Message from the City Manager and Chief of Equity and Inclusion

Dear residents of Dallas,

This Saturday, June 19th marks the 156th commemoration when enslaved people in Texas learned of their newfound freedom. Enslaved individuals in the State of Texas were the last to know of their emancipation but the first to establish Juneteenth celebrations. On June 19, 1865, Union Major-General Gordon Grander read General Order No.3 to the people of Galveston Texas that stated:

“"The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired labor…”

In honor of this long-standing celebration, the Senate has decided to officially establish June 19 as Juneteenth National Independence Day. Whether you call it Juneteenth, Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Liberation Day or Emancipation Day the essence of the celebrations remains the same. It embodies the rich traditions and perseverance passed from generations of African Americans to the next. Historical Juneteenth celebrations have included religious services, educational events, family gatherings and festivals. Join the various celebrations taking place across the city from the Juneteenth Festival to the drive-thru celebration being hosted by the Martin Luther King, Jr Community Center, or take a look at this guide for everything Juneteenth-related taking place in Dallas. This is a time to relish in community!

On the heels of those celebrations, we also recognize the nine-year anniversary of the enactment of the DACA policy. This historic policy provided more than educational and work opportunities for Dreamers, it also afforded them peace of mind. As a proud, certified Welcoming City, Dallas will continue to support its Dreamers and uphold the values of education and inclusivity.

Sincerely,

                                  T.C. Broadnax                             Liz Cedillo-Pereira

                                    City Manager                        Chief of Equity and Inclusion

COVID-19 Vaccine Resources

Northwest Community Center COVID Vaccine

The first dose of the Pfizer vaccine will be offered on Saturday, June 26 from 9a.m. to 1p.m. No appointment is necessary, and minors must be accompanied by adults.

• Click here to learn more.

Mobile Vaccine Program

The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM), and the Texas Military Department (TMD) today announced the expansion of the State Mobile Vaccine Program to include groups of five or more Texans who voluntarily choose to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Texans can call 844-90-TEXAS and select Option 3 to schedule a mobile vaccine clinic to vaccinate groups of friends, families, employees, volunteers, and more.

• To learn more, click here.

City of Dallas Vaccination Customer Service Number

The City of Dallas Emergency Operations Center, working with our vendor AMR, established a call center to respond to resident questions regarding vaccinations at Potter’s House and moving forward. Beginning April 1, 2021 at 11 a.m. CST, you can use the phone number (469-809-8500) and send an email (DallasVaccineQuestions@gmr.net) for resident questions.

• The FAQs have been updated in English and Spanish and are attached. These are also available at com/COVID19.

Dallas County COVID-19 Vaccinations

Everyone ages 12 and older is now eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in Texas. We strongly encourage all eligible residents to make an appointment for the COVID-19 vaccine. All vaccines are authorized for people age 18 and older. The Pfizer vaccine is authorized for people 12 and older. Children under 18 will need a parent or legal guardian to accompany them to the vaccination site to receive their vaccine.

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

Baylor Scott & White COVID-19 Vaccine Registration

Baylor Scott & White is now vaccinating Texans over the age of 12 following the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) approval to expand the emergency use authorization (EUA) for Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine to adolescents ages 12-15.

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

UT Southwestern COVID-19 Vaccine Registration

UT Southwestern offers immediate first-dose scheduling to make booking your vaccination as easy as possible. Everyone 12 and older is now eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in Texas.

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

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.

Small Business Administration Program

Community Navigator Program

SBA is implementing this initiative by building upon its extensive network of resource partners across the country. To ensure the Community Navigator Pilot Program reaches communities across the country in the coming months, SBA has issued a grant funding opportunity that will be open to proposals from SBA resource partners, states, tribes, units of local governments, and other nonprofit organizations. Competitive grant awards will range from $1 million to $5 million for a two-year performance period. Applicants have until July 12, 2021, to submit their applications.

• To learn more about this program, click here.

COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan

This loan provides economic relief to small businesses and nonprofit organizations that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. Small business owners and qualified agricultural businesses in all U.S. states and territories are currently eligible to apply for a low-interest loan due to COVID-19.

• To learn more about the requirements, click here.

Emergency Broadband Benefits 

FCC Emergency Broadband Program

The Emergency Broadband Benefit is an FCC program to help families and households struggling to afford internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic. This new benefit will connect eligible households to jobs, critical healthcare services, virtual classrooms, and so much more.

