Community Action Partners

                        

 

CAP LOGO 2018 Final.png

Empowering People – Building Communities – Changing Lives

The City of Fort Worth’s Community Action Partners (CAP) program serves as the Community Action Agency for Tarrant County and provides comprehensive services to economically disadvantaged individuals, families and older adults. CAP receives Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) funds and Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) funds and is a division of the Fort Worth Neighborhood Services Department.

CAP provides financial assistance to qualified Tarrant County residents for the following utilities:

◦ Electricity
◦ Natural gas and propane
◦ Water
◦ Case management

 

In-Person CAP Appointments

In-person (one-on-one) Community Action Partner intake sessions are also held at the CAP Community Centers below. Please visit these centers for more details:

  • Andrew “Doc” Session Community Center
  • Arlington CAP Center
  • Como Community Center
  • Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center
  • Northside Community Center
  • Worth Heights Community Center

CAP locations map.

 

Online CAP Application

If you prefer to apply online, the portal opens at 9 a.m. on the days listed below. The portal will close once the maximum number of applications for that week is reached.

  • Have your documents scanned and ready.
  • Smartphone (iPhone/Android) photos/scanned images are fine.
  • Applicants are required to sign up for Neighborly online.
  • Please save your password and username as we cannot retrieve it.
  • All questions must be addressed to CAP@FortWorthTexas.gov.

We recommend using a desktop or laptop computer when applying online, as typing on a smartphone may present some challenges. Please ensure that all your documents are scanned (smartphone photos are acceptable).

Application process

 

Step 1
Gather required documents 

 

You’re going to need the following documents for ALL household members: 

  • Benefit verification letters, such as Social Security award letters, TANF letters, SSI letters and other benefits received in the past year.   
  • Proof of US Citizenship for all household members. This can include passports, birth certificates or green cards. Proof of residence in Tarrant County  

For head of household and all household members age 18 and above provide:

  • Valid government issued photo ID (driver’s license, Texas ID, military ID)
  • Proof of all income for the 30 days prior to applying for assistance for everyone 18 and older in the household. This can include recent pay checks, check stubs, social security award letters for the current year, child support, worker's compensation, SSI pension letters or any other relevant documents. If no income is available, use the Declaration of Income Form.
  • A copy of your most recent utility bill, showing the company’s letterhead, account number and the payment due date

 

Step 2
Submit an Application - In-Person or Online

We do not accept applications sent through e-mail or regular mail due to privacy issues.

There are several ways to apply for utility assistance:

 

 

In-Person Application

For In-Person application sessions, bring copies of your documents to any of our CAP community centers across Tarrant County.

  • Andrew "Doc" Session Community Center
  • Arlington CAP Center
  • Como Community Center
  • Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center
  • Northside Community Center
  • Worth Heights Community Center

We also have In-Person appointment events at various locations throughout Tarrant County. Please check this website and our social media for scheduled dates.

 

Online Application

For those who want to apply online, the online CAP portal is open on selected Fridays and will close once the maximum number of applications for that week is reached. Applicants are required to sign up for Neighborly online. Follow the instructions and fill out the online application completely. Make sure you submit the application when you’re done. We recommend using a desktop or laptop computer when applying online, as typing on a smartphone may present some challenges. Please ensure that all your documents are scanned (smartphone photos are acceptable).

 

 

Step 3
Wait to hear back from us

Once we receive your CAP application, you’ll be added to our waitlist. We assist applicants in the order they submit their applications with priority given to those in vulnerable groups (seniors age 60 and over, people with disabilities, and families with young children.) Please keep an eye out for communication from our staff via phone and email so that we can provide you with the latest updates. Continue to make payments on your utility bills.  

 

Step 4
Work with our case worker

Upon receipt of your CAP application, you will be assigned to a caseworker who will evaluate your eligibility for assistance. Please be advised that additional documentation may be required to substantiate your eligibility for financial support.

 

 

Step 5
Get utility assistance

Once your application is approved, your utility vendor(s) will be notified, and payment will be sent accordingly, subject to the availability of funds.

What services we provide

Community Action Agency for Tarrant County

CAP serves as your Tarrant County Community Action Agency (CAA). CAAs are local organizations that provide a wide range of services to support low-income individuals and families. Their primary goal is to reduce poverty, increase self-sufficiency and improve the quality of life for disadvantaged communities. 

