Shared From: Michael A. Mendoza
Strategy and Special Initiatives Officer
City of Dallas | DallasCityNews.net

Hello All,

Seems like weeks go by in a single day.  Grateful for your time is support of our small businesses.  Sending a quick update on activities.  We continue coordination with Goldman Sachs on their PPP fund ($5million for Dallas and administered by the CDFI LiftFund); and engagement with The DEC and the Communities Foundation of Texas for development of an additional Small Business Relief Fund.   I’ve pasted descriptions of two items of triage that were recently passed at City Council.  And a couple of sites/services that we have been collaborating on and promoting with The DEC.   Let’s begin talking about ideas you all may have on offering guidance and building momentum for recovery.

·        Mortgage/Rental Assistance

Adopted by City Council on April 22.  The Mortgage and Rental Assistance program passed by Council will offer $6.1 million in rental and mortgage aid. Combined with services and programs that already exist within the city, $13.7 million is available. Assistance will provide up to $1,500 for a maximum of three months per eligible household. To qualify for the pre-screening process, applicants must be City of Dallas residents who lost their jobs or were furloughed due to COVID-19. The Mortgage and Rental Assistance program is a collaboration between the Office of Community Care and the Office of Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization. The program is expected to open during the first week of May.

·        Small Business Continuity Fund

Adopted by City Council on April 22.  The Office of Economic Development is launching a $5 million Small Business Continuity Fund. The fund will provide up to $10,000 in grants and up to $50,000 in low-cost loans to small businesses affected by COVID-19. The businesses must be able to prove they were in operation for a minimum of six months prior to March 16, 2020. Additionally, they must be low to moderate income (LMI) microbusiness owners and/or businesses that employ (or previously employed) at least 51% LMI workers. The goal of the fund is to ensure continued operations of small businesses and job retention by those businesses. The application is expected to go live in May for grants and loans to begin in June.

·        Fast Start Mentoring Program

Established  through the Dallas Entrepreneurial Center (The DEC).  The Fast Start Mentoring site activates DEC’s mentoring network to match small businesses and entrepreneurs with mentors offering guidance on negotiating, recovering and expanding in the trepid wake of COVID-19.

·        Let’s Grow North Texas Businesses

A resource page for businesses affected by COVID-19.  This page is curated by The DEC with contributions from business organizations and chambers of commerce from across North Texas. https://letsgrowntxbusiness.com/

·        City of Dallas Small Business Resource Page

The City of Dallas is closely monitoring the impact of COVID-19 on the small business community, working closely with our local, state and federal partners.  http://dallasecodev.org/562/COVID-19-Info-for-Small-Businesses

·        Small Business COVID-19 Survey

Responses were used to inform criteria for the Small Business Continuity Fund.  600+ respondents.  Survey Results

Michael A. Mendoza
Strategy and Special Initiatives Officer
City of Dallas | DallasCityNews.net
City Manager’s Office

1500 Marilla St., 4EN

Dallas, TX 75201
M:  214-997-3870 |  O: 214-670-3390
[email protected]

*****Testing: Dallas is getting another testing site Friday at Walgreens. The new testing site will be a 15-minute drive through. The address is 2060 S. Buckner Blvd. Dallas, TX 75217. (KTVT)
SOURCE – DALLAS MAZAZINE

In our SEDCC website blog, you will find a list of resources updated as resources are added, regarding finances and COVID-19 topics such as unemployment, paying rent and mortgages, student loans, utilities, food assistance, resources for businesses and more. 

Please feel free to share this with your friends, family, coworkers, community, or anyone else who could use it. If you have additional information you wish to share with your neighbors and community, please do not hesitate to contact City of Dallas at [email protected]. or find more information here www.DallasCountyCOVID.org .

Additionally, VisitDallas and Uptown Dallas and SEDCC have compiled a list to feature Dallas restaurants and businesses who are still operating, offering delivery or curbside service. 

Please promote #TakeOutTuesday in your neighborhoods and networks. Encourage people to order take out or delivery from local restaurants every Tuesday! Follow their Facebook @TakeOutTues

We continue to provide information at the City’s dedicated COVID-19 website here. Dallas County also has valuable information here.

