As tax season ramps up, thousands of families across the Houston area are getting help filing their returns, and for many, it’s coming at no cost.

We often hear from people who need help, so the ‘2 Helps You’ team compiled a list of groups offering critical support to make the holidays brighter for everyone.

BakerRipley is offering food fairs at its various campuses across Houston in November as the government shutdown continues to impact Houstonians who depend on SNAP benefits and other nutrition assistance programs.

Financial relief arrives for Houston-area families struggling with utility bills through BakerRipley’s Utility Assistance Program, but slots for the program were filled fast.

Harris County and BakerRipley are teaming up to offer small business owners, those with just 25 employees or less a unique, free, training program that sets them up with one-on-one training with an experienced business mentor to help them grow their businesses.

As we enter the holiday season, nonprofit and community organizations are stepping up to help families in need with toy drives, food assistance, utility relief, and more. Bill and the team compiled a list of groups offering critical support to make the holidays brighter for everyone.

As KPRC 2 Investigates Houston water customers ‘DRAINED’ from dubious and sometimes inaccurate water bills we’ve noticed a troubling trend. Instead of getting to the bottom of what’s causing the irregular bills Investigator Amy Davis says the city is using money earmarked for low-income families to pay itself.

KPRC 2 Community is partnered with BakerRipley and Telemundo Houston to host a tax help phone bank on March 30 until 6:30 p.m. Volunteers are standing by to take calls in both English and Spanish. The phone number to call is 713-778-8920.

This tax season get ready for surprises that could impact your budget. You can’t count on last year’s popular tax breaks and there’s no stimulus money headed your way. Learn what to expect and what you should know about getting help.

BakerRipley announced it is now accepting applications for its 2023 Utilities Assistance Program, according to a release.

BakerRipley is helping taxpayers by offering free, tax preparation services for families and individuals who earn up to $58,000 per year.

A months-old Harris County Audit memo obtained by KPRC 2 Investigates reveals a series of problems with the administration of public funds in a Harris County Rental Assistance Program.

A months-old Harris County Audit memo obtained by KPRC 2 Investigates reveals a series of problems with the administration of public funds in a Harris County Rental Assistance Program.

The BakerRipley Turkey Trot race is a Houston favorite Thanksgiving tradition that is returning in person this year.

Judge Lina Hidalgo, in partnership with BakerRipley, unveiled a new program that will help more families living below the poverty level in Harris County to receive the federal child care tax credit.

BakerRipley’s Dementia Day Center, Houston’s only day program for people with moderate to late dementia, which was set to close on Oct. 31, is getting a new operator.

BakerRipley announced that it will close its long-time southwest Houston dementia day center in late October due to funding issues.

There is now more help available if you need assistance paying your utility bills.

HOUSTON – Renters in Houston and Harris County who are struggling to make ends meet because of the COVID-19 pandemic can begin applying for assistance on Thursday. This latest round of rental assistance totals $159 million. “This program will bring much-needed relief for those tenants who are due to pay rent,” said Cristina Cave, community relations manager for BakerRipley. “We will be addressing first those tenants that need it the most,” Cave said. Stelly said her pension is barely enough to live on but is too much for her to receive public assistance.

Hers is one of 16,618 cases filed in Harris County since late March. Countless Zoom meetings later, they’ve made no recommendations that have made it out of the task force. 108,076 have received at least a one-time payment from the City of Houston or Harris County since early May. Harris County Precinct One Foundation has a Free Eviction Legal Assistance Hotline you can call if you are facing eviction. All of the $60 million from Harris County has been allocated, but you can contact Catholic Charities for other resources.

In partnership with BakerRipley, Houston SPCA announced Tuesday they are working together to match seniors who are interested in adopting a cat or kitten to keep them company. “We all know what pets can do for people, but the overwhelming feeling of isolation can be too much for homebound Seniors,” Jo Sullivan, interim vice president of development for Houston SPCA said in a statement. Thank you to the Houston SPCA for making this project possible! pic.twitter.com/r8kuGYj3Ic — BakerRipley (@BakerRipley) December 14, 2020Only cats and kittens are offered for adoption for seniors. Seniors who are interested in adoption can contact their nearest BakerRipley Senior Center and indicate their interest.

HOUSTON – Houston City Council unanimously approved Wednesday to bring another round of COVID-19 relief funds for residents during the coronavirus pandemic. The city has once again partnered with BakerRipley to help support the direct financial assistance program that is already in place. The city and BakerRipley are finalizing the eligibility criteria and distribution logistics by the end of the week, according to a release. “We’ve worked with the city, the county, and other community organizations on several COVID-19 relief programs. The county program provided $1,200 per household and the city of Houston program is expected to award the same amount, according to the release.

HOUSTON – The BakerRipley Houston Turkey Trot is a yearly tradition that takes place during Thanksgiving Day to help raise money to bring resources, education and connection to emerging neighborhoods. This year, they’re going virtual! BakerRipley Assistant Director of Communication Fred Goodall and BakerRipley Marketing & Events Manager Holly Brock share more details on how you can participate from your neighborhood. To see the full interview, watch the video below.

Through the Veterans Services Program, Mourland was able to get assistance with everything from rent and utilities to other necessities. Jeffrey Lewings, the Veterans Services Supervisor for BakerRipley, said the program has helped hundreds of veterans this year alone and thousands since it started back in 2013. “There are so many veterans out there that feel that they’re alone, that they’re by themselves. “It’s a phenomenal feeling to be able to assist and help the veterans." BakerRipley hopes that more veterans in need of help will reach out about the program.

HOUSTON – Houston city council unanimously passed a second rental relief package for $20 million, Mayor Sylvester Turner announced Wednesday. BakerRipley, a nonprofit based in Houston, will facilitate the distribution of the funds by prioritizing the most vulnerable families first. Private contributors to the fund include Houston Endowment, the Greater Houston COVID-19 Recovery Fund, the Kinder Foundation and Janice McNair of the Texans. This is the second round of rental assistance offered for Houston residents. Landlords, who are participating in this rental relief program, will also have additional requirements, Turner said.