  • Energy assistance: Provide assistance with utility bills, provide weatherization services and offer programs to improve energy efficiency in homes.
  • Housing assistance: CAAs assist with rental and mortgage payments.
  • Employment services: They offer job training, resume writing, job search assistance and other services to help people find and maintain employment.
  • Financial education: CAAs provide budgeting, credit counseling and financial literacy programs to help individuals manage their finances.
  • Community development: CAAs work on broader community improvement projects, including infrastructure development, neighborhood revitalization and advocacy for social policies that benefit low-income populations.
  • Emergency services: When the Texas governor declares a state of emergency, CAAs may be able to offer additional services.

Overall, Community Action Agencies are a vital resource for helping vulnerable populations achieve economic stability and improve their overall well-being.

CAP locations

CAP Center Locations

  • Andrew “Doc” Session Community Center
    201 S. Sylvania Ave.
    Fort Worth 76111 
  • Arlington CAP Center
    401 W Sanford St., Suite 2700
    Arlington 76011 
  • Como Community Center
    4660 Horne St.
    Fort Worth 76107 
  • Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center
    5565 Truman Drive
    Fort Worth 76112 
  • Fort Worth City Hall 
    100 Fort Worth Trail 
    Fort Worth 76102 
  • Northside Community Center
    1100 N.W. 18th St.
    Fort Worth 76164 
  • North-Tri Ethnic Community Center
    2950 Roosevelt Ave.
    Fort Worth 76106
  • Worth Heights Community Center
    3551 New York Ave.
    Fort Worth 76110 

Downloads

CAP Brochure

Download our bilingual brochure for a complete guide to all the services and programs we offer in both English and Spanish. 

CAP Programs Brochure 2025(PDF, 12MB)

 

State Required Documents

The following documents may be required based on the services requested. Forms can be filled and printed online.

Household member(s) - Proof of Income
Declaration of Income Form(PDF, 134KB)
Verification of Citizenship
Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) Certification Form(PDF, 131KB)
Appliance Repairs
Household Crisis Component Application(PDF, 179KB)

Questions and answers

Questions & Answers

What is the Community Action Partners (CAP) program?
The CAP program serves as Tarrant County’s Community Action Agency, helping economically disadvantaged individuals, families and older adults. Services include energy, housing, financial and employment assistance.
What types of assistance does CAP offer? 
  • Utility bills and weatherization.
  • Rental/mortgage payments and housing counseling (on a case-by-case basis).
  • Job training and employment services (on a case-by-case basis).
  • Financial literacy and budgeting.
  • Emergency resources such as food and shelter.
Who is eligible to apply for CAP services?
To qualify, applicants must:
  • Live in Tarrant County.
  • Meet income eligibility requirements.
  • Be the account holder or authorized user for utility assistance or the leaseholder for rental/mortgage assistance.
  • Additionally, proof of income is required for ALL household members over 18.
What documents do I need to apply? 
  • A driver’s license or government-issued photo ID.
  • Proof of income for household members over 18 (e.g., pay stubs, SSI letters).
  • Benefit verification letters (e.g., Social Security, TANF).
  • A recent utility bill.
  • Proof of U.S. residency status for household members 18 and older.
How do I apply for assistance?
In-person (one-to-one) Community Action Partner intake sessions are now held exclusively at the CAP Community Centers below. Please visit these centers for more details.

If you prefer to apply online, the portal opens at 9 a.m. on selected listed Fridays.
The portal will close once the maximum number of applications for that week is reached.

 
What priority is given?
Services are provided on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to vulnerable populations such as seniors, individuals with disabilities and families with young children.
Will there be community intake sessions in 2025?
CAP will organize scheduled outreach intake sessions throughout the year and will post the schedules closer to the event times on our website and social media platforms.
Where are CAP centers located?
CAP services are available at several community centers across Tarrant County:
  • Andrew “Doc” Session Community Center

  • Arlington CAP Center

  • Como Community Center

  • Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center

  • Northside Community Center

  • Worth Heights Community Center

  •  

  • For directions, visit the CAP Center Locations page.

What happens after I submit my application?
Once submitted online, your application will be reviewed for eligibility, and you will be contacted if additional documentation or information is needed.
How can I stay updated on CAP services?
Subscribe to City News and follow CAP on social media platforms such as Facebook and YouTube.

Leadership

Leadership

Michelle Doonkeen, LCSW

Assistant Director - Neighborhood Services

Michelle Doonkeen

  • MSW from Howard University
  • BA from UT Austin

Doonkeen brings more than 20 years' experience working at ACH Child and Family Services in a variety of leadership positions. Her career focus has centered around community services, counseling/therapy, crisis intervention services, leadership, homelessness, trauma, research, and children and families. Prior to ACH, she held positions in research at a non-profit and a university.

Vision Statement

To change people’s lives, embody the spirit of hope, improve communities and make Tarrant County a better place to live.