The Small Business Owner’s Guide to the CARES Act  The programs and initiatives in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act that was just passed by Congress are intended to assist business owners with whatever needs they have right now. When implemented, there will be many new resources available for small businesses, as well as certain nonprofits and other employers. This guide provides information about the major programs and initiatives that will soon be available from the Small Business Administration (SBA) to address these needs, as well as some additional tax provisions that are outside the scope of SBA.  To keep up to date on when these programs become available, please stay in contact with your local Small Business Administration (SBA) District Office, which you can locate here.

Struggling to get started? The following questions might help point you in the right direction. Do you need: • Capital to cover the cost of retaining employees? Then the Paycheck Protection Program might be right for you.  • A quick infusion of a smaller amount of cash to cover you right now? You might want to look into an Emergency Economic Injury Grant. • To ease your fears about keeping up with payments on your current or potential SBA loan? The Small Business Debt Relief Program could help. • Just some quality, free counseling to help you navigate this uncertain economic time? The resource partners might be your best bet.
 

There are two COVID-19 testing sites in Dallas open from 8am to 8 p.m. or when daily test kit availability runs out. Criteria for testing sites is as follows: shortness of breath, cough, must show a temperature of 99.6 or higher. The sites are located at: American Airlines Center, Parking Lot E, 2500 Victory Plaza and Ellis Davis Field House, 9191 S Polk St.

DFW COVID-19 Regional Summary Dashboard: A dashboard of total cases of COVID-19, new cases, deaths, and 311 COVID-19 calls can be viewed here.

Unemployment and Workers’ Comp

• Anyone who has lost their job due to coronavirus or has had to take time off to self-quarantine or care for a sick relative (and does not get paid sick time from work) may apply for UNEMPLOYMENT insurance. Information on that can be found here. 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.”
• 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
• Anyone whose job has brought them into direct contact with someone with coronavirus (for instance, a first responder or a health care worker) and has become ill or is required to quarantine can file for WORKERS’ COMP. File for that here.
• If you or a friend or family member are out of work, the Texas Workforce Commission provides support services.

Financial Assistance

The City of Dallas Rental Assistance Social Services Financial Assistance

• Provides emergency assistance to individuals and families who have experienced a temporary financial crisis. The appointment lines are open Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Rental assistance to persons at-risk of homelessness and who are low-income (below 30% of the area median income).
• Assistance with utility bills (electric, gas and water) up to once per year (with exceptions for “blitz” events determined by funder) in an amount not to exceed $300 available for customers of Reliant Energy, TXU and ATMOS Energy. Additionally, support is administered through the Dallas Water Share.
• Help Line Contacts and Appointments
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center Social Services - 214-670-8416
• West Dallas Multipurpose Center Social Services - 214-670-6530

• The IRS has deferred the federal tax filing deadline to July 15th.Find more information on Coronavirus tax relief here.
• The U.S. Department of Treasury has a list of financial resources for consumers.
• Residents can call 211 or visit www.211texas.org and give their zip code for a list of local financial and in-kind resources available in their area.
• The Salvation Army is serving in the community by offering: drive-thru food pantries at 13 locations; educational programming for our shelters with children to continue their education; remote learning opportunities for children across the region; 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.
• Texans who believe they have encountered price gouging or disaster scams should call the Office of the Attorney General’s toll-free complaint line at (800) 621-0508 or  file a complaint online. For additional information on disaster scams, please visit our  disaster scams website.  

Trouble Paying Rent or Mortgage

• The Texas Supreme Court issued an order suspending all evictions until April 19, 2020: https://www.txcourts.gov/media/1446203/209045.pdf
• The Dallas County Justices of the Peace also issued an order suspending all evictions for sixty days.

• In summary, per guidance from a Dallas County Justice of the Peace:
• ALL Eviction cases are currently postponed and continued for 60 days

•  Residential or Commercial;
•  Currently pending or filed within the 60 day period

o   ALL Writs of Possession are currently postponed and continued for 60 days

•  Residential or Commercial;
•  Previously requested or requested within the 60-day period

o   Lockouts are not addressed in any current emergency order – Texas Property Code, Chapters 92 and 93, control

•  Residential lockout tenants must be provided a key upon request whether rent is brought current or not;
•  Commercial lockout tenants must only be provided a key when the rent is NOT delinquent– provided that all other requirements of the lockout were in accordance with the Texas Property Code

o   Writs of Re-Entry are not addressed in any current order – Texas Property Code, Chapters 92 and 93, control

•  Residential or Commercial tenants that are illegally locked out may seek relief from the Justice of the Peace in the precinct in which the property is located
•  Residential landlords may be ordered to provide the tenant a key and the Court has authority to enforce its order;
•  Commercial landlords may only be ordered provide a tenant with a key when the rent is NOT delinquent – provided that all other requirements of the lockout were in accordance with the Texas Property Code

• Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins’ Order states that Dallas County Justices of the Peace cannot proceed with evictions until May 18, 2020 (date subject to change). If you have concerns, volunteer attorneys are on stand-by to assist. Send an email to:[email protected], and a volunteer lawyer will get back with you. Include your name, contact and landlord information, and other pertinent facts. The service is free.
• The federal government announced they are suspending all HUD foreclosures and evictions for 60 days.

