Message from the City Manager and Chief of Equity and Inclusion

Dear Residents of Dallas,

October is Filipino American History Month and we would like to extend our solidarity and support to our Filipino communities of Dallas. The contributions of Filipino Americans and immigrants throughout history, but particularly during the pandemic, have allowed our city to flourish in the face of discord. In Texas, Filipinos make up 56% of our nurse cohort! However, beyond the medical field their contributions run deep in the business, law, and public sectors. Our very own fearless Resilience Officer, Genesis D. Gavino, has been instrumental in the implementation of various city-wide efforts, such as the Broadband and Digital Equity Strategic Plan. 

The Filipino American National Historical Society has announced this year’s theme: 50 Years Since the First Young Filipino People’s Far West Convention. The theme is set to recognize and celebrate the first convention dedicated for young Filipino students in the U.S., who organized in response to a plethora of issues affecting their communities. Conversations surrounding the growing Filipino student movement and farmworker movement were spearheaded during the 1971 convention.

Filipinos’ history in the US began before the convention. Filipino “Luzones indios” first arrived on the shores of Morro Bay, California on October 18, 1587, as indentured servants and sailors accompanying Spanish conquistadors. The deeply embedded history of Filipinos in the United States is often erased. We encourage everyone to remain committed to a holistic recollection of history by supporting organizations like the Filipino American National Historical Society that promote events to educate on Filipino efforts and issues.

Additionally, we are pleased to announce that Chief of Equity and Inclusion Liz Cedillo-Pereira has been honored by the Texas Diversity Council as a 2021 Individual DiversityFIRST™ Leadership Award winner. The award recognizes and commends organizations and individuals for outstanding achievements and sustained commitment to the pursuit of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the community and workplace. Since her appointment, Liz has overseen the establishment of the Office of Equity and Inclusion, the forthcoming citywide Racial Equity Plan, and works to ensure an equitable and inclusive recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

                                  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

Filipino American History Month

Google Arts and Culture Filipino American History Month Initiative

From veteran to Tony award winners, from labor movement leaders to gold medalists, Google Arts & Culture invites you to discover the rich and diverse stories, people and history of Filipino American culture.

• To view the gallery dedicated to important Filipino American moments, click here.

Filipino American History

Learn more about the history of Filipino American History Month and the pre-colonial history of Filipinos in the US from scholar and activist Kevin Nadal, Ph.D. This important thread breaks down important histories regarding the impact and histories of Filipinos in the U.S since the 1580s!

• To read this important thread, click here.

National Domestic Violence Awareness Month

The National Child Traumatic Stress Network

October was first declared as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month in 1989. Since then, October has been a time to acknowledge domestic violence survivors and be a voice for its victims. Domestic violence is prevalent in every community, and affects all people regardless of age, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, gender, race, religion, or nationality. The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) has compiled a list of helpful resources for parents and caregivers, children and teens, mental health providers, child welfare workers, law enforcement professionals, educators and school staff, and policy makers.

• To access these resources, click here.

TDEM Survey Damage Report

Was your property damaged by severe weather or flooding? The objective of the TDEM Survey Damage Report is to identify damages across Texas, to help emergency management officials across the state gain an understanding of damages that have occurred during recent natural disaster activity. Residents are asked to submit one survey per impacted address.

• To access the survey, please click here.

TDIR Cybersecurity Awareness Month

Fight the Phish! According to the FBI, phishing was the most common type of cybercrime in 2020, accounting for more than 80 percent of reported security incidents. This Cybersecurity Awareness Month the Texas Department of Information Resources (TDIR) is sharing simple, measurable steps all Americans should take to change their behavior and protect themselves online.

• To learn more about what steps to take to protect yourself online, click here.

