Message from the City Manager and Chief of Equity and Inclusion

Dear Dallas Residents,  The COVID-19 pandemic has created an unprecedented strain on our Dallas community. The objective of this newsletter is to help the community find useful relief during the pandemic such as different initiatives and programs that are meant to help during this stressful time.The City is currently accepting donations for face coverings and masks to help strengthen social distancing precautions and honor those who provide essential labor. Your safety and health are our priority to ensure Dallas is resilient during this crisis. As we continue with Phase II of the Governor’s Order to Re-Open Texas, it is crucial that we equip our community with fact-based information moving forward. With summer around the corner, this issue will touch on topics such as educational resources and food access during the summer. Please feel free to share this with your friends, family, colleagues, and community members. Sincerely,

                                       T.C. Broadnax                      Liz Cedillo-Pereira

                                        City Manager                Chief of Equity and Inclusion

Phase II to Re-Open Texas

Governor Greg Abbott’s Executive Order 23 effective May 18, 2020 at 1:30 pm,

Residents of Texas must minimize social gatherings and in-person contact with people who are not in their living unit. People over the age of 65 are encouraged to stay at home much as possible and must adhere to social distancing rules, hygiene, environmental cleanliness, and sanitation.

• Starting May 22, Rodeo and Equestrian Events, Bowling Alleys, Bingo Halls, Simulcast Racing, and Skating Rinks, Bars, Aquariums and Natural Caverns can operate at 25% of their capacity rate. Restaurants may expand their occupancy to 50%. By June 1, schools have the option to offer in person summer school classes.

For more information visit the Full Order. For more information on re-opened services please visit the Governor's website for more information. For a list of relevant dates for the Governor’s plan to Re-Open Texas visit the Strike Force web page.

Dallas COVID-19 Testing Sites

There are two COVID-19 testing sites in Dallas. Criteria for testing sites are as follows:

• Must show a temperature of 99.6 or higher and shortness of breath or, cough OR
• Anyone 65 years and older OR
• Anyone with chronic health issues (diabetes, asthma, heart issues, etc) OR
• Any first responders, DART workers, healthcare workers, grocery and essential retail workers.

The sites operate Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m. to noon located at:

• American Airlines Center, Parking Lot E, 2500 Victory Plaza
• Ellis Davis Field House, 9191 S Polk St.

If you meet the criteria for COVID-19 testing, please do not delay acting. Any photo ID is sufficient including a recreation center ID, a Student ID, an ID with your name and photo. It does not need to be a government-issued ID. For more information contact OEMdepartment@dallascityhall.com or visit Dallas County COVID-19 Testing locations.

The City has expanded COVID-19 testing to provide mobile testing to residents in under served communities without transportation. Eligible residents may schedule appointments between:

• 9 a.m. and 9 p.m., 7 days a week by calling the UrgentCare2GO screening line at 1-888-601-0568.

There are now various drive-thru COVID-19 testing sites, to find a location near you visit Texas Department of State Health Services webpage and enter your zip code.

Testing Sites in Dallas

• Walgreens has partnered with US Health and Human Services to open drive-thru testing facilities across five states, including Texas. The site selected for Dallas is located at
  • 2060 S. Buckner Blvd, Dallas, TX, open from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, seven days a week.
  • For more information regarding eligibility and how to sign up, visit: https://www.walgreens.com/coronavirus
• Kroger will be administering free COVID-19 tests. Residents must take a virtual pre-screening to see if they qualify for a test. If they qualify then there will be an email confirmation and an appointment set up. Residents must complete their paperwork before they go to their test appointment.
  • City Square Parking Lot, 1610 Malcom X Blvd., Dallas, TX 75226
  • Testing Hours: Starting Saturday May 9, Saturday and Monday: 8:30AM — 2:30PM, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday: 1:00PM – 5:00PM
    • To register for a Kroger COVID-19 test, click here.
• Walmart is administering COVID-19 tests at four locations, at no cost. Residents who are interested must take a pre-screening test to see if it is necessary. Once they qualify the resident will make an appointment to get tested.
  • Locations:
    • 15757 Coit Rd., Dallas, TX 75248
    • Belt Line Rd., DeSoto, TX 75115
    • N Garland Ave., Garland, TX 75040
    • Lakeview Pkwy., Rowlett, TX 75088
  • Hours of Operation: Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 7 am to 9pm.
  • To take a pre-screening test and set up and appointment visit Do I Need a COVID-19 test. For questions about testing call 800-635-8611.