If you don’t have enough money to pay, contact your lender or landlord immediately. Help includes:

• If you are a Dallas Housing Authority client, 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 or call 800-621-0508

• Texas Health and Human Services Commission has resources available. There may be vouchers to assist those in need with paying their rent. Also get government assistance with other needs, including lease application fees, information on low income housing and security deposits. Dial 1-877-541-7905 to find additional ways to get rent help.
• Texas offers programs that can help you with paying your mortgage and also avoid foreclosure. Local resources, including government and non-profit assistance, can help qualified homeowners
• Homeowners have other resources too. Also click here for a listing of Texas HUD counseling agencies that provide free foreclosure counseling.
• Information from the City of Dallas on eviction and foreclosure can be found here.

• Information from the City of Dallas on Housing and Urban Development COVID-19 Funding Allocation can be found here.
• The Entrepreneurship and Community Development Clinic at The University of Texas School of Law has launched a new website that tracks housing policies adopted by the federal government, State of Texas, and local jurisdictions to help Texas residents stay in their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic and accompanying financial crisis. The site covers renter protections, foreclosure protections, and utility access protections.
• The City of Dallas Fair Housing and Human Rights Office has information here.

Homeless Shelter and Residential Programs

• The City of Dallas Office of Homeless Solutions launched the effort of moving persons into hotel rooms. OHS’ priority groups are:
• Persons experiencing homelessness, in need of quarantine
• Persons in shelters and on the “Priority Housing List”
• OHS will coordinate continued service for these guests. OHS will work with partners to identify and secure rental property and provide assistance for a period of up to 6 months for guest ready for housing. This process will serve the purposes of freeing up beds in shelters and getting people into their own home. Long term case management will be provided to anyone getting placed in a new home.
• Information on The Bridge Homeless Recovery Center can be found here.
• Information on Austin Street Center can be found here.
• Information on Family Gateway can be found here.
• Viola's House | A Maternity Home for Homeless Teenagers

Paying Utilities

• The Public Utilities Commission of Texas voted Thursday 3/26 to temporarily prevent utility companies from disconnecting power and water services to residents financially affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Residents must still pay their bills via a deferred payment plan (residents need to contact their service provider for customer assistance).
• Exelon brands (Constellation, Atlantic City Energy, BGE, ComEd, Delmarva Power, PECO) have suspended service disconnections and will waive late payment charges until at least May 1.Exelron has also committed to donating $1.15 million to local and national COVID-19 relief efforts.
• Vistra Energy brands (TXU, Ambit, Tri-Eagle) is waiving late fees, extending payment due dates with no down payment required, and reducing down payments and deferring balances over five equal installments. TXU customers can also receive additional bill-payment assistance through its TXU Energy AidSM program.
• NRG brands (Reliant, Green Mountain, Cirro, Stream, XOOM, Discount Power) is suspending disconnections for non-payment until April 3.
• Atmos and Dallas Water Utilities have suspended disconnections at this time.
• Charter Communications is offering free access to Spectrum Broadband and Wi-Fi for 60 days for new K-12 and College Student households. Residents should call: 1-844-488-8395. Charter is also working with school districts to ensure that communication is provided about the free wi-fi; Charter continues to offer Spectrum Assist for households without school-aged children; Charter is also opening its Wi-Fi hotspots for public use.

