Message from the City Manager and Chief of Equity and Inclusion

Dear Residents of Dallas,

The heartbreaking events that took place last week in Georgia and Colorado unfortunately speak to the constant threat of violence against innocent individuals. We stand in solidarity with the community of Atlanta, Georgia, the community of Boulder, Colorado, and all those in our nation who may face hate due to their identity or circumstance. We also stand in solidarity with our Dallas Asian community and we remember and honor those who lost their lives at the hands of violence.

Mayor Eric Johnson is proclaiming Friday, March 26, 2021, as "Stop Asian Hate Day" in the city. To read the proclamation click here. If you or someone you know has experienced a hate incident, please visit #StopAAPIHate here to report the incident, resources are also available to be informed on what is happening around the country and safety tips to be aware of.

The Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center has created video series breaking down AAPI movements and experiences that we must all be aware of and bring to the forefront of our local and national conversations (linked below). Lastly, we encourage everyone to join the American Jewish Committee and the Office of Equity and Inclusion for the Roundtable Discussion with Asian-American Partners taking place on April 7th.

Sincerely,

                                   T.C. Broadnax                             Liz Cedillo-Pereira

                                    City Manager                        Chief of Equity and Inclusion

COVID-19 Vaccine Resources

Texas Division of Emergency Management Vaccine Expansion 

Texas will open COVID-19 vaccination to all adults on March 29. The state’s Expert Vaccine Allocation Panel recommended opening vaccination to everyone who falls under the current Food and Drug Administration emergency use authorizations to protect as many Texans as possible.

• To register for the COVID-19 vaccine, call the county COVID-19 Vaccine Registration Hotline to enroll at 1-855-466-8639 or register online. They are open 7 days a week from 7am-7pm.

Baylor Scott & White Vaccine Registration

Baylor Scott & White is now vaccinating Texans who meet Phase 1A, Phase 1B and Phase 1C criteria, as well as school and child care personnel, as informed by state and federal guidance. All adult Texans will be able to schedule an appointment starting the week of March 29.

• To learn more about their vaccination process and register, please click here.

UT Southwestern COVID-19 Vaccine Registration

Beginning Monday, March 29, eligibility in Texas will expand to include all adult Texans, regardless of health status or occupation. UT Southwestern is following state and federal guidelines and currently vaccinating Texans who meet criteria put forth by the state.

• If you meet the criteria and are not yet registered as a UT Southwestern patient in MyChart.  

Vaccine Transportation

DART is providing four (4) free trips to and from vaccination sites for their registered ADA Paratransit riders. Riders just need to inform DART’s reservation agents they are taking a trip to get their vaccine.

• Qualifying residents (with disabilities) can register for DART paratransit services at 214-515-7272 or click here. 

COVID Vaccine Provider

Dallas County COVID-19 Testing

Drive-Thru Locations

For City of Dallas and Dallas County residents only (must provide documentation of address ex. utility bill). Available for children over age 5.

• Ellis Davis Field House
  • 9191 South Polk Street
  • 7:30am-4pm, Monday to Saturday
• Dallas College Eastfield Campus
  • 3737 Motley Dr., Mesquite, TX 75150
  • 7:30am-4pm, Monday to Saturday

For mobile testing locations and State of Texas/TDEM Supported Sites, click here.

Low-Cost Tax Preparation Services

IRS VITA and TCE

The IRS's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs offer free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals.

The VITA program has operated for over 50 years, offering free tax help to:

• People who generally make $57,000 or less
• Persons with disabilities; and
• Limited English-speaking taxpayers

In addition to VITA, the TCE program offers free tax help, particularly for those who are 60 years of age and older, specializing in questions about pensions and retirement-related issues unique to seniors.

• To locate an open site near you, click here.

Additional Low-Cost Services

Many services offered locally are funded through federal programs like VITA and TCE. To explore more options near you, please refer to the graphic below.

Funding for Women-Owned Small Businesses

8(a) Business Development Program

To help provide a level playing field for small businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged people or entities, the government limits competition for certain contracts to businesses that participate in the 8(a) Business Development program. Disadvantaged businesses in the 8(a) program can:

• Get a Business Opportunity Specialist to help navigate federal contracting
• Form joint ventures with established businesses through the SBA's Mentor-Protégé Program
• & more!

To learn more about the program and apply, click here.

Amber Grant for Women Entrepreneurs

WomensNet founded the Amber Grant in 1998. The grant was set up with one goal in mind: To honor the memory of a special young woman, Amber Wigdahl, who died at just 19 years old — before realizing her business dreams. Filling out one application makes individuals available for multiple grants.

• To learn more about their requirements and apply, please click here.

Low-Income Housing Locator

HUD Resources

Housing and Urban Development Housing/Apartment locator helps individuals find affordable housing options. There are subsidized housing options and housing choice voucher programs.

• To learn more about the programs they offer and explore their locator tool, click here.

Texas Unemployment Resources

Texas RioGrande Legal Aid has put together a detailed, unemployment FAQ for individuals who lost their job due to COVID-19. If you are not sure whether or not you qualify for benefits TRLA offers free, confidential advice and information.

• To explore the FAQ, click here.
• For direct unemployment benefits, click here for updates from the Texas Workforce Commission.

Governor’s Small Business Webinar

Business Strategy for an Evolving Future Webinar

This webinar will assist small businesses and entrepreneurs develop business strategies and solutions to navigate evolving situations. The agenda will include:

• Update on state and federal resources and programs
• Information on both financial and non-financial support
• Live Q&A with the expert panel

The event will take place May 20, 2020 from 1:00pm-2:00pm.

• To register for the event, click here.

