Message from the City Manager and Chief of Equity and Inclusion

Dear Residents of Dallas,

Technology has redefined our daily lives. Technological devices and broadband access are essential to our productivity and connectivity efforts. Both personal and professional relationships rely on the ability  to stay in touch with one another. Digital Inclusion Week 2021 gives us the opportunity to highlight national and local connectivity efforts to help bridge the digital divide and ensure that no resident is left behind.

In the FY 2021-2022 Adopted Budget, the City allocated funding to bridge the digital divide through infrastructure and digital equity initiatives such as wi-fi at City parks and recreation centers, and the laptop and hotspot distribution program through Dallas Public Library.   This week’s issue provides information related to low-cost and affordable plans, federal subsidies and general support services. We hope you will share this across your networks.

Additionally, Monday, October 11, is Indigenous People’s Day! The City first recognized Indigenous People’s Day three years ago in 2019. Efforts to ensure that the day was recognized were led by Leroy Strongcloud, a member of the Lipan Apache Tribe of Texas. The tribe has been a constant source of support and advocacy for indigenous issues in the North Texas Region. This is a time for commemoration and allyship. The Mitchell Museum will be hosting an online event honoring the stories and legacies of indigenous people who never returned from Indian Boarding Schools. Committing ourselves to an honest retelling and understanding of history is vital to strengthening community relations. 

Furthermore, Councilmember Omar Narvaez (District 6), who vigorously championed to adopt Indigenous People's day as an official holiday by incorporating the cause into the last budget adoption, will be hosting a celebratory event. Join local American Indian speakers, organizations, and enjoy cultural activities!

Sincerely,

                                  T.C. Broadnax                             Liz Cedillo-Pereira

                                   City Manager                     Chief of Equity and Inclusion

COVID-19 Testing and Vaccination

City of Dallas COVID-19 Updates

The City of Dallas is working around-the-clock to update information related to the COVID-19 virus on their online platform. Here you can find the most up-to-date information related to testing sites, vaccines, and resources available to help residents in need. Outreach toolkits and business resources are also available

• To keep informed on the latest information regarding COVID-19 in Dallas, click here.

Dallas County COVID-19 Vaccinations

In order to receive a vaccine from DCHHS pop-up clinic walk-ups are welcome, however, appointments are encouraged! Fair Park vaccinations ended Saturday, July 17^th. For those that are in need of their second dose, contact DCHHS to schedule or find a different vaccine location to receive the appropriate vaccine.

• To learn more about vaccination registration for Dallas County residents, click here.

Mobile Vaccine Program

The state mobile program provides a way for Texas businesses and people who are homebound to schedule free mobile vaccinations.

• Texas businesses, groups, or civic organizations with five or more individuals who voluntarily choose to be vaccinated can call 844-90-TEXAS (844-908-3927) and select Option 3 to schedule a visit.
• Texans who are homebound can call 844-90-TEXAS (844-908-3927) and select Option 1 to request a state mobile vaccination team to come to their home.

National Vaccine Finder

There are many ways to get fully vaccinated in Texas—you don’t need health insurance and the vaccine is always free. The Moderna (age 18+), Pfizer-BioNTech (age 12+), and Johnson & Johnson (age 18+) vaccine are currently being administered nationally, and the CDC has made it easier for individuals to get vaccinated through their National Vaccine Finder that helps you find a location through your zip code.

• To find a location near you today, click here.

Dallas County COVID-19 Testing

Dallas County COVID-19 Testing

Drive-Thru Locations

Dallas County currently has two drive-thru testing locations. Both sites may close early if daily testing limits have been met. In addition to the two drive-thru testing sites, several locations across the city of Dallas are offering testing as well as mobile and walk-up testing options.  

• To find the most convenient testing location for you, click here.

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

Paul Quinn College, free no-cost testing:

• Location: 3837 Simpson Stuart Road, Dallas, Texas 75241 •
• Hours of Operation: Saturdays from 10am to 4pm
• Requirements: Valid email address & phone number required, no insurance, residency, or symptoms required for testing

Emergency Broadband Benefit

Emergency Broadband Benefit

The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program is helping people stay connected during the COVID-19 pandemic. The program provides a temporary discount on monthly broadband bills for qualifying low-income households. If your household is eligible, you can receive various discounts on your internet services!

• To learn more about this fund and apply by visiting here.

Low-Cost Technology Resources

PCs for People

PCs for People recycles business electronics and provides refurbished tech to low-income households. They offer affordable high-speed internet services on the go through mobile hotspots. Additionally, they help connect individuals to free classes and resources to help them become more comfortable using a computer and the internet.

• To learn more about their various programs that are helping bridge the digital divide, click here.

Computers with Causes

Computers with Causes refurbishes and donates computers from generous donors to individuals in need of one. They invite anyone in need of a working computer to complete their application. Computers with Causes performs a strict need assessment, background and reference check to eliminate false requests.

• To learn more and view their application, click here.

