Equity and Inclusion Newsletter Issue 20

city of Dallas

Equity and Inclusion Newsletter

December 17, 2020 | Issue 20

Message from the City Manager and Chief of Equity and Inclusion

Dear Residents of Dallas,

The Office of Equity and Inclusion strives to implement the pillars of Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, and Equity into all the work that we do. It is for those reasons that we continuously seek to understand the diverse experiences and backgrounds of our large residency.

We are currently sponsoring two different community surveys for City officials to learn more about internet connectivity and the impact fines and fees on our residents with the intention of developing initiatives to address the needs of our community.

Our internet speed survey gathers non-personal data about the speed of internet services and its availability to allow us to identify locations that lack internet services. Additionally, our fines and fees community survey gathers data on the financial impacts of fines and fees on individuals and families in an urgent effort to address the disproportionate burden it lays on low-income residents and people of color.

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, we assure you that we are dedicated to continue planning and creating initiatives to help our most vulnerable residents thrive.

Sincerely,

Liz and TC

                                T.C. Broadnax                                 Liz Cedillo-Pereira

                                 City Manager                          Chief of Equity and Inclusion

Dallas Community Based Testing Sites

Criteria for testing sites is as follows:

  • Persons with symptoms of potential COVID-19 infection, including fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills, muscle pain, new loss of taste or smell, vomiting or diarrhea, and/or sore throat; OR
  • Anyone 65-years-old or older, OR
  • Anyone with chronic health issues (diabetes, asthma, heart issues, etc.); OR
  • If your employer was open during the Dallas County Safer at Home Order, you can get tested even if you don't have symptoms. For a full list of CISA employees available to get tested click here
  • Persons with symptoms who have been actively engaged in large group settings, such as public gatherings or congregations of people, within the past fifteen (15) days

The community-based testing sites operate Monday through Saturday with varying times:

  • Eastfield College, 3737 Motley Dr, Mesquite, TX 75150
    • Beginning 08/31 hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Monday through Thursday
    • This location is for City of Dallas and Dallas County residents only
    • Must provide documentation of address (ex. Utility bill)
  • Ellis Davis Field House, 9191 S Polk St. Dallas, Texas 75232
    • 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (or until testing limit is reached) 
    • This location is for City of Dallas and Dallas County residents only
    • Must provide documentation of address (ex. Utility bill)
  • Mountain View College, 4849 W. Illinois Avenue Dallas, Texas 75211
    • This site will operate from 8 a.m. to 2p.m.
    • No residency or ID requirements

Requirements (Eastfield & Ellis Davis): If you meet the criteria for COVID-19 testing, please do not delay acting. Any photo ID is sufficient including a recreation center ID, a Student ID, an ID with your name and photo. It does not need to be a government-issued ID.

The City has expanded COVID-19 testing to provide mobile testing to residents in underserved communities without transportation. Eligible residents may schedule appointments between:

  • 9 a.m. and 9 p.m., 7 days a week by calling the UrgentCare2GO screening line at 1-888-601 0568.
  • For more information regarding the requirements for mobile testing, please click here.

There are now various drive-thru COVID-19 testing sites sponsored by the State of Texas, to find a location near you visit Texas Department of State Health Services webpage and enter your zip code.


Walk Up Locations

Walk-up locations are open Monday to Saturday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., or until testing limit is reached. No appointment required. Must be a Dallas city or county resident. Address verification required (utility bill or library card). 

Waiting period up to 1 hour No restroom on site

  • Red Bird Mall 7222 S. Westmoreland, Dallas, TX  75237
  • Parkland Southeast Dallas Health Center 9202 Elam Road, Dallas TX 75217
  • Goodwill Industries/Los Barrios 3020 Westmoreland Road Dallas, Texas 75212

Inquiries related to test results, please contact:  covidresults@phhs.org


Parkland Testing Sites

Parkland Hospital has opened four community-based clinics open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. by appointment only for current Parkland patients who meet the medically necessary criteria. Patients can call the COVID-19 patient line at (214) 590-8060 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. or visit www.parklandhospital.com/COVID19testing

