How to apply for Project BRAVO — El Paso County CEAP + CSBG Community Action in Texas

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 ($23,940/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.

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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

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Project BRAVO — El Paso County CEAP + CSBG Community Action. I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may 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 — is anything else required? What is the best next step?"

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.

Renewals

up to multiple benefits per program year (regular + summer crisis + winter crisis)

Official source →Last verified · October 6, 2026

Not sure if you qualify? Run a free check first.

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Not legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.