Message from the City Manager and Chief of Equity and Inclusion

Dear Residents of Dallas,

Increased vaccination efforts across the City and State allowed many of our families to take a sigh of relief. We are all eager to get back to some sense of normalcy since this pandemic began. Unfortunately, the pandemic is not yet over, and we must not let our guard down. Recent data from Johns Hopkins University shows a surge in new cases and hospitalization – driven primarily by the highly contagious Delta variant. We must all do our part and get vaccinated. About 51.31% of the Dallas populations has been vaccinated with at least one dose!

Fair Park, the largest vaccination site in North Texas closed permanently last Saturday as the demand for vaccines dropped, yet cases are increasing almost exclusively in the unprotected population. If you are interested in getting vaccinated or learning more about the process, please visit the Dallas County COVID-19 Hub. We urge those who are eligible to receive the vaccine to jumpstart that process not only for themselves, but to also protect our children and immunosuppressed communities of Dallas who are not yet able to receive the vaccine.

The pandemic cannot take a back seat in our minds. Please continue wearing your masks and enforcing social distancing wherever you go and stay up to date with published CDC guidelines for both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals.

Sincerely,

                                  T.C. Broadnax                             Liz Cedillo-Pereira

                                   City Manager                        Chief of Equity and Inclusion

COVID-19 Testing and Vaccination

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.

Financial Empowerment

Balance Programs and Toolkits

Balance’s comprehensive financial counseling and education services can help people achieve financial independence. Whether it’s reducing debt, buying a home, retaining a home, or simply improving money management skills, they provide guidance every step of the way. They offer financial toolkits on various topics to help individuals make financial decisions.

• To explore these financial toolkits, click here.

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is here to help families and individuals on their financial journey. Browse by money topic to find answers to commonly asked financial questions. Learn the basics, understand key terms, and find ways to act when you have an issue.

• To browse the topics available, click here.

Utility Bill Assistance

Lifeline Support

Lifeline is the FCC's program to help make communications services more affordable for low-income consumers. Lifeline provides subscribers a discount on monthly telephone service, broadband Internet service, or bundled voice-broadband packages purchased from participating wireline or wireless providers. The discount helps ensure that low-income consumers can afford 21^st century broadband and the access it provides to jobs, healthcare, and educational resources.

• To learn more about Lifeline and apply, click here.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps keep families safe and healthy through initiatives that assist families with energy costs. They provide federally funded assistance in managing costs associated with home energy bills, energy crises, weatherization and energy-related minor home repairs.

• To learn more and apply, click here.

Texas Driver Education Resources

Texas Department of Licensing and Registration

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation offers driver education and safety resources for individuals to use in preparation for driving exams. Curriculum content is available in American Sign Language as well!

• To explore these resources, click here.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Teen Driving NHTSA’s Teen Driving site contains information on states' driver licensing requirements for teens as well as ideas and resources to help you—the parents—lay down the ground rules with your aspiring driver. Here you will find in-depth information on some of the most common safety problems novice teen drivers should avoid. Educate yourself about the consequences of illegal alcohol use by minors, the benefits of seat belt use, the growing epidemic of distracted driving, and much more. To learn more about teen safety driving, click here.

State Eviction Diversion Program Extension

The Texas Supreme Court has issued a new emergency order that has extended the COVID-19 pandemic eviction diversion program. The new order extends it until October 1^st. The program allows tenants and their landlords to voluntarily agree to pursue state assistance in order to avoid evictions.

• To learn more about the program and its extension, click here.

Stop TX Eviction

Stop TV Eviction is offering free information and resources for individuals in need of assistance. They can help you understand your rights and the eviction process and locate rent assistance to get caught up. Under this new program, the court has to offer the parties a chance to apply for up to six months’ worth of rent. If the landlord and tenant work together to apply and get this rental assistance, the court will then dismiss the eviction case.

• To learn more about this program, click here.

Lonestar Legal Aid

Lone Star Legal Aid’s resources offers Texas individuals and families impacted by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic guidance. It contains information from us as well as links to resources from trusted organizations. If you need immediate legal assistance, you can reach us to apply for our services over the telephone at 1-800-733-8394.

• To apply for services online, click here.

Arts and Culture

Free Music Classes

The Dallas Public Library offers courses to help students Learn how to read music, understand chord and melodic theory, and to play the piano, keyboard, guitar, or violin. Participants are encouraged to attend a weekly session but can join at any time. This program is available online only. Registration is required. Details on how to participate will be emailed.

• To find a music class that interests you, click here.

City Procurement Opportunities

New Procurement Opportunities

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.

Education

Youth Summit and Diversity Dialogue

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson invites high school students from throughout the DFW Metroplex to submit their applications for her annual Youth Summit & Diversity Dialogue. This prestigious event is held at Southern Methodist University’s Umphrey Lee Center, and provides students the opportunity to learn leadership skills and to delve into a further understanding of the significance of diversity from professional leaders and prominent youth. This year the event will take place on Monday, August 9, 2021, from 8:00AM to 4:00PM.

• To register for this summit, click here.

Dallas College Young Adult Education Program

Dallas College is offering courses year round for young adults ages 18-24 who need college and career training. Classes are being offered in engineering technology, math and science, manufacturing, hospitality, and health sciences. Daytime and evening classes are available.

• To receive more information, click here.

Robotics Booster Camp

Emmett J. Conrad students who are interested in robotics are invited to attend the Robotics Booster Camp. Learn how to build, learn, and compete during the week of August 9-13 from 9am-4pm. Registration is required for all who are interested.

• To sign up, click here.