Dallas County Health Guide for the Public

Dallas County has created a comprehensive guide to safe and high-risk activities during COVID-19. The document was created by the Public Health Committee a team of public health, epidemiology, and infectious disease experts. Alongside this guide on the Dallas County COVID-19 webpage there is also a color-coded scale to show residents the risk level during the pandemic.

• For the full comprehensive guide

Mental Health America

Mental Health America has created a free mental health pre-screening test. The types of tests that are available deal with depression, anxiety, helping parents identify if their child is having mental health issues, and many more. Once a resident has been pre-screened a list of local health agencies will appear at the end of the test.

• For more information or to get a pre-screening test visit Mental Health America.

Bi National Health Week has a mental health hotline for Spanish speaking migrants. Call 1-877-223-7725 for access. 

Tax Filing Deadline Changed

The U.S. Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) have moved the 2019 tax filing deadline to July 15, to accommodate the COVID-19 crisis. This is an automatic relief and there is no additional form to fill out for this extension. For more information visit the IRS website. For assistance for the tax filing deadline AARP Tax-Aide IRS’s VITA Program United Way of Dallas Tax Filing Preparation Assistance

Workers’ Health and Safety

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic workplaces and employees are adjusting to this unprecedented situation. However, the health and safety of essential employees are a priority. To help workplaces and employees navigate during the pandemic, The Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have compiled guides to help employers and employees increase safe practices during COVID-19.

• To access the CDC guide, visit their webpage
• For information by OSHA visit their Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19 guide.

Extended State of Disaster Proclamation

Governor Greg Abbott has issued an extension of the State of Disaster Proclamation on May 12, 2020.

• To read the full order visit the Governor’s website.

Early Voting Proclamation

The Governor Greg Abbott has issued an Early Voting Proclamation to accommodate the current COVID-19 pandemic. Special run off election day has been postponed to July 14. In lieu of the pandemic, in person early voting will start on June 29 with adjusted hours to fit safety measures of social distancing.

• For the full order visit the Governor’s website.

Donations for Face Coverings and Materials

The City of Dallas is now accepting donations for face coverings and materials. For general information about the about the type of materials to use, how to donate items, and face coverings patterns for varying sizes please visit the City’s COVID-19 Resource Site.

• Drop Off/Mailing Location: Teen Tech Center 4500 Spring Ave Dallas, TX 75210
• Drop Off Days and Time: Monday – Friday, 8 am – 5 pm.

COVID-19 Hotline

The City of Dallas has created a COVID-19 hotline. The hotline includes information about how to navigate through the pandemic with local resources. Please call 214-670-4636 for access.

Internet Access

• AT&T and Fixed Wireless Internet customers can use unlimited internet data for limited-income households. AT&T will be charging $10 a month for qualifying households. Households that participate in Head Start and the National School lunch program are eligible to participate.
  • For more information and full eligibility requirements visit their website.
• Dallas ISD is distributing 10,000 mobile hotspots to help ensure students have Wi-Fi access while learning from home. The devices enable students to access online instructional resources and Internet. Dallas ISD hotspots will also include security and content filtering to protect the students online.
  • To request a hot spot, fill out this form.
• Charter Communications is offering free internet for the first 60 days to new customers to families with students. They will also provide the free WiFi hotspots for the public.
  • For more information residents should call: 1-844-488-8395.