  • For a full list of  Parkland COVID-19 testing sites click here

Additional Testing Sites

  • Walgreens, no-cost drive-thru testing site:
    • 2060 S. Buckner Blvd, Dallas, TX,
    • Hours of Operation: Open from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, seven days a week.
    • Requirements: Residents must complete a screening survey to determine if they qualify for a test.
    • For more information regarding eligibility and how to sign up, visit: Walgreens COVID-19 information
  • Walmart no-cost drive-thru testing site is administering COVID-19 tests at four locations:
    • Locations:
      • 15757 Coit Rd., Dallas, TX 75248
      • Belt Line Rd., DeSoto, TX 75115
      • N Garland Ave., Garland, TX 75040
      • Lakeview Pkwy., Rowlett, TX 75088
    • Hours of Operation: Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 7 am to 9pm.
    • Requirements: Residents who are interested must take a pre-screening test to see if it is necessary. Once they qualify the resident will make an appointment to get tested
    • To take a pre-screening test and set up and appointment visit Do I Need a COVID-19 test. For questions about testing call 800-635-8611.
  • CVS has opened up four new no-cost, drive thru COVID-19 locations in the North Texas region:
    • Locations: To find a location near you click here, and enter both your ZIP code and distance from your home to find a testing location near you. 
    • Hours of Operation: Patients must schedule an appointment for a COVID-19 test.
    • Requirements: More information about CVS Health and their testing sites can be found at their COVID-19 resource center.
    • To schedule an appointment, patients must register here

For up-to-date information regarding Dallas testing sites be sure to keep up with county updates. 

In this Newsletter

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Federal Information

National Low-Income Housing Coalition

nlihc

In response to COVID-19 and its economic fallout, many cities and states are creating or expanding rental assistance programs to support individuals and families impacted by the pandemic, and NLIHC is tracking in-depth information on these programs. You can use the interactive map and searchable database to find state and local emergency rental assistance programs near you.

  • To explore the COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Programs, click here.

Office of Community Services Programs

The Office of Community Services (OCS) partners with states, communities and agencies to eliminate causes of poverty, increase self-sufficiency of individuals and families and revitalize communities. Our social service and community development programs work in a variety of ways to improve the lives of many.

  • To explore the various for families and communities, click here.

Family Promise

Family Promise is national organization established to help homeless and low-income families achieve sustainable independence through a community-based response. Family Promise has local chapters throughout the country to provide a variety of services and programs.

  • To find a local Family Promise chapter near you, click here.

State Information

Texas Unemployment Guide

The Texas Workforce Commission continues to process unemployment claims from Texans. Due to the high volume of claims amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic individuals are having a difficult time hearing back from the commission. The Texas Tribune has compiled a guide to help individuals to navigate their claims and resources.

  • To explore their unemployment guide, click here.

SNAP Benefit Extension

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission will provide approximately $204 million in emergency Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food benefits for the month of December as the state continues to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • To apply for SNAP benefits, click here.

Texas Women’s Foundation Grants

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Texas Women’s Foundation promotes women’s philanthropy and raises money to support community programs that help women and girls realize their full potential. They provide grants for organizations by looking full circle at the many issues impacting women’s economic security and opportunities for leadership – so that our programs and grantmaking support the full diversity of women and their needs in the region.

  • To research their different grants and funds, click here.

Local Information

Arts and Culture

Crow Museum of Asian Art

The Crow Museum of Asian Art at the University of Texas at Dallas has reopened following guidelines related to COVID-19. In accordance with Dallas County and CDC guidelines, all staff and visitors must wear face coverings while inside the Museum and will be operating at a reduced maximum occupancy rate. 

  • To learn more about their reopening guidelines and amazing collections, click here.

Lighten Up During the Holidays

The AT&T Performing Arts Center and Reliant have reimagined their popular annual "Reliant Lights Your Holidays" event so families can safely explore this popular North Texas holiday tradition at their own pace. The exhibition will be running through Saturday, Dec. 20 where the Winspear Opera House, Wyly Theatre and trees in Sammons Park at 2403 Flora St. will be illuminated by 550,000 LED lights.

  • To learn more about the exhibit, click here.

Community Building

Dallas Neighborhood Organizations Map

Are you the leader of your Homeowner Association (HOA) or Neighborhood Association (NA)? Sign-up to improve communication and stay informed about City activities. The purpose of the Neighborhood Organization Map (NOM) is to show the locations of Homeowner Associations (HOA), Neighborhood Associations (NA), and Neighborhood Coalitions, as defined by the organizations themselves. It is not intended to show other types of civic or religious organizations. The map does not include all Dallas HOAs, NAs and Neighborhood Coalitions, but rather includes organizations that have voluntarily signed up with the City of Dallas. 

  • To sign your organization up and learn more, click here.

Dallas Police Chief Candidate Interview Forum

As part of the search and selection process to find the next Dallas Police Department Chief, a Public Interview Forum took place from 2 to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 16. Candidates were asked to respond to questions based on the topics identified in the Public Interview Forum Feedback Survey.

  • To watch the interview forum and learn more about the candidates, click here.