Food Assistance and Donation

• 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.
• 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.
• Meals will be provided to all children at most district middle and high schools and will be distributed twice a week, on Monday and Thursday between 10 AM and 1 PM. On Monday you will receive Breakfast, Lunch, and Supper for Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Thursday will have Breakfast, Lunch, and Supper for the rest of the week, including Saturday. For pick up locations and menus, visit this link.
• KIPP charter schools providing healthy, ready-to-heat breakfast and lunch to any student 19 or younger in our communities, not just to students enrolled at a KIPP Texas campus. Our meal pickup details are all available through the Texas Education Agency’s new meal finder website.
• The City of Dallas WIC Program will be offering WIC benefits by phone only from  March 21, 2020 to April 3, 2020. Please contact us using one of the following:
• If you need benefits for the first time, please enroll at www.texaswic.org, and you will be contacted. Call 214-670-7200. Or call 1-800-942-3678. Update your contact information by emailing [email protected]. Breastfeeding questions? Call 214-670-7222.
• 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 [email protected]. She will be coordinating and facilitating the distribution of dog food.

Insurance Issues

The Texas Department of Insurance has resources and information availablefor consumers who have insurance related questions.

For Businesses

• The City of Dallas has issued a Second Amended Emergency Regulation Order to prevent the spread of COVID-19. According to section three of the Second Amended Emergency Regulation Order, businesses impacted by COVID-19 must visibly post the Second Amended Emergency Regulation Order on their facility and provide a copy to their employees upon request.
• The City of Dallas Department of Code Compliance will issue notices of violations for businesses that do not comply with the Second Amended Emergency Regulation Order.
• The Stay Home Stay Safe Order permits restaurants and microbreweries, micro-distilleries or wineries to operate for takeout and drive-in or drive-thru only.
• The City of Dallas Office of Economic Development has created aweb page with information for small businesses.
• The State of Texas has officially declared a state of emergency. Businesses are encouraged to fill out Economic Injury worksheetsto prepare for distribution of disaster relief funds.
• A loan program has been established by the Small Business Administration, specifically for those impacted by the coronavirus.
• Facebook also has a $100 million Small Grants Program accessiblehere.
• For businesses struggling to pay the full amount of sales taxes they collected in February, theTexas Comptroller’s Office is offering assistance in the form of short-term payment agreements and, in most instances, waivers of penalties and interest. We ask that you contact ourEnforcement Hotline at 800-252-8880 to learn about your options for remaining in compliance and avoiding interest and late fees on taxes due.
• The Texas Restaurant Association has launched a restaurant relief fund.
• Businesses and residents with questions regarding essential status can email[email protected].
• City of Dallas - Office of Business Diversity - Home 
• TWU’s Center for Women Entrepreneurs has created an AssistHer Emergency Relief Grant.

Mental Health Resources

• The Texas Department of Health and Human Services has extensive resources available for mental health support, including those facing a mental health crisis. Call the toll-free COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line at 833-986-1919.
• 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. Metrocare’s professionals will assist individuals in accessing our mental health services and provide referrals for other services that may be needed. The Metrocare Coronavirus Support Line for Dallas County is 214-743-1215.
• North Texas Behavioral Health Authority - 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.
• The Center for Integrative Counseling and Psychology  is providing tele-counseling to new and existing clients. We use a HIPAA compliant platform and accept all insurances including Medicare and Medicaid. For tele-counseling call:  214-526-4525.
• Grant Halliburton Foundation’s “Here For Texas” Mental Health Navigation Line is operational Monday thru Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. We have also identified a number of telehealth options, which are in high demand right now. If you know anyone who needs resources, call the Navigation Line at 972/525-8181. More information here. You can find a list of other mental health resources and helplines here.

COVID-19 Mental Health Articles

• Mental Health Tips and Resources for Children, Adolescents and Adults Coping During the Pandemic 
• Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19 | CDC
• Talking to Kids About the Coronavirus
• Guidance from HHSC on health services providers and COVID-19: Coronavirus (COVID-19)
• Parent/Caregiver Guide to Helping Families Cope With the Coronavirus Disease 2019
• Talking to Children About COVID-19 (Coronavirus): A Parent Resource
• Taking Care of Your Behavioral Health During an Infectious Disease Outbreak
• SAMHSA Talking to Children: Tips for Parents, Caregivers and Teachers During an Outbreak
• Information for Healthcare Professionals: COVID-19 | CDC
• Coronavirus: Multilingual Resources for Schools
• Coping with coronavirus anxiety - Harvard Health Blog
• Five Steps For Dealing With Social Isolation

Domestic Violence Survivor Resources

• Futures Without Violence has compiled useful references, including for community-based advocates and health providers.
• The work of the National Domestic Violence Hotline is crucial in times like these, and has 24/7online chat in addition to their hotline number and excellent safety planning resources.
• We are in close communication with the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
• VAWnet, a project of the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence, has special collections on topics like disaster and emergency preparedness and response.
• NNEDV’s own WomensLaw.org offers an online legal hotline in addition to plain-language information for victims of abuse.
• Report child abuse either by phone 1-800-252-5400 or online at txabusehotline.org if you suspect a child may be in danger. Every adult in Texas is a mandatory reporter.