Housing Support

• The moratorium on evictions ended on May 19, 2020. This allows landlords to begin filing eviction proceedings in court after the 3 day notice to vacate has been utilized. 
• On May 20th,  the Dallas County Justice of the Peace Courts ordered that eviction cases for non-payment of rent filed after March 27th, will not have a trial set until June 15, 2020. Writs of Possession for eviction cases will also not  be considered until June 15. 
  
  • The full Order  
• The City of Dallas passed the COVID-19 Landlord-Tenant Notice Ordinance 31521
  • The COVID-19 Eviction ordinance currently provides a safety net for tenants facing eviction in the City. It requires landlords to provide a pre-notice prior to issuing a notice to vacate and beginning the eviction process. The pre-notice allows tenants 21 days to provide evidence of COVID-19 related financial hardship. Once evidence is provided, the tenant has 60 days from original pre-notice receipt to enter into a repayment plan or apply for rental assistance. This is set to expire after the termination of the Governor's Declared State of Disaster or the Mayor's Declared State of Local Disaster due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • For questions or concerns contact the Office of Fair Housing and Human Rights at 214-670-FAIR (3247). 
  • For more information the State's expiration on a moratorium on evictions visit the Emergency Orders by the Texas Supreme Court. For more information on the City's Ordinance and eviction notices visit the Fair Housing and Human Rights webpage. 
• Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs has created a hotline 1-888-995-HOPE (4673) to assist with foreclosure prevention and evictions.
• If a resident is a client of the Dallas Housing Authority (DHA), contact the DHA to report a loss of income to reduce the rent.
  
  • Visit the DHA website for more information or call (214)-951-8300.

Access to Food in Dallas

• The City of Dallas has created an online hub to help residents find local resources such as food pantries, delivery services, and emergency food services in their area.
• The North Texas Food Bank has launched a food bank locator with fellow partner agencies to help Texans find food banks near them. Visit the locator and enter your zip code for a food bank near you.
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has started an online grocery shopping for curbside pickup or delivery SNAP members can go to the Walmart or Amazon websites and use the Lone Star Card and PIN to purchase groceries for curbside pickup or delivery. 
  • For more information visit Your Texas Benefits
• City Square at 1610 S Malcolm X Blvd, Bldg 350, Dallas, Texas 75226 has a food pantry service for the Dallas area. Residents can come in every two weeks to receive a pre-packaged set of groceries.
  • Hours of Operation Tuesday-Friday 9am-1pm based on a first come, first serve basis.
  • For more information visit the City Square website.
• Inspired Vision Compassion Center: 2019 N. Masters Drive, Dallas, Texas 75217 has a food bank. Only person per house is allowed in the facility, wear a face mask, and adhere to social distancing rules. Items are on a first come, first served basis.
  • For more information visit the Inspired Vision Compassion Center website Or call 214-484-6393
• Wilkinson Center 3402 N. Buckner Blvd, suite 302, Dallas, 75228
  • Open: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9am to 12 pm and Tuesdays 1pm- 4pm. For more information call (214) 821-6380
  • Picture ID is required and proof of residence such as a utility bill, lease, or other government mail. This food bank serves all zip codes of Dallas County.
• Greater Garth Chapel AME Church 2828 Carpenter Avenue, Dallas, Texas, 75215 provides drive-up and pick up meals and sack lunches.
  • Hours of Operation Fridays 4pm till supplies last.
  • For more information call (214) 462-1200
• DART is doing a grocery pick up and delivery service. Customers must make the order for the groceries and provide the driver with a pickup information. From Monday to Friday from 8 am to 5 pm.
  • For more information DART programs call 214-828-8588.
• The Jewish Family Services 5402 Arapaho Rd, Dallas, TX 75248 in partnership with North Texas Food Bank
  • Open Thursdays 9am – 2pm in the parking of the Jewish Family Services building.
  • For more information visit the Jewish Family Services food pantry website.
• The Mint Foundation 201 Executive Way Desoto, Texas 75115 has both a food pantry and a grab and go meal service for residents in Dallas or Ellis County. 
  • Open Tuesday- Thursday from 10 am to 1 pm for the food pantry and Fridays 11 am to 1 pm for the meal service. 
  • Must provide a picture ID or drivers license for service. 

