City, County, State, and Federal COVID-19 Pages
Texas DSHS has created an interactive map of all drive thru COVID-19 testing sites across the state. The map can be found here.
Dallas County Health and Human Services
972-692-2780; 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM, Monday – Friday.
Texas Department of State Health Services
Help for Individuals:
Employment:
- Unemployment Benefits Services – If your employment has been affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19), apply for benefits either online using Unemployment Benefits Services or by calling TWC’s Tele-Center at 800-939-6631 from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Central Time Sunday through Saturday. Please note that per the Workforce Commission, “a delay in filing will not impact the benefits you receive, your benefits are tied to your date of layoff, not filing date.” If you have trouble contacting TWC, you may contact my office to request assistance with your claim.
- The Texas Workforce Commission has launched a new automated virtual assistant to help Texans sign up for unemployment insurance. The artificial intelligence-enabled chatbot can instantly answer many of the most common questions about the UI process.
- Disaster Licensing for Out of State Nurses – Learn More Here.
- Workforce Solutions of Greater Dallas has resources for job seekers. Those seeking employment can register at https://www.workintexas.com/vosnet/Default.aspx.
- The Dallas Regional Chamber has launched a virtual job board that offers listings to individuals who need leads for in-demand jobs; access to online courses to upskill into high-demand, well-paying jobs; childcare resources for parents involved in essential work; and links to help workers to file for unemployment claims.
- The North Texas Food Bank has announced it is partnering with a flexible-work company to employ hospitality industry workers who have lost their employment due to restaurant and business closures. Apply online at Get Shift Done.
- Frito-Lay Job Postings: https://fritolayemployment.com/
- Pepsi Jobs Postings: https://pepsifrontlinecareers.com/
- Kroger Job Postings: https://jobs.kroger.com
- Amazon Job Postings: https://www.amazon.jobs/en/location/dallasfort-worth-area-tx
- You can email Goodwill at jobs@goodwilldallas.org with your name, city/zip code, contact number and any additional information. A Goodwill Job Connection Center Manager or Specialist will contact you directly and set up an appointment for virtual employment services. You can also contact a Job Connection Center by phone at the location nearest you:
- 3020 N. Westmoreland Rd, Dallas, TX 75212: 214-638-2800 x185
- 1661 E. Northwest Hwy., Garland, TX 75041: 214-227-5549
- 919 W. Main Street, Lewisville, TX 75067: 972-436-3681
Housing:
Mortgage/Rental Assistance
- Dallas County Justices of the Peace announce that they will not hear eviction cases for tenants who could not pay rent during the month of July until the first of week of August.
- Dallas County has a tenant helpline and email address for tenants who have been evicted (despite the order) or who are pending eviction. *Please note the hotline calls are being monitored by the Dallas County Unincorporated Services Department (in case callers receive their voicemail). Tenanthotline@dallascounty.org / 214-653-6563 or 833-743-0072
- Prior to contacting the hotline, residents are advised:
- Tenants engaged in criminal activity or causing an imminent threat to health and safety may be subject to eviction prior to the aforementioned date.
- Tenants maintain responsibility for paying their rent.
- Tenants are encouraged to contact their landlord and make sure they are aware when eviction moratoriums are in place.
- When having difficulty paying rent, tenants should attempt to make payments and/or establish a payment schedule with their landlord.
- Once you have taken the above steps and for all other tenants, if you have been evicted or notified of a pending eviction, notify the Tenant Hotline by email or phone: Tenanthotline@dallascounty.org / 214-653-6563 or 833-743-0072.
- Information about the initial order suspending evictions is available at: https://www.dallascounty.org/covid-19/tenant-hotline.php (in English and Spanish)
- Prior to contacting the hotline, residents are advised:
- The federal government announced they are extending the suspension on all HUD foreclosures and evictions for single-family homeowners through August 31, 2020.