• Learn more about eligibility guidelines, here.

Girl Develop It

Girl Develop It is a nonprofit organization that creates welcoming, supportive opportunities for women and non-binary adults to learn software development skills. Through classes, projects, and events, GDI students develop code, confidence, and community. They offer various virtual classes for those interested in learning various front end languages and tolls including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, UX and more.

• To learn ore about their available virtual classes, click here.

Update on Pandemic-Related Unemployment Benefits

Effective on June 26, 2021 Texas will be ending compensation related to the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes the $300 weekly unemployment supplement from the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation Program.

• To learn more about this decision, click here.

Texas Jobseekers Training & Education

Metrix Learning Skills Enhancement is a FREE online learning program offered by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) in coordination with Metrix Learning. Brush up on skills to prepare for better employment opportunities. Metrix Learning is an online learning management system that helps jobseekers upgrade their skills and gain certifications to secure employment. To check out their online learning programs, click here. Adult Learners The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) program supports opportunities for individuals who are at least 16 years old, lack a high school credential or function below the high school level, or are unable to speak, read or write English, and are seeking career training, high school equivalency preparation or college. TWC partners with local AEL providers, Workforce Solutions offices, and nonprofit agencies to promote an increased opportunity for adult learners to transition to postsecondary education, training or employment. To find an AEL provider near you, click here.

Arts and Culture 

City of Dallas Poet Laureate

The City of Dallas is searching for its first-ever Poet Laureate. The selected poet will hold the title for a 2-year term, will be awarded $20,000 & Deep Vellum will publish a collection of their work. The Dallas Poet Laureate will be a liaison, advocate and leader who will inspire the diverse residents of Dallas County to read, write, perform, and appreciate the written and spoken word by collecting literary works that commemorate Dallas and organizing literary workshop classes at various places around the city, including public libraries and Deep Vellum Books.

• If you are interested in applying, click here.

Community Garden Event: Father’s Appreciation Day

The Skip Shockley Foundation is hosting the Community Garden Event this Saturday, June 20. Come out commune, garden, and celebrate all fathers at this special event, This project is in collaboration with the Oak Cliff Veggie Project, and there are paid volunteer opportunities available for those who are interested.

• For more information email skipshockleyfoundation@gmail.com.

City Procurement Opportunities

Request For Competitive Sealed Proposals

The City of Dallas recognizes equity as a critical factor when individuals, families, neighborhoods, and communities are thriving and race no longer statistically dictates, determines or predicts ones success over a number of metrics - economic, education, housing, access to public facilities and other essential services. The City is committed to promoting equity, inclusion, and diversity in all aspects of city government through all city policies and services by addressing historic and current disparities that continue to affect Dallas residents. On March 24, 2021, the Dallas City Council unanimously passed the City’s first Racial Equity Resolution that called for the development of a comprehensive Racial Equity Plan (REP). The Office of Equity and Inclusion – Equity Division will lead this effort that will include building opportunities for a strategic and robust community engagement, leveraging community partnerships, and collaborating and strengthening communications with all residents and constituents to inform city-wide goals and measures to reduce racial and ethnic disparities.

• Requests for Competitive Sealed Proposals (RFCSP) will be available in the third quarter of 2021 to develop the REP framework with the Office of Equity & Inclusion. More information will be made available soon. To register as a vendor with the City of Dallas and receive information on procurement opportunities Click Here.

City of Dallas Procurement Services

The City of Dallas Office of Procurement Services has various opportunities for outside organizations to engage with the city. To view more information, visit their website. Select open procurements that may be of interest are listed below. For a comprehensive list of open procurement opportunities, visit: dallascityhall.bonfirehub.com. Please be advised that once an opportunity is advertised, it is considered an open procurement until the City Council awards the contract. The Code of Ethics prohibits communication between councilmembers and vendors/ suppliers on open procurements.

• To view more information, visit their website.

General Resources

Diversity and Impact in Dallas

Dallas Global Shapers presents a conversation on diversity and impact in the DFW area. They are highlighting BIPOC businesses in the DFW area that are making an impact during their panel session. They will be having Susana Cruz, from Chicana in Nature, and Imani McLaurin, from Naturally Litt speaking. Followed by a networking session, where attendees can discuss community issues and ways to solve them through the Global Shaper Platform.