Arts and Culture

Oak Cliff Cultural Center Lucha Libre Art Exhibition Dallas artist and curator, Jose Vargas, is seeking art entries for the Lucha Libre art exhibition. The show will be presented at the Oak Cliff Cultural Center, a facility of the City of Dallas Office of Arts and Culture, from December 11, 2021, to January 21, 2022. The central theme of the exhibition is Luchadores (Mexican Wrestlers). The term Lucha Libre translates to Free Fight, or Fight Freestyle. In Mexico, the term is used for professional wrestling. Most Luchadores/Luchadoras wear colorful masks. Typically, the wrestling match involves the técnicos (good guys) vs. the rudos (bad guys). To learn more about this upcoming art show and how to participate, click here. Dia de Los Muertos: The Everlasting Bond The Bath House Cultural Center presents Día de los Muertos: The Everlasting Bond, the gallery's 35th annual Day of the Dead exhibition from October 16 to November 6, 2021.  The exhibition features Day of the Dead altars and visual art in a variety of media. For thirty-five years, the Bath House Cultural Center’s celebration of the Day of the Dead has inspired many artists to create artwork that is moving, awe-inspiring and diverse.  Given the multifaceted aspects of the Day of the Dead, artists can explore the celebration from multiple perspectives. To learn more about this upcoming event, 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.

West Dallas Multipurpose Center Job Fair

The City of Dallas is hosting a Skilled Trade Labor Job Fair at the West Dallas Multipurpose Center (WDMC). Employers will provide information for open positions, an overview of the application process, and some may conduct interviews. Come with resumes and dressed appropriately for the outdoors. The event will be taking place October 23^rd from 9am to noon.

• To learn more about this event, click here.

Education

Race to Kindness Free Book Fair

Join Race to Kindness for a free book distribution as a part of the National “Race to 500,000 Books” campaign. Orion Monaco Jean is sharing his passion for reading with other booklovers and collecting them so more children and adults have books to call their own. New and gently loved books for people of all ages will be available to pick up for FREE at the South Dallas Cultural Center.

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

Black Girls Code Dallas Chapter

BGC chapters are organized by talented, enthusiastic volunteer leaders who are working within the STEM field in a wide array of organizations including major tech companies and universities. Each chapter works to draw in guest speakers – notable women where possible – who can relate their personal career journeys to the girls and field questions and clarify career perceptions. Their programs are creative and vibrant, and parents and grandparents have opportunities to visit and learn from the girls each year.

• To learn more about the BGC Dallas chapter upcoming events, click here.

Choose Dallas ISD

Choose Dallas ISD is a new online system that Dallas families will use to locate, apply to, and enroll in all Dallas ISD schools. November 6, 2021 Dallas ISD will be hosting a Discover event to learn about the district’s choice schools.

• To register for this upcoming webinar, click here.

Young Leaders Strong City 8^th Annual Teen Equity Summit

All 9th - 12th grade students are welcome to join Young Leaders Strong City for the 8th Annual Young Leaders, Strong City Teen Equity Summit. The summit is a half-day leadership development experience with meaningful discussions on identity, equity, and organizing for change. Check out last year's virtual summit recap>

• To register for the teen equity summit, click here.

Employment

Dallas Live Career Fair and Job Fair

Ready for a new career? National Career Fairs is the industry leader, and they are driving employers and future employees together faster than ever before. The event will be held both virtually and live on November 10, 2021 at the Crowne Plaza Dallas.

• To register for the career fair, click here.

Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas

Workforce Solutions (WSGD) is offering both in-person and virtual workforce services for jobseekers who are interested in having center professionals guiding their job search. WSGD can help people from the beginning to the end of the job search process, from creating a resume to educations and training.

• To learn more about the services offered, click here.

WorkReadyU Dallas College

Join Dallas College Trustee Diana Flores this November 6th, 2021 to explore career advancement opportunities through the WorkReadyU programming. You'll hear from career experts and Dallas College faculty on how you can benefit from the certificate courses and degrees. No registration required. 

• To learn more about their career programming, click here. 

Food

Jan Pruitt Community Pantry Schedule

The Jan Pruitt Pantry from Catholic Charities of Dallas serves residents in 75134, 75146, 75172, 75141, 75241, and 75154 zip codes. Proof of residency is required such as: current utility bill, auto insurance, driver’s license, or any government letter. To register to shop at Jan Pruitt Community Pantry, please visit us after service hours:

• Tuesday – Thursday from 9:00am – 1:00pm
• Friday from 9:00am – 1:00pm
• Saturday from 1:00pm – 4:00pm

To register as a client for the pantry, click here.

North Texas Food Bank Mobile Food Pantry

The NTFB Mobile Food Pantry distribution is taking place in various locations across the city during the month of September. There is no need to register for Mobile Pantry pick up, it is first come first served. You must have a vehicle to pick up unless otherwise specified. Mobile Pantry participants are requested to give their name and share their family size to receive food. No proof is necessary.

• To find a location near you, click here.

General Resources

Branch Out Dallas

The City of Dallas is proud to announce its annual Branch Out Dallas program that provides Dallas residents with a free 5-gallon tree for their yard. Trees help reduce air pollution, help filter stormwater and urban runoff, cool the air, and slow climate change. Now they’re asking for your help! Help them hand out trees by volunteering your time on Saturday, Nov. 6 between 8am and 1pm at one of their six pick-up locations.

• For more information email BranchOutDallas@dallascityhall.com.

Dallas Public Library Backpack Challenge

For National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, help keep our homeless neighbors warm this winter. The Dallas Public Library is collecting warm winter supplies and adult backpacks. Work with family and friends to fill backpacks or collect supplies. Drop off adult backpacks and supplies to any local Dallas Public Library location by Wednesday, November 17, 2021.

• To learn more about the Backpack Challenge and participate, 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.

Health

Los Barrios Unidos 50 Years Anniversary Celebration

Join Los Barrios Unidos for a unique, interactive event! From the comfort of your own car, enjoy a DJ spinning fun tunes, tasty treats and party favors, special performances on our custom LBU stage, digital photo areas, and so many more surprises certain to entice all of your senses! This drive-thru celebration will be taking place Thursday, October 28 from 4pm to 5:30pm.

• To get more details on the event, click here.

Immigrant Affairs

Who are the Afghan Newcomers? Understanding the Background and Socio-Cultural Strengths and Needs of Afghan Evacuees to the United States This webinar will provide an overview of events leading to the displacement of Afghan newcomers to the U.S. (also known as evacuees from Afghanistan). It will also cover the social and cultural aspects that distinguish this population from other refugee groups in the United States. This foundational information will help participants be better positioned to properly support newly arrived Afghans through services that align with their socio-cultural strengths and needs. Attendees will also have the opportunity to ask questions of a panel composed of qualified experts on the topic.

• To register for this webinar, click here.

LGBTQ+

History UnErased

LGBTQ+ History Month is a month-long observance of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender history, and the intersection with civil rights movement. If you were to look at a United States history textbook, would you know LGBTQ people existed? History UnErased is solving that problem by putting LGBTQ history in its rightful place--the classroom--with our groundbreaking and digital Intersections & Connections curriculum. They offer various training and educational resources for teachers and students alike.

• To learn more about their curriculum, click here.

Resource Center Events

The Resource Center, which provides comprehensive services for LGBTQ+ residents, such as Craft Nights, Monster Trunk or Treat, and Gender Identity Nights. These events offer support groups for various identities and ages facilitated by Resource Center staff.

• To take a look at their events, click here.

Small Business Support

Small Business Credit Survey

Small businesses are critical to the US economy. By taking the survey, small-business owners contribute to data that directly informs the Fed, federal government agencies, service providers, and others. Small-business owners, help inform decisions that will impact the future of for-profit small businesses.

• To take the Small Business Credit Survey, click here.

National Women’s Business Council Virtual Public Meeting

This meeting will allow the Council to provide an update on its initiatives and policy development. Each of the Council’s subcommittees (Rural Women’s Entrepreneurship, Women in S.T.E.M., and Access to Capital & Opportunity) will present their priorities and projects before the full body and the public. Learn more about the events and initiatives that the National Women’s Business Council is spearheading.

• To register for this event, click here.

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Resilience Division

Equity Division

Welcoming Communities and Immigrant Affairs Division Fair Housing Division 311 Division