View Dallas County’s latest information on COVID-19 and reopening here.

In these uncertain times, it’s more important than ever to have clear, accurate information. Please share this list of resources with anyone who may need it. We will update this list regularly. For questions, please refer to the specific office or entity provided. To share additions or report errors, please email [email protected].

Last updated: Thursday, June 11, 2020

Health

Testing Locations

Dallas County is continually opening more testing sites to accommodate community needs. Criteria for testing sites are as follows:

  • Must exhibit symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills, new loss of taste or smell, vomiting or diarrhea); OR
  • Anyone with chronic health issues (diabetes, asthma, heart issues, etc.); OR
  • Any first responders, DART drivers, healthcare workers, grocery store and essential retail store workers
  • Member of a high-risk population (ie. participants in local protests)

View a comprehensive list of testing sites here.

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.
  • 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.
  • COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line: 833-251-7544
  • North Texas Behavioral Health Authority: 214-366-9407
  • Aunt Bertha – a web-based search engine to connect with counseling, food, medical and other social services.
  • Crisis Text Line: text HOME to 741741

  • Telehealth and Online Mental Health Resources During COVID-19 Pandemic (Sunshine Behavioral Health)

Domestic Violence Survivor Resources

Legal

Dallas County Criminal Courts: all jury trials are suspended until May 4, trials before the Court will still be available. In-person disposition of bond cases and appearances for a bond case are all waived until May 4. Some courts are available via Skype. More info here.

All jury trials for all criminal, civil and JP are canceled until May 8, 2020. Dallas Municipal Court is closed until May 8, 2020. If you have any questions, please call 214-670-0109 or chat with a court clerk online.

Finances 

City of Dallas Resource Guide (April 17, 2020): English | Español

Financial Assistance
  • 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 and give their zip code for a list of local financial and in-kind resources available in their area.
  • 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.
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. Info on that here.
  • 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 are required to quarantine can file for WORKERS’ COMP. File for that here.
  • If you or a friend or family member are out of work, Texas’ Employment Security Department provides support services as well.
  • Emergency Paid Sick Leave information
Trouble Paying Rent or Mortgage

Read the Faith in Texas Dallas Eviction Ordinance FAQs

City of Dallas Rental or Mortgage Assistance FAQs

The Texas Supreme Court issued an order suspending all evictions until April 19, 2020. Read it here.  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
  • ALL Writs of Possession are currently postponed and continued for 60 days
    • Residential or Commercial;
    • Previously requested or requested within the 60 day period
  • 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
  • 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

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; inspections will be restricted to health and safety only.
  • Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs Foreclosure Prevention 1-888-995-HOPE (4673)
  • 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.
  • Click here for a listing of Texas HUD counseling agencies that provide free foreclosure counseling.
  • Catholic Charities of Dallas
  • WiNGS Dallas
Utilities

FAQs from the Texas Public Utilities Commission

  • If you need help paying your utility bills, contact your service provider immediately.
    • Atmos- 888-286-6700
    • Electricity
    • Reliant- 1-866-222-7100
    • Green Mountain- 1-866-785-4668
    • Cirro- 1 (800) 692-4776
    • Stream Energy- 866-447-8732
    • Xoom- (888) 997-8979
    • Discount Power-  1-877-455-4674
    • TXU- 1 (800) 818-6132
  • 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, 2020. 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, 2020.
  • Atmos and Dallas Water Utilities have suspended disconnections at this time.
  • Water information for the City of Fort Worth can be found here.

Charter Communications is offering free access to Spectrum Broadband and Wi-Fi for 60 days for new K-12 and College Student households. Call 1-844-488-8395. Charter is 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.

Student Loans Deferment

On March 20, 2020, the U.S. Department of Education announced that all borrowers with federally held student loans will automatically have their interest rates set to 0% for a period of at least 60 days. In addition, each of these borrowers will have the option to suspend their payments for at least two months to allow them greater flexibility during the national emergency. This will allow borrowers to temporarily stop their payments without worrying about accruing interest.

If you need help with your student loans, you may be able to temporarily suspend your payments by applying for a deferment or forbearance from the U.S. Department of Education.

Family

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 with state guidelines. They do offer an online library of wellness classes and programs.

Stand for Children Resources for Parents and Families During COVID-19

NASA has made its entire collection of images, sounds, and videos available and publicly searchable online.

Resources to keep kids busy

Khan Academy: Free online learning assistance by course.

Brainly: Brainly is a free online knowledge-sharing community where 150 million students and experts put their heads together to crack their toughest homework questions.

Food Assistance and Donation
  • Here is a list of open food pantries with hours of operation.
  • North Texas Food Bank has shifted to a 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.
  • 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 a.m. and 1 p.m.
    • 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.
  • For SNAP assistance, call 214-330-1396.

VisitDallas has compiled a list to feature Dallas restaurants who are still operating and offering home delivery. You can email any additions to [email protected]. 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

Assistance for Undocumented People

General Resources List

Resources for Educators on Immigration

Legal Resources and Know Your Rights Information

General Immigration Information and Resources

COVID-19 Resource Hub for Immigrants (RAICES)

Employment and Business 

Employment Resources
Business Owners

City of Dallas Small Business Continuity Fund FAQs

  • The City of Dallas Office of Economic Development has created a web 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 worksheets to prepare for the distribution of disaster relief funds.
  • A loan program has been established by the Small Business Administration, specifically for those impacted by the coronavirus. Find other SBA resources here.
  • Facebook also has a $100 million Small Grants Program accessible here.
  • The Texas Comptroller’s Office has resources available.
  • Congressman Marc Veasey’s (TX-33) small business guide is here.
Insurance Questions

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

 

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