Impact of Fines and Fees Community Survey

The City of Dallas  joins municipal leaders in the Cities and Counties for Fine and Fee Justice Cohort across the country that recognize the urgent need to address the problem of fines and fees as a means of raising revenue and are committed to advancing bold reforms to ensure fines, fees, and other financial penalties do not place a disproportionate burden on low-income residents and people of color.

To begin the survey for an opportunity to win a $50 VISA gift card, click here.

ccfj

Internet Speed Survey

Help the Resilience Division and Dallas Independent School District to address the digital divide in our community through an internet speed survey. Your feedback will help efforts to improve internet connectivity and availability in areas lacking service.

  • Start the survey by clicking here.
speed survey

Texas Discovery Gardens at Fair Park

The Texas Discovery Gardens has reopened in accordance with State and Local government recommendations. The gardens have reinstated Pay as You Wish Wednesday, where every Wednesday is free admission. Donations are very much appreciated on this day. They use these funds to keep this “free day” open so everyone can come enjoy the beauty of our gardens!

  • To learn more about their COVID-19 guidelines, click here.

WCIA Community Resources Hub

The City of Dallas has launched an online resource hub with free and low-cost resources for all residents impacted by COVID-19. 

  • Click here to search for available resources using your zip code. 
WCIA

Education Resources

Low-Cost Internet Providers

To help families and students during this time of at-home learning, many cable companies have released information on how to get free internet services. Companies have promised to waive late fees, not cut off services, and to have Wi-Fi hotspots available for all families.

  • To explore the available low-cost services, click here.

Resources for At-Home Learning

Local and national organizations are deploying tech resources to enhance, revamp, or add to their programming. As caregivers across the U.S. are now simultaneously taking on the role of parent, teacher, and employee, many are in need of accessible solutions. So companies large and small are investing in support for the North Texas community and beyond.

  • To explore their educational support resources, click here.

STEAMwork

The National Children’s Museum has created a collection of STEAMworks activities for families and educators. #STEAMwork is a daily dose of themed STEAM-based videos and activities that support various learning standards.

  • To explore the lessons and resources, click here.

Internship Guide for Students

Internships have become quintessential for the high school and undergraduate education journey of students. There are a variety of sites and organizations available to help student reach out to companies. There are many virtual opportunities available for students to gain skills remotely.

  • To view and explore the various sites, click here
hotspot

Dallas Public Library Hotspot Mobile WiFi Devices

Bring the internet home with a Wi-Fi hotspot from Dallas Public Library! The library will soon have 2,100 more hotspots for cardholders to borrow. Request one now to get on the waitlist and you’ll be first in line when they’re available for check out.

  • To request a hotspot from the Dallas Public Library, click here.

Employment Resources

Dallas County Employment Positions

Whether you are a seasoned professional, ready to apply your expertise to the next challenge, or a new member of the workforce researching career options, Dallas County invites you to explore their several job opportunities.

  • To browse their job opportunities, click here.

Dallas College Community Employment Resources

Dallas College is committed to connecting our community to employment opportunities, career readiness tools, training and other resources across Dallas County to prepare them for the workforce. Their resources allow you to search and apply for jobs throughout the DFW.

  • If you need a job now or need to become work ready, please click here to explore their site.

Say Yes to Dallas

Say Yes to Dallas and the Dallas Regional Chamber, with partners across North Texas, are connecting workers displaced by the COVID-19 outbreak. Several organizations are hiring large numbers of employees. Individuals can find openings in essential industries that have ramped up hiring locally.

  • To explore various openings, click here.

Per Scholas

 Per Scholas works directly with employers, large and small, to design rigorous, boot camp-style courses with an 85% graduation rate. Their tuition-free training combines business professional skills development with hands-on technical instruction for high demand jobs.

  • To explore their educational and training programs, click here.

Fair Housing

Eviction Assistance Initiative

The City of Dallas Office of Equity & Inclusion in partnership with Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas has established the Eviction Assistance Initiative to provide education, training, and legal representation to Dallas residents negatively impacted by COVID19.

  • Tenants can apply for legal assistance with eviction cases by calling Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas at 1-888-529-5277 or visiting its website.
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Jubilee Park Seeds of Hope

Need emergency financial assistance? Please fill out an application at jubileecenter.org/seedsofhope and they will do their best to respond in a timely manner. Types of Assistance include rent, water, electricity, and gas bills. At this time we are only able to offer assistance to those who live in zip codes 75223, 75215, and 75210.

  • For more information on the assistance they offer, click here.

Dallas Life Homeless Recovery Center

In the 10-month New Life program, participants are guided to honestly evaluate past struggles, current options and future potential for an independent life, through a full schedule of recovery classes. Program material focuses on anger management, alcoholism recovery, job readiness, men’s and women’s issues, budgeting, and more.

  • To learn more about this program, click here.