- If you don’t have enough money to pay, contact your lender or landlord immediately. Help includes:
- Dallas Housing Authority clients: please immediately report any loss of income in order to reduce your portion of rent and inspections will be restricted to health and safety only.
- Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs Foreclosure Prevention – 1- 888-995-HOPE (4673)
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center Social Services – 214-670-8416
- West Dallas Multipurpose Center Social Services – 214-670-6530
- Texas Attorney General Consumer Protection – 800-621-0508
- The University of Texas School of Law has a website to track policies adopted by federal, state, and local governments to help Texas residents stay in their residences.
Bill & Utility Payment Assistance
Non-Profit Assistance:
- FindHelp.org – provides a list of local entities who may be able to provide some assistance. Learn more here.
- The Salvation Army is offering financial assistance for rent/mortgage, utilities and prescription medication; and food delivery for seniors and veterans. Income verification and other typical requirements for assistance have been suspended to serve anyone that is in need. Check here for the location nearest you.
Additional Assistance:
- Electricity Relief Program – if you’re unable to pay your electricity bill, you may qualify for assistance and complete an application.
- Water Bill – The Public Utility Commission of Texas published a Q&A regarding their efforts to assist customers who are unable to pay their water and sewer bills.
- Coppell Residents – If you’re having trouble paying your bill, you may call Utility Billing at 972-304-3695.
- Dallas Residents – Dallas Water Utilities have suspended water service disconnects until further notice. Customers whose ability to pay utility bills has been impaired by COVID-19 should contact Water Customer Service at 214-651-1441 to make payment arrangements. Learn more here.
- Garland Residents – the City of Garland has resumed termination notices but continues to work with customers who have fallen behind on their utility bills. To avoid disruption of service, contact or CustServ@GarlandTX.gov or Customer Service at 972-205-2671. Learn more here.
- Rowlett Residents – Customers experiencing issues with utility disconnects or suspensions are encouraged to contact the Utility Office to discuss a payment plan or learn about other assistance available. Learn more here.
Provider Assistance:
- Vistra, on behalf of TXU, and Ambit Energy: Payment flexibility and payment assistance may be offered. Learn more here and here, respectively.
- Tri-Eagle Electric: Customers are encouraged to reach out if experiencing financial difficulties. Deferred payment plans may be offered. Learn more here.
- Atmos Energy may be able to provide assistance. Learn more here.
- Reliant Customers who have been financially impacted by COVID-19, learn about Reliant’s CARE program, payment extensionsand deferred payment plan options via online chat, at 866-222-7100 or on the Reliant app.
Internet Access:
- Charter Communications will continue to offer Spectrum Internet Assist to eligible, low income households. Wi-Fi hotspots have also been opened for public use. Learn more here.
- AT&T will continue to offer internet access for qualifying limited income households at $10/month through its Access from AT&T program. They have expanded eligibility to Access from AT&T to households participating in the National School Lunch Program and Head Start.
- Garland Residents – Public WiFi is now available at most City buildings, including libraries, recreation centers, City Hall, theaters and more. Even while the buildings are closed, the Garland Public WiFi coverage extends outside and is available for free. Find a list of locations here.
Food Assistance
- Here is a list of open food pantries inclusive of hours.
- North Texas Food Bank has shifted to box distribution model with partner agencies. Food4Kids and School Pantry programs remain fully functional, and they are partnering with the City to deliver snack/hydration kits to the homeless.
- The Salvation Army of North Texas is operating 13 drive-through grocery service locations in Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis and Tarrant counties to support families experiencing a loss in income or lowered wages due to the coronavirus outbreak. Case managers are also being deployed to deliver food to senior citizens, veterans and individuals in permanent supportive housing. Food pantries will continue to operate without disruption. Learn more here.
- Dallas County Health and Human Services Older Adult Services Program is currently providing meals delivered to homebound seniors. There is a drive-thru for hot meal pick-up service set up at each senior center location. Seniors needing these resources can call 214-819-1860 to enroll.
- Crossroads Community Services food pantry details can be found here.