COMP-U-DOPT

Comp-U-Dopt is excited to be bringing their education programs to the City of Dallas. They are currently enrolling students in their Learn2Earn program for Fall 2021. This program is for high school students who have an interest in gaining tangible technology skills for the workforce today. Students work with real-world programs and technology up close and personal, at the end of the program they receive a refurbished laptop computer to keep.

• To learn more about this program for high school program, click here.

COVID-19 Booster Shots

The CDC recommends that certain populations receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after completion of their 2-dose Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine series. Data from a small clinical trial show that a Pfizer-BioNTech booster shot increased the immune response in trial participants who finished their primary series 6 months earlier. With an increased immune response, people should have improved protection against COVID-19, including the Delta variant.

• To learn more about the CDC’s COVID-19 vaccine guidelines, click here.

HUD Issues Rule Protecting Tenants Facing Eviction in HUD-Assisted Properties

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on Wednesday announced that it will publish a rule that prohibits the eviction of tenants facing eviction for nonpayment of rent from HUD-subsidized public housing and certain properties with project-based rental assistance without providing a 30-day notice period that includes information about available federal emergency rental assistance.

• To read the entire press release, click here. 

State Food Resources

Feeding Texas

The Feeding Texas network is the largest hunger-relief organization in Texas. Together with 21-member food banks, they reach over 5 million Texans annually with food and resources and engage the state in the fight against hunger. Feeding Texas can help individuals and families find their nearest local food bank.

• To get connected to groceries and other helpful services near you, click here.

Meals on Wheels Texas

Meals on Wheels Texas is an association of home-delivered and congregate meals programs for seniors and adults with disabilities in Texas. Clients are able pick-up meals at a central location near them or have them delivered directly to them.

• If you are interested in finding a meal provider in your area, click here.

Caregiver's Corner

Navigate Life Texas

Navigate Life Texas offers support and guidance for families raising children with disabilities. They help families through the entire process from diagnosis, education, financial help, and family support. Parents with experience are available to guide families and their children.

• To explore the resources offered by Navigate Life Texas, click here.

 Parent Companion: First Five Years

Parent Companion is written by parents that have children with disabilities to provide families with support and trustworthy, relevant information. Parent Companion is here to help you connect with other parents who know what you are going through, as well as help you find the support and services you need to improve the quality of life for your child and your family.

• To explore the resources available, click here.

Arts and Culture

Dallas Museum of Art Naudline Pierre Exhibition

The DMA presents the first solo museum exhibition of works by Naudline Pierre, whose vividly hued paintings portray opaque, otherworldly narratives through depictions of supernatural beings entangled in complex scenes of struggle and intimacy. This exhibition, which will feature the debut of five newly created paintings and the DMA’s recent acquisition Lest You Fall, will consider the possibilities of speculation and fantasy in offering love, care, and routes for escape. Admission is free!

• To learn more about the exhibit, click here.

City Opportunities

City 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.

City Employment Opportunities

The City of Dallas has a variety of open position available through different departments for individuals who are interested in joining the city workforce. All opportunities are available through an online portal, in order to apply, interested individuals will need to create an account using a valid email address and unique password.

• To search for opportunities available with the city, click here.

Planning & Urban Design Ambassador Program

Want to help build awareness in your community? The P+UD Ambassador Program is seeking to engage civic-minded Dallas residents to increase awareness, build understanding and help communicate the value of city planning in land development and neighborhood improvement processes. Join the Planning & Urban Design Ambassador Program.

• To learn more about the ambassador program, click here.

Education

Education Opens Doors

Education Opens Doors has created and compiled resources to help middle school and high school parents meet their children’s needs in thoughtful, innovative ways to ensure their success during this time of virtual teaching and learning. You will find everything from short online lessons for supplemental learning to tips for having conversations around social and emotional health to how to create a detailed plan for a student’s post-secondary success!

• To explore the hub of SEL resources, click here.

Young Leaders Strong City: School to Prison Pipeline

Join Young Leaders, Strong City as they invite the youth of today to discuss the School to Prison Pipeline. Students will have the chance to discuss dress codes, police in schools, and connect with peers from across the district. The event will be taking place Saturday, October 9^th at 11am CST.

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

Employment

Best Hire Career Fairs

Are you looking for a job in the Dallas area? Best Hire Career Fairs has provided the best hiring events in the country for the last five years. They help identify what employers are looking for and match them with the best candidates. If you’re in the market for a new job or advancing your current career, you will want to be at this event. Make sure you arrive early. Doors will open at 11 am, and the event will end at 2 pm on October 14, 2021.

• To learn more about this career fair, click here.

Dallas Diversity Virtual Career Fair

Each year, DiversityX Job Fairs help thousands of Job Seekers find their next career move. Register today and access the company list and available jobs. The day of the event job seekers will have the opportunity to connect online with hiring managers and recruiters. Cut through the endless resume submissions and the drawn-out waiting periods by bringing top employers, franchisors, and educational institutions directly to you. This hiring event will be taking place Thursday, October 21, 2021.