Additional Eviction Assistance

North Texas Fair Housing Center

469-941-0375 

The Housing Crisis Center 

214-828-4244 

Legal Aid of North Texas

214-748-1234 

Texas Tenants’ Union

214-823-2733 

Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center Social Services

214-670-8416

West Dallas Multipurpose Center Social Services-

214-670-6530

Local Dallas lawyers are volunteering to answer renter questions for free

DallasEvictions2020@gmail.com

North Texas Behavioral Health Authority

housing@ntbha.org, 469-840-4553

Dallas County Tenant Hotline Website

Tenanthotline@dallascounty.org, call 214-653-6563 or 833-743-0072


Food

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The Stewpot

Since 2008, The Stewpot has served three meals a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, at Second Chance Café at The Bridge Homeless Recovery Center to individuals experiencing homelessness. In response to the COVID-19 emergency, they have expanded their food distributions to households experiencing food insecurity. The food distribution is grocery and pre-made type items that must be prepared in a kitchen. You must have a residence in order to receive this service.

  • If you would like to sign up to participate, please click here.

Crossroads Community Services

Clients can visit Crossroads’ Pantry once a month and are able to choose the food that they receive. On average a family of four receives 100 pounds of groceries when they visit Crossroads pantry. They serve anyone in need on an emergency basis. Your income should be below the current Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) income guidelines to receive ongoing assistance through Crossroads’ Food Pantry.

  • To learn more about the requirements, click here.

The Wilkinson Food Center

Wilkinson Center’s food pantry is serving families in vehicles and curbside for walk-ups. We are asking all individuals to park in front of the pantry and remain in their vehicles to be served. The Wilkinson Center provides Food and Emergency Services that is open from:

  • Food Pantry Service hours are Monday, Wednesday and Thursday between 9:00 a.m. – noon; and Tuesday from – 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • The head of household will need to bring a picture ID and proof of address such as a utility bill or lease.
  • If you need additional information or have questions, please call 972-284-0377.

Food for Families with Students

The Stewpot: Children, Youth, & Family Programs

The Stewpot is offering various Children, Youth & Family programs continuously throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. For information on the programming please contact Alma Reyes at almar@thestewpot.org or Becky Zamora at beckyz@thestewpot.org. If you would like to sign up for our next food distribution (family-size ready meals and grocery items) the Stewpot can help!

  • To learn more about their programming, click here.

Dallas ISD Curbside Meals

Food & Child Nutrition Services is providing meals to students at no cost whether in school or virtual! Their curbside service is every Wednesday from 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM. Meals will be served at schools throughout the district.

  • To learn more about pick up times and requirements, click here.
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Health

Interfaith Family Services: Wellness & Selfcare Interfaith’s Wellness & Selfcare Program is designed to help you to become the best version of yourself. Designed specifically with parents in mind, our Wellness and Selfcare Coach will help you to develop a holistic plan to achieve your health and fitness goals.

  • To learn more about the programs offered and how to apply, click here.

Los Barrios Unidos Community Clinic Flu Vaccine 

Los Barrios Unidos is offering a fast, easy drive-thru flu option for individuals looking to get vaccinated. No appointments are required and flu shots are free for the whole family! Vaccines will be Saturday December 19th, 2020 from 10:00am-2:00pm. 

  • To learn more about this event, click here

 

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Small Business Support

Dallas TRHT: Racial Equity Now for Business and Non-Profits

To support and educate the community on the necessity of racial equity training, understanding and policy implementation, Dallas TRHT will be hosting the Racial Equity NOW Cohort for 2020-2021.  The Cohort is designed to provide organizations with training/information sharing, case study presentations, policy review and development, outcomes development and site visit.

  • To learn more about their programming, click here.

Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE)

PACE is an innovative financing program that allows owners of commercial, industrial, and multi-family residential properties (with five or more dwelling units) to obtain low-cost, long-term loans for water conservation, energy-efficiency improvements, and renewable retrofits.

  • For more information of how to harness the power of TX-PACE, click here.

NDC Small Business Lending

NDC has been lending to small businesses for more than thirty years. We strongly encourage women and minority businesses to apply. Different loans have different requirements further filtered by state options.

  • To explore the available loans, click here.

Dallas College Small Business Resources

​​​Curious where to turn for answers during these uncertain times? Dallas College is dedicated to assisting small businesses struggling to cope with the COVID-19 crisis. Available resources differ from loan programs to mentoring/guidance programs for small business owners.

  • To further explore the available programs, click here.

Dallas Metropolitan SBDC

The Dallas Metropolitan SBDC can provide businesses with information concerning contracting with government, international trade, intellectual property protection and technology transfer.

  • To explore their business resources, click here.