 |
Serves the City of Waco |
|
|
Waco Housing Authority & Affiliates |
(254) 752-0324 |
4400 Cobbs Drive, Waco, TX 76710 |
|
|
City of Waco Housing & Community Development |
(254) 750-5656 |
Serves the City of Waco |
|
|
Waco Habitat for Humanity (Home Repair) |
(254) 756-7575 |
220 N. 11th St., Waco, TX 76701 |
|
|
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, Waco Habitat's home repair program, and CSFP.