• To learn more about this event and claim tickets, click here.

FY 2021-22 Budget Priorities Survey

The City of Dallas is starting the budget process for next year, and we want to hear from you. What are your priorities for the City? How do you recommend we spend your tax dollars? Tell the city in their budget priorities survey. Your feedback will help guide decisions on priorities for the upcoming fiscal year.

• To take the survey, click here.

Education

Women’s Workforce Readiness Initiative

The Women's Workforce Readiness Initiative is a program providing 550 Dallas-area women with the necessary social support and technical and soft-skills training needed to secure employment in high-growth industries such as Advanced Manufacturing and Logistics, Sales and Marketing, Food and Hospitality Management, and others. 

• ​If you are interested in learning more, click here.

Dallas Community Fellowship Inc

The Dallas Community Fellowship Inc sponsors various educational programs to help students sharpen their artistic, computer, and academic skills. There are also summer camp opportunities for students to participate in during the summer.

• If you are interested in learning more, click here.

Citi Tech Camp

Limited spots available for this dynamic tech camp designed to introduce rising 8th grade girls to the working world of STEM related careers by providing hands-on engagement with STEM programming in a virtual environment. These young innovators to be work in small group project and alongside professionals learning about STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) careers and industries.

• To register for this camp, click here.

Employment

Dallas Jobseekers Club

Join the Dallas Jobseekers Club for their upcoming webinars focused on prepping the perfect resume and vocational rehabilitation services. Dallas Jobseekers Club is for you if you are out of work, underemployed, or looking for a new direction. It's a welcoming, informal online meet-up on the first and third Thursday of each month, for you to find resources and build your network. 

• To learn more, click here.

Girls Inc Job Opportunities

Girls Inc of Metropolitan Dallas is expanding their program team! If you are passionate about serving and empowering girls and enjoy active, dynamic work with a supportive team send in an application.

• To explore their opportunities, click here.

Young Adult Program: Work Training

Are you between the ages of 17-24 and are looking for free work training? The Wilkinson Center is hosting an info session at the Northwest Community Center to tell individuals about the opportunities that are available in IT, medical, HVAC, and more.

• To learn more, click here.

Housing

Dallas Rental Assistance Collaborative

These DRAC partner organizations are here to lend a hand. An “eligible household” is defined as a renter household in which at least one or more individuals meets the criteria set for by the collaborative. The assistance provided can be used for direct financial assistance, including rent, rental arrears, utilities and home energy costs, utilities and home energy costs arrears, and other expenses related to housing.

• To learn more, click here.

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. 

Dallas Eviction Assistance Initiative

The City of Dallas Office of Equity and Inclusion in partnership with Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas has established an eviction assistance initiative consisting of education, training and legal representation to Dallas residential rental tenants who are negatively impacted by COVID-19 and unable to pay rent to remain in their homes. 

• Eligible residents can apply, by clicking here

Food

Seeds to Supper Summer Recipe Contest

Summer is a great time to grow fresh produce-outside or inside your home! Now through June 18^th, submit up to 2 recipes using tomatoes, basil and lettuce and you could win an in-home garden kit or a year’s supply of plant pods.

• For more information and to submit your entry, click here.

North Texas Food Bank Summer Meals

Children need nutritious meals to learn, grow and thrive — even when school is out. With the Summer Meal Programs, children and teens ages 18 and younger, and enrolled students with disabilities up to 21 years old can continue to eat healthy throughout the summer at no cost at any participating meal site.

• To find a meal site near you, click here.

            Dallas ISD Food Curbside Meals

Dallas ISD has kicked off their Free Summer Meals! Food & Child Nutrition Services is providing meals to all eligible children at no cost whether in school or virtual! Our curbside service is every Wednesday from 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM. Meals will be served at schools throughout the district.

• To learn more, click here.

In-Person Garden Workshops

The North Texas Foodbank is bringing back their in-person garden workshops. Join them for their next garden workshops in Jan’s Garden at their Perot Family Campus in Plano. This month’s topic is all about composting! Sign-ups will be closing Friday, June 18, at 5p.m.

• To learn more and sign up, click here.