Access to Food for Families with Students

• Dallas ISD has provided an extensive list of places where families in the Dallas ISD system can pick up meals for their students. Parents must bring their students, if they cannot then they must provide proof of having a Dallas ISD student. Food distribution will be every Thursday 10 am to 1 pm.
  • Visit the DISD website for a list of locations for families to pick up meals.
• United Way Dallas has a meal locator on their website. Residents enter their location information and a list of local food services for their student will be provided.
  • For more information visit the United Way website.
• The U.S. Department of Agriculture has created a Meals for Kids locator map. Residents enter their zip code for a list of nearby food resources for families with students. Visit the US Department of Agriculture Food for Kids webpage to find a resource near you.

Employment Resources

Join Mayor Eric Johnson on June 3 & 4 for Hire Dallas, a virtual job fair that will connect Dallas workers displaced during the COVID-19 pandemic to job opportunities. To register for the job fair visit the sign up form.  Say Yes To Dallas has a resource page of different companies hiring within Dallas area. Workforce Solutions of Greater Dallas has an extensive list of different employers and job openings available in the Dallas area.  Upwardly Global is now offering free, online, self-paced job-search and skill-building digital tools to help job seekers navigate the job search process as the country prepares for economic recovery. Register Here for Free Access. Texas Scottish Rite hospital is hiring at its Dallas location such as clerical positions, nursing, support services and more. For more information visit their careers webpage.    CVS Health is hiring with positions such as sales associates, pharmacy technicians, and management open in the Dallas area. For more information visit their Job openings webpage. Dallas Public Library has an employment-seeking website that assists with resumes, cover letters, and job searches. For more information visit Dallas Public Library's website  or call 214-670-1468.

Education at Home Resources

Given the current situation with COVID-19 and the unusual ending of the school year, there should never be a disturbance of education as we enter the summer. These educational resources are entertaining and interactive.

• For Children:
  • Dallas Parks and Recreation has a portal to Scholastic Learning at Home that has resources for families and teachers to help keep their students learning at home.
  • The City of Dallas Learning has numerous videos from educational non-profit organizations to help students explore their interests and learn new skills.
    • For more information visit City of Dallas Learning
  • Dallas Public Library has their SMART KIDS program to have children in the Dallas area to participate in educational activities and the chance to win prizes as they document their progress.
    • For more information visit SMART KIDS
  • The Dallas Public Library has also curated a list of online educational resources  sectioned by subject.
  • UT Southwestern has a list of different online learning resources for kids to use over the summer during the COVIID-19 pandemic.
• For Adults
  • Dallas Public Library has moved their Adult Learning classes online. Their Adult Learning program has options to study for the GED in English or Spanish.
    • For any questions contact adultlearning@dallascityhall.com.
  • Dallas Parks and Recreation has created a YouTube playlist of fitness workouts, children’s crafts, and healthy eating.

Small Business Resources

Hello Alice is a company that helps accelerate businesses owned by undeserved communities. Starting May 25 to June 5, Hello Alice will have guides and resources to help small businesses bounce back during the COVID-19 crisis. For more information visit Hello Alice. The Greater Workforce Solutions of Dallas has a phone number to request essential workers for businesses. Call 214-302-5555. Texas Comptroller’s Office has different guides and FAQ’s to help businesses navigate and stay strong during COVID-19 for employers. For more information visit the Texas Comptroller website.

Valleywise Health Medical Center Videos

• Valleywise Health Medical Center made a series of COVID-19 videos  about what to do when sick or told to self-isolate. They are available in 12 languages (English, Spanish, Arabic, Burmese, French, Karen, Kinyarwanda, Kirundi, Lingala, Maay Maay, Somali, Swahili). They also have videos on COVID-19 and social distancing basics.
  • Visit their YouTube channel for the videos.

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