Student Loans Deferment

The US Department of Education has suspended federal student loan payments and waived interest. The Office of Federal Student Aid has specific details.

Childcare Resources

• 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.
• Due to COVID-19, YMCA branches are currently closed; however, they continue to offer limited childcare programming on a daily basis, supporting the childcare needs of first responders, medical professionals, government officials, and those that must continue their work in this challenging time. This care will be offered until further notice, at 11 YMCA branches across the Dallas Metroplex, in accordance to state guidelines.
• Dallas Afterschool has moved all training and support to a virtual mode, and is now offering  virtual tutoring. For more information, email [email protected].

Educational Resources

• The talkSTEM YouTube Channel houses over 250 videos for your free use! The channel includes various sections organized by content, including STEM in the Real World - Engaging, short, theme-based STEM videos based on math/science concepts and subject matter. See our latest playlist for Pre K - 2nd Grade : Math in the Early Years. More information and resources here.
• Free downloadable worksheets are available for all parents and educators. Suitable for K-12. Find them here. 
• Parent and Educator Youtube Guide
• At-Home Learning resources can be found here.  
• Rec@Home is a weekly video series created by Dallas Park and Recreation, giving step-by-step demonstrations for fitness workouts, children’s crafts, and healthy eating. Watch on Youtube here.
• The Dallas Public Library is now issuing library cards by email and phone. Loan periods are being extended, and digital resources are available at www.dallaslibrary.org.  A link to more information for residents is here.
• Dallas ISD is providing 10,000 mobile hotspots for students who would otherwise not have access to high-speed internet service from home. More information here.
• SPARK! is providing educational content online, free of charge.
• Dallas Region Communities in Schools has created a page of resources.

Senior Resources

• Costco, Walgreens Among Stores Designating Senior Shopping Hours
• The City of Dallas Senior Medical Transportation Program (SMTP) is a LAST RESORT service for low to moderate income persons 60 and older who reside within the City of Dallas and do not qualify for other Transportation programs.
• AARP holds weekly TeleTown Hall meetings on Thursdays at noon CST. Replay can be accessed here. Other COVID-19 resources can be found here.
• The Senior Source has a compilation of resources for seniors as well as their caretakers.

Employment Resources

• Workforce Solutions of Greater Dallas has resources for job seekers. Those seeking employment can register at workintexas.com.
• 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.
• You can email Goodwill at [email protected] 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:

o   3020 N. Westmoreland Rd, Dallas, TX 75212: 214-638-2800 x185

o   1661 E. Northwest Hwy., Garland, TX 75041: 214-227-5549

o   919 W. Main Street, Lewisville, TX 75067: 972-436-3681

• The North Texas Food Bank has partnered with ShiftShare to employ workers who have suffered from lost income as a result of the Coronavirus’ impact on the economy.
• Frito-Lay Job Postings: https://fritolayemployment.com/
• Pepsi Jobs: https://pepsifrontlinecareers.com/
• Kroger Job Postings: https://jobs.kroger.com 

HIV/AIDS Resources

• Interim Guidance for COVID-19 and Persons with HIV COVID-19 and Persons with HIV (Interim Guidance)
• What people with HIV should know about COVID-19 
• Short-Term Rent, Mortgage, and Utility (STRMU) Assistance through the Housing Opportunities for People With AIDS (HOPWA) program. 
• AIDS Services of Dallas

Faith Community Resources

• Texas Baptists is a statewide faith-based non-profit with about 5,300 affiliated churches across Texas and beyond. Our services primarily are offered to leaders of affiliated churches seeking to navigate the pandemic. Our COVID-19 Response page is here. We would be interested in learning how churches could volunteer their parking lots as drive through testing sites, or their facilities as makeshift hospitals if needed. Resources include:
• Relief grants to bivocational and small church pastors
• Resources on multimedia streaming, online giving and other church administration
• Free downloads of adult and child Bible study materials
• Disaster relief through our ministry partner TBM.
• Jewish Family Services has a list of resources and services here: JFS COVID-19 Updates

• Faith in Texas has a list of resources here: COVID-19 Resources 
• Catholic Charities of Dallas has a list of resources here, including community food pantries, disaster relief services, immigration legal services, and refugee services.