Arts and Culture

Cubism in Color: The Still Life of Juan Gris Exhibit

From now until July 25 you can explore the new exhibition dedicated to the Spanish artist Juan Gris at the Dallas Museum of Art. Cubism in Color: The Still Lifes of Juan Gris highlights the artist’s pioneering and revolutionary contributions to the Cubist movement by focusing on his fascination with subjects drawn from everyday life.

• To learn more about the exhibit, click here.

Community Building

Office of Equity and Inclusion: Report a Hate Incident Form

The City of Dallas stands in solidarity with the Asian community and all those that suffer at the hands of hate. If you or someone you know has experienced hate incidents please use the form below to tell us your story.

• To report an incident, click here.

Roundtable Conversation on Anti-Asian Hate

Acts of discrimination, bias, and violence against members of the AAPI community have been on the rise since the beginning of the pandemic. Join American Jewish Committee's (AJC) Community of Conscience Coalition and other valued community partners to stand together as a community united through our diversity. This program is presented in partnership with the City of Dallas Office of Equity and Inclusion.

• The event will be taking place April 7, 2021 at 4:00pm. To register for the event, click here.

Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center: Breaking Down Asian Pacific American Bias

The Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center is proud to present We are not a stereotype, a video series for educators, by educators. This series explores and challenges the complexity surrounding the term Asian Pacific American, breaking it down into topics that span multiple timelines, geographies, and identities.

• To explore these curated resources, click here.

Bachman Lake Together Survey

A special message from your neighbors: local parent leaders are conducting a survey to learn about your educational and career goals that  can impact your income and economic mobility.  Help us out by completing this brief survey and be entered for a chance to win a $25 gift card. 

• To take the survey, click here.

City of Dallas Sidewalk Master Plan

The Dallas Sidewalk Master Plan Survey is underway! The survey will be open to all residents until midnight on March 31, so make sure to visit www.DallasSidewalk.com to learn more about this project and to let us know how we can improve walking in Dallas.

Education

Laptop and Hotspots Bundles

Need a laptop to go with a hotspot? The Dallas Public Library has 100 Chromebook and Hotspot bundles that will be rolled out at 9 library locations with more to come.

• You can request one online here or by phone at 21-670-1400.

Earth Kids: Starting Seeds

Learn how to make your own seed starter! This event goes underground and gets into the good stuff on how a plant grow. The program is available online and if you missed registration, you could still watch the livestream on your own time.

• To watch the event, click here.

Employment

CareerDFW

CareerDFW can help individuals in Dallas find jobs, expand their career networks, and attend workshops. They can help you improve your resume and expand your job search.

• To explore their resources, please click here.

Dallas Public Library: In-Demand Soft Skills

Throughout the month of April and May, the Dallas Public Library is hosting a webinar to help individuals build soft skills with career coach Christine Horstman. Regardless of your profession, understanding is key. Learn how to communicate effectively with your supervisor and direct reports, coworkers, and community partners or clients.

To register for future dates, click here

Housing

Emergency Rental Assistance Program

The City of Dallas is partnering with Abounding Prosperity, Inc. to begin accepting applications for rental assistance through their Emergency Rental Assistance Program. To be eligible to receive funding an applicant must rent a publicly or privately owned residence in the City of Dallas. The annual gross household income must meet guidelines defined by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

• To apply and learn more about the requirements, click here. 

Emergency Home Repair Program

The City of Dallas is helping qualified homeowners within the city limits of Dallas receive home repair assistance that have been damaged as a result of the 2021 Texas Severe Winter Storm.

• To learn more about the eligibility requirements, please click here.

Know Your Rights and Updates on the Law Event

Join the Fair Housing Division from the City of Dallas Office of Equity and Inclusion and the Office of Community Care on the Dallas Eviction Assistance Initiative and Rental Assistance Program. The event will be taking place on April 8^th, 2021 from 9:30am-11:30am.

• To learn more about the event, click here.

DHA Housing Choice Voucher Program

DHA’s Compass Point Select team manages the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program (formerly referred to as the Section 8 program). The HCV program is a rental housing assistance solution that places housing choice in the hands of the individual or family. DHA pays a portion of the rent directly to a private landlord. Program participants pay the balance of the rent directly to the private landlord.

• To begin a preliminary application for the program, click here.

Food

Brother Bill’s Helping Hand Pantry

Brother Bill’s Helping Hand offers groceries to individuals and families in need. Their grocery store program is a contactless drive thru model to ensure safety. Individuals must make a grocery appointment before coming to receive food.

• To learn more about the requirements and make an appointment, click here.

Hunger Busters

Hunger Busters is a Dallas-based charity focused on feeding kids and fueling futures by providing a much-needed third meal of the day to food-insecure children. They host food distribution events weekly throughout the community.

• To learn more about their requirements and upcoming events, visit them here.

Health  

HRI Low-Cost Medical Service Locator

HRI connects individuals to low-cost medical, dental, or mental health services in the DFW metroplex through a short questionnaire.

• To learn more about their locator tool, click here.

Legal Aid

Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program

The Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program is an organization dedicated to increasing and enhancing pro bono legal services to low-income people in Dallas through the recruitment, training, and support of volunteer attorneys. If you need legal help, they offer virtual clinics to those who qualify.

• To learn more about the requirements and apply for legal aid, click here.

Small Business Support LiftFund Women’s Business Center The LiftFund Dallas/Fort Worth Women’s Business Center empowers women entrepreneurs to become successful business leaders by offering them education, training, consulting, and support. They offer individualized counseling, classes and programs, as well ass connections to resources. To learn more about their services, click here. Equal Pay Day Resources Equal Pay Day was celebrated March 24, the day which refers to how far into the new year women must work to be paid what men were paid the previous year. The Dallas Regional Chamber has gathered resources for individuals and businesses about raising awareness about the gender wage gap.  To read the resources, click here.

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