Employment

Junior Cloud Practitioner

Generation USA offers a free 10-week program to jump-start your career in tech as a Jr. Cloud Practitioner. Their free, online program offers you the opportunity to learn all you need to be successful in a technology career – from the technical knowledge to the soft skills that will help you achieve your potential. After the program, graduates have the opportunity to explore different learning outcomes like apprenticeships, internships, continuing education, or full-time employment.

• To learn more about how to build your skills online, click here.

UTSW Careers

UT Southwestern provides a competitive and comprehensive benefits package to all regular employees, as well as some benefits to eligible temporary and student employees. They have a variety of jobs available that can be filtered to fit your locations preferences.

• To learn more about the positions available, click here.

Job Corps

Job Corps is the largest, free job training and education program in the country. You can get the experience and skills you need to start a career that's right for you, go on to college. There are 100+ training areas to choose from, the options for your career are endless.

• To learn more about the opportunities available, click here.

Food

Healthy Summer Meals for Kids

Dallas ISD Food's On-Site Summer Meals brings free meals to children and youth 18 years and younger at participating sites throughout Dallas on Wednesdays! Meals are available to all children in the area, ages 1 to 18, or to age 19 if enrolled in school, and to students with disabilities without regard to age.

• To learn more and find a participating site near you, click here.

Minnie’s Food Pantry

Minnie’s Food Pantry continues to offer their contact free serving experience for families and individuals. They ask that the trunk be empty so they can put the food in the trunk and prevent little to no contact. They practice social distancing and we periodically we offer free PPE supplies to the families they serve. Their hours of operation are Wednesday-Saturday from 8:30am-11:30am.

• To learn more about their drive-thru experience, click here.

CitySquare Food Pantry

The CitySquare Food Pantry operates on a first come, first-served basis with no pre-registration required. They are open to all zip codes. Neighbors can pick up groceries at our Pantry once every two weeks. We are operating in a drive-thru model with a walk-up station for individuals who walk or take the bus. Groceries are pre-packed to ensure the process is quick and safe, and that we maintain necessary safety precautions. 

• To learn more about their hours of operation, click here.

General Resources

Nonprofit Success Institute

This partnership between United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, Communities Foundation of Texas and State Fair of Texas provides training and resources to enable small nonprofits, churches and neighborhood associations to operate more efficiently, increase their impact and successfully compete for funding.

• To explore their speaker series and resources, click here.

Vision Zero Dallas

It’s time for Dallas residents to help the City improve your safety on the road! You are invited to take the Vision Zero survey to give feedback on the issues and improvements you think are most critical to improving traffic safety. The following survey should take approximately five minutes to complete and will help the City determine what areas to focus. The City is making it a priority to  end traffic deaths and reduce serious injuries.

• To complete the survey, click here.

Housing

The M.I.N.T. Foundation

The MINT CARES Financial Assistance Program has partnered with the City of DeSoto, the City of Dallas, and The United Way Metropolitan Dallas to provide rental and utility assistance for households whose income has been impacted by COVID-19. Qualified applicants must meet certain geographic and income criteria to be authorized for funding. All documents must be submitted with every application before any decision can be determined.

• To learn more about the requirements for City of Dallas residents, click here.

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.

Seminar on Emergency Rental Assistance Programs

A free seminar on emergency rental assistance programs will be held this Friday, July 30, at Justice of the Peace Precinct 1 by Legal Aid and City Square. Please join them to learn about the Texas Rent Relief programs and other rental funding sources. 

• To join the seminar, click here.

Health

COVID-19 Community Vaccine Event

Project Unity in partnership with Catalyst Health Network are offering the 1^st dose of Pfizer vaccine for those who are age 12 and older. As well as a single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine for those ages 18 years and older. There will be free lunch and giveaways for those who get vaccinated.

• To learn more about the event, click here.

Immigrant Affairs

DACA Court Order Updates

On July 16, 2021, a U.S. district court in Texas issued a decision and injunction in Texas v. United States, holding that Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is unlawful but allowing DACA to continue for current recipients and allowing, for now, for continued renewals. Various immigration coalitions have come forth to establish guidelines for Dreamers and DACA recipients with pressing questions.

• To access United We Dream’s DACA guidance, click here.
• To read the National Immigration’s Law Center ruling breakdown, click here.

LGBTQ+       

LGBTQ Youth Services

Youth First is one of the only LGBTQ-focused programs in North Texas that addresses the challenges LGBTQ teens face at home, school and in the community. Youth First serves LGBTQ and allied youth, ages 12-18 and equips them with the tools and resources they need to live an authentic life through year-round, free programming that decreases high-risk behaviors, reduces social isolation, and increases self-esteem. 

• To learn more about the support groups for youth, click here.

Small Business Support

SBA Lender Match

If you’re interested in being connected to lenders use the SBA’s lender match tool by answering a set of questions in order to receive an email with information from lenders who are interested in offering their services to you. You have an opportunity to compare rates and submit loan applications once you are ready.

• To explore lender match, click here.

Texas Rangers and Comerica Bank Call Up

If you're a woman-owned and/or minority-owned small business within 50 miles of Globe Life Field, you are invited to enter the Comerica Call-Up contest. The grand prize winner will receive advertising and marketing support on the Rangers’ social channels, on the Rangers Radio Network, and in the Rangers’ 2022 game program, as well as four tickets to a 2022 Rangers game at Globe Life Field and a private suite night provided by Comerica Bank.

• To learn more and apply, click here.

Take Care of Business Vaccination Campaign Toolkit

The Dallas Regional Chamber (DRC) believes that protecting the health of our community and ensuring a total economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic is everyone’s business. They have launched Their Take Care of Business vaccine awareness campaign to encourage 600,000 more North Texans to get the vaccine in the coming months.

• To explore their toolkit and use the information, click here.

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Resilience Division

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Welcoming Communities and Immigrant Affairs Division Fair Housing Division