- Metrocrest Services food pantry details can be found here. Those in need of assistance should call 972-446-2100, Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:00pm.
- Texas Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) is open and has modified services to help keep clients and staff safe. Families may call their local WIC clinics to learn more about how they can receive services.
- Visit https://find.texaswic.org/ to find your local clinic or call 800-942-3678.
- Start your online application at https://texaswic.org/apply. If you’re seeking benefits for the first time, please enroll at www.texaswic.org, and you will be contacted. You may also call 214-670-7200 or 1-800-942-3678.
- Update your contact information by emailing olga.sauceda@dallascityhall.com.
- Breastfeeding questions? Call 214-670-7222.
- The Texas Education Agency’s meal finder website provides information about each school district’s meal service.
- Pet food resource – any family, community organization, or rescue group who needs help with dog food; please feel free to reach out to Ninfa Beltran with the SPCA at nbeltran@spca.org. She will be coordinating and facilitating the distribution of dog food.
Misc.
- Due to COVID-19, all SNAP recipients will get the maximum amount for their household size for July. Current Medicaid recipients will have their benefits automatically renewed and recipients will be notified by mail when they need to renew their benefits. Learn more here.
- 211 Texas– Dial 2-1-1 to for a list of local financial and in-kind resources available in your area. This Texas Health and Human Services Commission program has a specific COVID-19 option, and specialists across the state are available 24/7 to answer the most frequently asked, non-medical, questions based on material provided by DSHS and CDC. Learn more here.
- Driver’s License Renewal– The Department of Public Safety is waiving the expiration dates of all DLs, CDLs, and IDs. It is recommended to postpone non-essential trips to government offices. Learn more here.
- DPS offices in North Texas will reopen with limited services beginning June 3, 2020. You can schedule an appointment to visit an office in-person here.
- Vehicle Registration and Disabled Parking Placards– Texas has suspended penalties for failure to timely title and register a vehicle and renew disabled parking placards. Learn more here.
- For more FAQs about vehicle registration and vehicle inspection, please visit https://www.txdmv.gov/covid-19.
- Student Loans – the US Department of Education has suspended federal student loan payments and waived interest. Learn more here.
- Price Gouging is illegal. Please report to the Texas Attorney General if you witness it happening.
- Eldercare – Older adults who need assistance can contact the Eldercare Locator to find services available in their community. The Eldercare Locator can be reached at 1-800-677-1116. Learn more here.
- The Texas Health and Human Services Commission operates the Aging and Disability Resource Center. Help for older adults and people with disabilities: 1-855-937-2372. Learn more here.
- The City of Dallas has organized a community page for senior citizens. Learn more here.
Help for Parents
Food Service: Visit the Texas Education Agency’s meal finder website. Meal service will continue through the summer.
School District Coronavirus Update Webpages:
– Carrollton-Farmer Branch ISD
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) continues to work with the Office of the Governor, Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) and the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to coordinate and plan the state’s response to COVID-19. Learn more here.
The Texas Workforce Commission’s subsidized childcare program is making changes to their requirements in light of the COVID-19 crisis. Please check their website regularly for announcements coming soon. Learn more here.
Childcare providers – The Texas Health and Human Services Commission published new emergency rules for child daycare providers during the coronavirus outbreak. Learn more here.
Help for Small Business Owners
Federal Financial Resources:
If COVID-19 has created a cash flow emergency for your business, you may be able to obtain an emergency loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) through a program created specifically to address these circumstances. There are 4 primary programs available through the U.S. Small Business Administration and the CARES Act established several new temporary programs to address the COVID-19 outbreak.
1. Paycheck Protection Program – This loan program provides loan forgiveness for retaining employees. SBA will forgive loans if all employee retention criteria are met, and the funds are used for eligible expenses.
2. Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Emergency Advance – This loan is designed to provide economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. The SBA has approved the state of Texas for access to its Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, which will provide long-term, low-interest loans to qualifying businesses across the state. Agricultural businesses with 500 of fewer employees are now eligible as a result of new authority granted by Congress in response to the pandemic.
