F.A.Q.
Questions about HUD Rental Assistance
Q: What can I do to Qualify for HUD?
A: It’s really based on your income & the number of people that are living with you and/or their income.
Q: How long is the waiting list?
A: If your current address is in Potter County the waiting list is 1-2 years, If your current address is in Randall County the waiting list is 6 months- 1 year.
Q: What do I need to bring in… so I can fill out the application there/ or when I bring the application back?
A: 30 days proof of income {Check stubs, Notarized statement from employer including supervisors name, address and phone number and/ or on company letterhead, CIN # child support, DHS documentation for TANF, SS Award Letter, Disability.}Also anyone that will be living with you that is 18years or older will need proof of income or a letter stating why they do not have income.
Proof of Residency {Driver’s License, Valid ID, Current Utility bill, Vehicle registration, Lease agreement, Medicaid card, Paycheck stub with address on it, Bank statement}
Q: How does the Program Work?
A: Basically you will have to come pick up an application from the Main Receptionist, turn in your application with proof of residency and proof of income, you will receive a letter or a call within 3-4weeks letting you know if you qualify/not and setting up an appointment with you, in the appointment they will explain everything else with you.
Questions about Utility Assistance
Q: What is your location?
A: Our location is at 1309 w. 8th st. If you get on I-40 Exit Washington going North to 8th st. You will make a Left going West on 8th St. You will go all the way down to Lipscomb, there we will be on your left hand side. Panhandle Community Services. We are the 2nd door on the left side.
Q: What all will I need to bring with me?
A: You must bring the following documentations in order to receive assistance on that day. If you do not have it with you, you will be asked to go get it.
- Proof of ALL income for the last 30 days for EVERYONE 18years and older. (Elderly or Disabled Household Clients must have an updated Social Security Award Letter Dated 2011).
- Your most current Electric and Gas Bill. ( You must have both bills ) No Disconnect Notices.
- Social Security Numbers for Everyone living in the Home. (If possible)
Q: Are your Hours different from the Main Panhandle Community Services Office?
A: Yes, They are different. We go by Walk-Ins Only!! No Appointments!!
Our hours are: Monday-Thursday | 6:30AM- 11:00AM & 1:00PM-3:00PM | Closed on Fridays
Questions about Snack Pak 4 Kids
Q: What is a Snack Pak?
A: Snack Pak is a plastic bag filled with 8-10 healthy weekend snacks sent home with a child living in a food insecure home each Friday of the school year.
Q: What other cities have a backpack program?
A: Abilene, Lubbock, Wichita Falls, Midland, Odessa, San Angelo, El Paso, Dallas, Ft. Worth, Tyler, Houston, Beaumont, San Antonio, Corpus Christi and surrounding cities.
Q: Who determines which children receive a Snack Pak?
A: With teacher input, school counselors/social workers determine which children are the most at risk for hunger on the weekends.
Q: Are there really that many hungry children in Amarillo?
A: YES! In AISD approximately 64% of children currently receive free or reduced school meals. 15% of these children are believed to be in food insecure homes.
Q: Are the snack items donated?
A: Currently, food is being purchased from the Oklahoma Regional Food Bank and local retailers at a cost of $3.50/child/weekend or $133/yr.
Q: What snacks are packed?
A: Items such as shelf stable milk, juice boxes, peanut butter or cheese snack crackers, trail mix, breakfast cereal, pop tarts, fruit cups, fruit snacks, and beef stew.
Q: How do the kids receive the Snack Paks?
A: Volunteers pack the snack bags, deliver them to the school, and place them in backpacks to be discreetly sent home with the children each Friday.
Q: How can you help?
A: You can make a tax deductable donation to:
Panhandle Community Services
Snack Pak 4 Kids
Box 32150, Amarillo TX 79120
100% of your donation is used to buy food for the children, all administrative cost paid by PCS.
Local media coverage of Snack Pak 4 Kids: