Benefits · Emergency Aid
How to apply for Project BRAVO — El Paso County CEAP + CSBG Community Action
Project BRAVO (El Paso Community Action Program) — 501(c)(3) nonprofit established 1965; the designated Community Action Agency (CAA) for El Paso County; the direct TDHCA Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) and Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) subrecipient for El Paso County; supplements the broader TDHCA CEAP statewide framework (see tx.ceap)
Who it's for
Project BRAVO is the designated Community Action Agency (CAA) for El Paso County, established in 1965 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and funded by the U.S. Federal Government through the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA). Project BRAVO receives Community Services Block Grant (CSBG), Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program / Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP/CEAP), and other private and public funding to deliver utility bill assistance, energy education, and broader community services to low-income El Paso households. The standard nonprofit CAA model is distinctive within the TX catalog — peer TX metros use city/county BoCC departments (Dallas DCHHS, Bexar BCECD, Travis HHS, Fort Worth CAP) or non-CAA nonprofits (Harris's BakerRipley). Project BRAVO's CEAP provides payments for gas, electric, and propane utilities. Eligibility is set at 150% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines ($23,475/year single 2026). The actual payment per household depends on federal LIHEAP allocations, individual utility consumption, household composition, and maximum-household-amount caps set by the government. Senior-headed households receive application priority. Apply by visiting Project BRAVO in person or calling 915-562-4100. El Paso Electric Company is the primary electric utility serving El Paso County; Texas Gas Service is the primary natural gas utility.
Project BRAVO is the standard nonprofit CAA model — established 1965 as one of the original federal War on Poverty Community Action Agencies. This contrasts with peer TX metros which mostly use city/county BoCC departments for CEAP delivery: Dallas DCHHS, Bexar BCECD, Travis HHS, Fort Worth CAP (city department). Harris uses BakerRipley (a different nonprofit but not a federally-designated CAA). Project BRAVO's CEAP funds are appropriated through TDHCA and typically exhaust mid-fiscal-year — apply EARLY in each cooling season (typically March-April) and heating season (typically October-November). El Paso's far West Texas climate produces extreme summer heat (cooling crisis priority) and meaningful winter cold for high-altitude neighborhoods. The 150% FPL income gate is the TDHCA-statewide standard. Project BRAVO also delivers CSBG-funded services including financial empowerment, employment resources, and other community services beyond utility assistance.
What you'll need
- Proof of all household income for the prior 30-90 days (Social Security award letter, pension statement, pay stubs, SSI award letter)
- Current energy bill (El Paso Electric Company, Texas Gas Service, or propane provider) and any past-due notices
- Photo identification for the head of household
- Proof of El Paso County residency (utility bill, lease, or government correspondence)
- Documentation of household members and ages (especially seniors, disabled, children under 6 for priority)
- Social Security numbers for all household members
- For crisis assistance: shutoff notice OR documentation of energy crisis
Where to apply
Apply online: official application
By phone: 915-562-4100
Renewals
up to multiple benefits per program year (regular + summer crisis + winter crisis)
Not sure if you qualify? Run a free check first.
Find my benefitsNot legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.