Other Resources

• Paid Sick Leave information: City of Dallas employers must provide employees with paid sick leave to care for themselves or a family member. An employee may use paid sick leave for the employee’s or their family member’s illness, injury, healthcare, and reasons related to domestic abuse, sexual assault, or stalking. For more information or to file a complaint, call 214-670-FAIR(3246) or visit www.dallascityhall.com/paid-sick-leave. 
• The Texas State Department of Public Safety has suspended expired IDs: driver’s licenses, IDs, commercial drivers licenses, and election identification certificates expiration dates will be extended.
• In response to the COVID-19 crisis, The Dallas County Clerk’s Office will be closing its Vital Records and Recording Divisions to the public. All transactions will be done either by mail, document drop off, or by appointment only. The public closure will take effect starting Monday, March 23, 2020 through May 1, 2020, but may be extended based on COVID-19 status.
• Dallas County Tax Office: In the interest of public health, we have provided the following alternative options in lieu of face-to-face transactions in the Dallas County Tax Office. Click here for online and by-mail instructions on common Tax Office transactions.

How Can You Help?

• Meals on Wheels needs volunteers.
• Dallas ISD needs volunteers to assist their Food & Child Nutrition Services team with meal distribution at school sites.
• Go to dallasisd.voly.org; register as a volunteer and complete the brief online volunteer orientation.
• Send an email to [email protected] to indicate your interest in helping with meal distribution.
• The North Texas Food Bank needs volunteers.
• Carter BloodCare and other blood banks are experiencing shortages. Consider donating.
• Jewish Family Service (JFS) have established the S.H.E.F. Emergency Assistance Fund. The S.H.E.F. Fund is a non-profit effort established to provide “bridge” support to as many restaurant hourly workers as possible throughout North Texas. JFS will be providing case management assistance and connecting these workers to eligible benefits, employment opportunities, counseling and other resources as they navigate this crisis. If interested, you can donate to this fund at www.jfsdallas.org/donate and in the Additional Comments section type “SHEF Fund” or you can send a check with the same notation to JFS at 5402 Arapaho Road Dallas, Texas 75248. 
• If you would like to assist with providing Protective Personal Equipment (PPE):
• Submit your information on this website - https://www.helpdallascounty.org/. Medical providers and cities will have access to this comprehensive list of providers so they can reach out to get what they need. This will likely be the fastest way to get your information to the people who need it most.
• Send an email to [email protected] and include the information you’ve sent here.
• If a medical provider reaches out in search of supplies, direct them to[email protected].

Protect Yourself Financially from the Coronavirus

Information from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

Job Interrupted —A To-Do List for Tough Times

Information from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.

Financial Peace of Mind in the Age of Coronavirus

Information from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.

Avoiding Coronavirus Scams

Information from the Federal Trade Commission

Grant Opportunities

The Department of Health and Human Services and the National Institute of Health have made these grant opportunities available:

• https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=325702
• https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=315921
• https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=320994
• https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=325704

Grant Opportunities for Non-Profits

• The Communities Foundation will announce a collaborative fund to provide grants for non-profits engaged in the Covid-19 response. The North Texas Cares Fund is for non-profit service providers ONLY who are responding to the Covid-19 crisis. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and can be submitted via www.NorthTexasCares.org.Criteria for eligibility and consideration includes:
• Must be 501c3 organization Must provide services in the North Texas area
• Must provide services that address immediate response or long-term relief efforts in response to COVID-19
• Requests need to focus on first responders and/or support for vulnerable populations– (examples could include seniors, children, homeless, low-income)

Cultural Institution Resources

Dallas Area Cultural Advocacy Coalition compiled the below resources:

• TACA Emergency Arts Relief Fund
• Small Business Administration Economic Injury Disaster Loan
• Texas Workforce Commission
• National Endowment for the Arts distributes $75 million as part of the CARES Act
• Dallas Entrepreneur Center
• National Council of Nonprofits Loans Available for Nonprofits in the CARES Act
• FreshArts Houston's Guide to SBA Disaster Assistance Loans for Small Businesses Impacted by Coronavirus (COVID-19) Video

Texas Unemployment Benefits Information