3. SBA Express Bridge Loans – allows small businesses who currently have a business relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 quickly. These loans can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing and can be a term loans or used to bridge the gap while applying for a direct SBA Economic Injury Disaster loan.
4. SBA Debt Relief – The SBA will automatically pay the principal, interest, and fees of current 7(a), 504, and microloans for a period of six months. The SBA will also automatically pay the principal, interest, and fees of new 7(a), 504, and microloans issued prior to September 27, 2020.
5. Visit an SBA Local Office – SBA District Offices offer counseling, training and business development to help you start and grow your business
- The U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship has a webpage dedicated to the CARES Act with a guide to federal programs for small businesses.
- Small Business Administration has information and guidance for small businesses on the different loan resources available.
- Department of Treasury has a webpage dedicated to the CARES Act.
State Financial Resources:
Shared Work Program – As an alternative to layoffs, the Texas Workforce Commission is encouraging employers to enroll in the Shared Work program. A voluntary program, it was developed as a way to help Texas employers and employees withstand a business slowdown, such as occurred due to COVID-19. Under this program, an employer can supplement an employee’s lost wages because of reduced hours worked with partial unemployment benefits. Learn more here.
The Product Development and Small Business Incubator Fund (PDSBI) is a Texas economic program. The fund provides asset-backed financing to companies doing business in Texas through loans with competitive lending rates. Loans can be amortized up to the life of the asset. More information on the loans can be found here.
Loan and Grant Options
Dallas’ Small Business Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) have developed COVID-19 loan products:
- The Dallas Entrepreneur Center Network is offering loans up to $25,000. Learn more here.
- DreamSpring: Offers a list of national and state resources regarding funding and relief programs. Learn more here.
- Lift Fund: Up to $50,000 loan. Learn more here.
- PeopleFund: Their website features a number of grant programs available to assist small business owners. Learn more here.
Alliance Lending Corporation can provide fixed-rate loans to for-profit, owner-occupied businesses across the state. The corporation specializes in commercial real estate financing up to $5.5 million. More information, including contact numbers, can be found on the organization’s website.
Carrollton Business Owners – Economic Development Staff is available by phone at 972-466-3299 or by email at ecodev@cityofcarrollton.com to assist local businesses and offer guidance. Learn more here.
The Texas Department of Insurance has a coronavirus resources page that provides information for stakeholders in the Texas Workers’ Compensation system. Learn more here.
Healthcare Resources
The best resource is the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention.
Test Sites
Texas Department of State Health Services has created an interactive map of all drive thru COVID-19 testing sites across the state. The map can be found here.
Testing and/or screening criteria may vary depending on the type of COVID-19 test and provider. For more information about the different types of tests for COVID-19 and things to consider when looking for a public drive-thru testing site, click here.
Health Insurance
If you have lost your employer-sponsored health coverage, there are some options to obtain health insurance coverage. The Texas Department of Insurance published a helpful guide about your health insurance options.
Mental Health Resources
- The Texas Health and Human Services Commission launched a 24/7 statewide mental health support line to help Texans experiencing anxiety, stress or emotional challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Texans can call 833-986-1919 toll free. Learn more here.
- The North Texas Behavioral Health Authority has opened a dedicated line to provide support within our community as we work through this difficult time. Individuals can contact the 24/7 COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line at, 833-251-7544. Those needing support outside of the COVID-19 crisis can still contact our NTBHA 24/7 Crisis Line at, 866-260-8000. Learn more here.
- The Metrocare Coronavirus Support Line is available during our normal business hours Monday through Friday for those Dallas County residents experiencing high anxiety or depression during these turbulent times. The Metrocare Coronavirus Support Line for Dallas County is 214-743-1215.
- For Veterans in crisis – please call the Veterans Administration Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1 or text 838255.
