Some months, the budget just doesn’t stretch far enough to cover groceries, clothes, and diapers all at once. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone, and you don’t have to figure it out by yourself. Christian Resource Center (CRC) in Cedar Park offers free resources for families covering everything from food to clothing to baby essentials, all under one roof.
This guide walks through the free resources for families available at CRC, how each one works, and where to turn if your household needs support beyond our campus.
What Are Basic Needs Resources?
Basic needs resources are the everyday essentials every family needs to get by: food, clothing, and diapers for infants. When money is tight, these are often the first things a family goes without. Free resources for families exist to close that gap so parents can focus on the bigger picture, like keeping a job, staying in school, or getting back on their feet, without worrying about whether there’s enough food or clean clothes at home.
Food Assistance at CRC
Groceries are usually the first thing families think of when they need help, and CRC’s weekly food pantry is built to meet that need. Our food assistance program includes:
- Fresh groceries and pantry staples, restocked weekly
- No appointment is needed. Just come during our Food Pantry hours: Mondays from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM and Tuesdays from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
- Personal support from our team if you need more food assistance than one visit can provide
If your family needs additional food assistance beyond what CRC’s pantry can provide, visit the Central Texas Food Bank’s Find Food Now page to search by ZIP code for food pantries and other food resources near you.
Clothing Assistance for the Whole Family
Growing kids and changing seasons mean clothing needs never really stop. CRC’s Clothes Closet offers clothing assistance for every member of the household, including:
- Clothing for adults, kids, and infants
- Shoes and seasonal wear
- Household items like blankets and linens
The Clothes Closet is available Tuesdays from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, allowing families visiting the Food Pantry during those hours to access clothing assistance during the same trip. Learn more about the resources available on our campus through our Member Ministries page.
Diaper Assistance for Parents of Young Children
Diapers are expensive, and they’re not covered by most food assistance programs. That’s why CRC offers diaper assistance directly on our campus, including:
- Free diapers for infants and toddlers
- Wipes and feminine products — available once a month.
- Formula and baby food — available when supplies are available.
- Support connecting new parents to additional baby resources when needed
If you need additional diaper assistance beyond what CRC has available, visit the Austin Diaper Bank Get Help page to find local diaper assistance programs and other resources available in the Austin area.
Other Free Resources for Families
Beyond food, clothing, and diapers, CRC’s campus offers additional basic needs resources and support services, including:
- ESL and citizenship classes
- Job and career search support
- Life skills coaching and mentoring
- Counseling and emotional support
- Pregnancy support services
You can find the full list of ministries on our Member Ministries page, and if your family’s needs go beyond our campus, we’ll personally connect you through our trusted Referral Partners network.
Local and National Resources Worth Knowing
If you need support outside of CRC’s hours or beyond what we offer, these organizations are strong places to start:
- 211 Texas — a free, 24/7 helpline connecting Texans with food, clothing, diaper, and housing resources across the state.
- Central Texas Food Bank — a searchable directory of food pantries and distribution sites throughout the region.
- National Diaper Bank Network — a nationwide directory to help you find diaper assistance near you.
How to Get Connected With CRC
Reaching out for free resources for families is simple:
- Visit our Get Help page or contact us directly by phone or email.
- Talk with a real person. No complicated forms, just a conversation about what you need.
- Visit our campus. Pick up groceries, clothing, diapers, or whatever else your family needs that week.
- Get connected further, if needed. We’ll help you find additional support if your needs go beyond what’s on our campus.
Las familias hispanohablantes son bienvenidas. Contamos con un equipo bilingüe listo para ayudarle con alimentos, ropa, pañales y más.
Your Family Doesn’t Have to Go Without
Whether it’s groceries this week, clothes for growing kids, or diapers for a new baby, free resources for families are available right here in Cedar Park. You don’t have to have it all figured out before you reach out.
Visit our Get Help page to get connected today, or contact our team directly. You are welcome here, just as you are.