• To register for this virtual hiring event, click here.

Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins You’re Hired Job Fair

Join Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins Thursday, October 7th, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for the Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins You’re Hired Job Fair 2021 at Dallas Heritage Village (1515 S. Harwood St., Dallas, 75215). Parking is free; details are listed below.

• To learn more about the event and register, click here.

Food

The Oak Food Pantry

The Oak has been providing food and toiletries to the Oak Cliff community since 2013 and has served more than 1200 individuals and families combined. Walk-ins are welcome Saturdays from 10am-12pm. Families will receive a variety of canned foods and more goods.

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

Sharing Life Food Pantry

Sharing Life Food Pantry offers a full-service client choice food pantry. Their partnership with the North Texas Food Bank has provided the opportunity to offer better quality food and a more affordable service to the surrounding smaller food pantries. The Sharing Life Food Pantry serves the following areas: Mesquite, Garland, Sunnyvale, Rowlett, Rockwall, and Forney.

• To learn more about their requirements and become a client, click here.

General Resources

Girls Inc. international Day of the Girl

International Day of the Girl is a time to celebrate the strengths and contributions of every girl. Join Girls Inc. of Metropolitan Dallas to celebrate as girls gain the tools to identify and advocate for their safety. This includes safety online, safety in relationships, and safety in their environments. The celebration will take place Saturday, October 9, 2021.

• To register for this awesome celebration, click here.

47^th Annual Harambee Festival

Harambee is the oldest and largest African American cultural event in the Dallas/Ft. Worth metroplex, with over 15,000 in attendance.  The festival is a community-based educational and cultural event that was created in the early 1970’s to form a safe and alternative celebration to Halloween. The event will be taking place this year on Saturday, October 30^th at 10am at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center.

• To learn more about the event, click here.

Indigenous People's Day in the City of Dallas

Join Councilmember Omar Narvaez (District 6) for the Third Annual Indigenous People's Day in the City of Dallas. Join local American Indian speakers, organizations & enjoy cultural activities. The event will be taking place this Sunday, October 10, 2021. 

• To learn more about the event, click here. 

Housing

City of Dallas Home Improvement & Preservation Program

The City of Dallas HIPP program provides homeowners money to perform major https://www.harmonycdc.org/eventsrepairs to their homes. If you have questions about what is covered, how to apply or anything else about the program join an upcoming Q&A session. The HIPP application closes 09/11.

• To learn more about the application, 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.

JP Court 1-1 Minimizing Evictions Event

The Community Unites with JP Court 1-1 to Minimize Evictions! Join community partners on Tuesday, October 12, 2021, from 10 am-Noon at JP Court 1-1 to learn more about Rent Relief funds and other resources available to the community. Harmony CDC, United Way of Dallas, North Texas Legal Aid, CitySquare, Salvation Army, Dallas Eviction Advocacy Center, and others will be sharing valuable information. There will be representatives with access to City of Dallas and Dallas County rent assistance funds on site.

• To learn more about how to assist the even in-person OR virtually, click here. 

Health

Walk-in-Wednesdays Flu Vaccines

Walk-in-Wednesdays is starting this week! Flu shots are available every Wednesday at Parkland Community Health Centers throughout Dallas County from 9 am to 11 am and 1 to 4pm. No appointment necessary.

• To learn more, click here.

Flu Shots at Vickery Health Center

Vickery Heath Center will be hosting a free flu drive on 10/16, 9am-12pm. No appointment necessary. 

Immigrant Affairs

Haitian Refugees Support

For those localities that have seen an increase in recent Haitian arrivals, it may be worth connecting with your local refugee resettlement agencies and your state refugee services agency to find out more about the Cuban/Haitian Entrant Program (CHEP).

• To learn more about the eligibility requirements for this program, click here.

Cities for Action General Updates

Cities for Action is a coalition of more than 150 U.S. mayors and county executives across America advocating for pro-immigrant public policies and launching innovative, inclusive programs and policies at the local level. They have worked to compile a brief of several recent federal policy updates regarding immigration to help cities better serve their residents.

• To read their brief and resources, click here.

LGBTQ+

Resource Center Education & Training

Does your organization or business know how to create a fully inclusive environment for LGBTQ employees and clients? Resource Center offers cultural competency training at the 101-level and beyond to introduce participants to LGBTQ terms, proper use of pronouns, the coming out process, phobias and “-isms” and give you workplace calls to action to support and affirm LGBTQ colleagues or clients. 

• To learn more and take part in their training programs, click here.

Small Business Support

DRC Hispanic Heritage Month Resources

The Dallas Regional Chamber has compiled a resource guide to highlight the contributions and culture of the Hispanic community. The DRC’s theme is Esperanza: A Celebration of Hispanic Heritage and Hope, which aims to recognize the diversity within the Hispanic and Latinx community. Check out their events, watch the documentaries and take action to celebrate the Hispanic/Latinx community!

• To access their resources, click here.

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