Health

Get Tested and Grab a Bite 2021: National HIV Testing Day

Get tested! According to the CDC, 1 in 7 people living with HIV and don’t know it. Updating your HIV and STD health status every 3 to 6 months or more frequently depending on your sexual activity is important. Free testing will be provided by Dallas County. All information and results are kept confidential to comply with HIPAA regulations. Grab a bite! Food will be provided by B.O.B. The first 75 people to get tested will receive a rib plate.

• To learn more and register for this event, click here.

Immigrant Affairs

Skilled Immigrant Integration Program

We are excited to announce that the Welcoming Communities & Immigrant Affairs Division is now part of the World Education Service (WES) Global Talent Bridge’s Skilled Immigrant Integration Program cohort. We are joining 24 other communities — from Maine to Alaska — to advance the economic integration of immigrants and refugees with international education and experience. Through the Skilled Immigrant Integration Program, we will be receiving technical assistance from national leaders in the field to bolster our Welcoming programming and networks.

• Learn more here. #ImmigrantsThrive.

Temporary Protected Status Designated Country: Haiti

Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas announced a new Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for Haiti for 18 months. Specific duration dates for the designation and instructions for applying for TPS will be included in the upcoming Federal Register notice on TPS Haiti.

• To learn more about this new designation and where to file, click here.

Mega Citizenship Workshop

All are invited to CCD’s free Citizenship Workshop on June 26th at San Juan Diego Catholic Church. The first 75 people will be served on a ‘first come first serve’ basis. Upon arrival, you will be asked to register and wait in your vehicle until your name is called. To find out what documents you must take, please visit ccdallas.org/citizenship.

• To learn more, click here.

Immigrant Heritage Month

In addition to celebrating Pride, June is National Immigrant Heritage month – an opportunity for Americans to celebrate and reflect on immigrants’ profound contributions to the United States. To celebrate Welcoming Communities and Immigrant Affairs Division is asking Dallasites to share their immigration stories that can be featured on the Dallas Welcoming Communities and Immigrant Affairs social media channels.

• To share your immigrant heritage story – fill out the form here.

Internet 

Connect Week

For nearly a year, the Internet for All Coalition has gathered school districts, cities and community leaders to collectively drive solutions that help close the digital divide in Dallas County. Connect Week is a series of community outreach events that aims to uncover what barriers families living in the 24 least connected zipcodes face in getting connected. During Connect Week community-based organizations will also talk directly with families to solicit feedback on potential broadband solutions to ensure maximum adoption.

• Share your internet experience with them by clicking here.

LGBTQ+ 

Dallas Southern Pride Annual Juneteenth Unity Weekend

Dallas Southern Pride invites you to join them on June 18-20, 2021 for their Annual Unity Weekend as they celebrate the brilliance of who and what Dallas Southern Pride is as Same-Gender-Loving People of Color.

• To learn more about the events and hosts of this event, click here.

Pride Events in Dallas

In honor of Pride Month there are various yearly events taking place along the city! These events will be taking place all around the city from concerts to educational events.

• To explore these events, click here.

Small Business Support

B.U.I.L.D. Ecosystem Small Business Grant Program

The City of Dallas is offering a small business microgrant program to award up to $2,000 eligible to small businesses in Dallas County. The application period is from June 15-20 and will be focused on providing grants to minority and women-owned businesses located in Southern Dallas.

• To learn more, click here.

A Workplace Divided: Understanding the Climate for LGBTQ Workers Nationwide

In A Workplace Divided: Understanding the Climate for LGBTQ Workers Nationwide, Human Rights Campaign Foundation seeks to uncover the prevalence of LGBTQ workers feeling pressure to hide their sexual orientation and/ or gender identity on the job and the cost of that hiding both to individuals and employer’s writ large.

• To read their findings and learn more, click here.

Small Non-Profits and Ultra Small Businesses Boot Camp

Join the City of Dallas along with DFW Opportunity Center and BB&T to learn more about baking, paperwork compliance, funding opportunities, and contracting with the City. The event will be taking place June 17 at the Thurgood Marshall Recreation Center at 6:30pm.

• To register or for more information call/text 214-454-7981.

Transportation 

Go-Link Dart Service

DART is now offering Go-Link for the residents of the community. Go-Link can pick residents up and take them back home. You can use the Go-Pass app to schedule your ride or you can call 214-452-1827, Monday thru Friday 8a.m to 4p.m.

• To learn more about this service, click here.

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