Equity and Inclusion Newsletter Issue 6

city of Dallas

 Equity and Inclusion Newsletter

June 4, 2020 | Issue 6

Message from the City Manager and Chief of Equity and Inclusion

Dear Residents of Dallas,

He was a father, a son, a brother, a friend, above all He was a human being. Today and every other day we will say his name. George Floyd. Nationally and internationally we have seen just how connected we are as humans, with the many marches for justice in memory of George Floyd and so many others that we acknowledge and stand with. The Equity and Inclusion team denounces racism, understands the pain, frustration and long deep-rooted hurt endured by the African American community as a result of institutionalized racism. We recognize that is only the start to the change that is needed in the City of Dallas. For that reason, our team is committed to efforts that will result in transformative change, through internal and external collaborations to remove the systematic policies that are the root causes of the disparities we continue to see.  

We hope you will remain engaged to help guide the work moving forward. The issues are systemic and our actions must be rooted in equity, social justice, and inclusivity. We must seek to hear, see and acknowledge the root causes on the impacted communities, while aligning our impact with our intentions - to reduce the harm when striving to do good, and not overshadow the voices of our communities. Rather than being an afterthought, the work of equity and inclusion must be embedded in the immediate and long-term critical work to bring about change. We are currently working on a Resilience 2.0 plan which is guided by our Equity Indicators and other available data and look forward to working with you toward this end. Dallas's new norm must be equitable for every resident. 

Sincerely,

LIZ

                                        T.C. Broadnax                   Liz Cedillo-Pereira

                                         City Manager             Chief of Equity and Inclusion


Re-Opening Texas Phase III

Governor Greg Abbott’s Executive Order 26 effective June 3 starting 4:00 pm, starts Phase III to Re-Open Texas. 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. Special provisions have been made for outdoor gatherings, such as Fourth of July celebrations. These provisions are included in the Governor's Executive Order and are also available on the Open Texas webpage. 

  • Starting June 3, businesses currently operating at 25% capacity can expand their occupancy to 50% with exceptions. Bars may start operating at 50% capacity as long as their patrons are seated. Restaurants may start expanding their table maximum to 10 persons a table. 
  • Starting June 12, restaurants may start operating at 75% occupancy. 
  • Starting June 19, Amusement parks and carnivals in counties with more than 1,000 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 may open at 50% capacity.
  • For more information about Phase III to Re-Open Texas, visit the Governor’s website.
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Dallas Testing Sites

There are two COVID-19 Community Based 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, shortness of breath, chills, muscle pain, vomiting, or diarrhea, and/or sore throat 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 community based testing 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.
  • Requirements: 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 underserved 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.

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Additional Testing Sites in Dallas 

Walgreens, no-cost drive-thru testing site:

  • 2060 S. Buckner Blvd, Dallas, TX,
  • Hours of Operation: Open from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, seven days a week.
  • Requirements: Residents must complete a screening survey to determine if they qualify for a test.
  • For more information regarding eligibility and how to sign up, visit: Walgreens COVID-19 information

Kroger, no-cost drive-thru testing site:

  • City Square Parking Lot, 1610 Malcom X Blvd., Dallas, TX 75226
  • Hours of Operation: Saturday and Monday: 8:30AM — 2:30PM, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday: 1:00PM – 5:00PM
  • Requirements: Residents must complete a virtual pre-screening to determine if they qualify for a test. If they qualify then an email confirmation will be sent with instructions regarding the appointment. Residents must complete their paperwork before they go to their test appointment.
  • To register for a Kroger COVID-19 test, click here 

Walmart no-cost drive-thru testing site is administering COVID-19 tests at four locations:

  • 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.
  • Requirements: 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
  • 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.

CVS has opened up four new no-cost, drive thru COVID-19 locations in the North Texas region:

  • Locations:
    • CVS Pharmacy, 1413 Oates Drive, Mesquite, TX 75043
    • CVS Pharmacy, 3133 East Lemmon Avenue, Dallas, TX 75204
    • CVS Pharmacy, 4203 South Carrier Parkway, Grand Prairie, TX 75052
    • CVS Pharmacy, 5702 Lavon Drive, Garland, TX 75040
  • Hours of Operation: Patients must schedule an appointment for a COVID-19 test.
  • Requirements: More information about CVS Health and their testing sites can be found at their COVID-19 resource center.
  • To schedule an appointment, patients must register at CVS.com

Methodist Health System in-person testing system:

  • Location: 3155 W Wheatland Road, Dallas, TX 75237
  • Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday 9 am to 1 pm by appointment only
  • Requirements: Patients must take a pre-screening test to qualify for a COVID-19 test. To be screened for an appointment, call 214-933-8811
  • For more information, visit Methodist Health System.

Baylor Scott & White no-cost, drive-thru testing site:

  • Location: 4500 Spring Ave, Dallas, TX 75210. 
  • Hours of Operation: Monday- Friday 9am to 1pm appointment only.
  • Requirements: Patients must be screened in order to schedule an appointment. To be screened for an appointment, call 214-933-8811
  • For more information or to make an appointment visit the Baylor Scott & White website.

In this Newsletter

Federal Information:

  •  Census 2020
  • COVID-19 and Public Charge

  •  USCIS to Resume Public Services

State Information:

  • COVID-19 Testing expanded to State Supported Living Centers
  • Texas State Parks Re-Open

Local Information:

  • Arts and Culture
  • Childcare
  • Education
  • Employment
  • Food
  • Food for Families with Students
  • Housing
  • Legal Support 
  • Small Business Support
  • Transportation

Federal Information

 Census 2020

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All residents in the United States are still eligible to fill out the Census 2020 survey. The Census can be filled out online, by phone or by mail. For more details on the survey visit the information page.


COVID-19 and Public Charge

The Public Charge rule does not restrict access to testing, screening, or treatment of communicable diseases, including COVID-19. In addition, the rule does not restrict access to vaccines for children or adults to prevent vaccine-preventable diseases. To address the possibility that some immigrants impacted by COVID-19 may be hesitant to seek necessary medical treatment or preventive services, USCIS will neither consider testing, treatment, nor preventative care (including vaccines, if a vaccine becomes available) related to COVID-19 as part of a public charge inadmissibility determination, nor as related to the public benefit condition applicable to certain nonimmigrants seeking an extension of stay or change of status, even if such treatment is provided or paid for by one or more public benefits, as defined in the rule (e.g. federally funded Medicaid).

  • For more information please visit the USCIS Green Card page. 

USCIS to Resume Public Services

United States Citizenship and Immigration Services is preparing to reopen individual offices on or after June 4. Check the USCIS web alert for information on local offices, asylum offices, application assistance centers and naturalization ceremonies.

  • For more information visit the Governor’s website

State Information

COVID-19 Testing expanded to State Supported Living Centers

Governor Abbott has expanded COVID-19 testing to all patients, residents, and staff at state supported living centers and psychiatric hospitals to have access to COVID-19 tests.

  • For more information visit the Governor’s website.

Texas State Parks Re-Open

TX parks

Texas State Parks are Re-Opening to accept overnight reservations for the dates June 1- Sept 7. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will be accepting reservations for overnight visits at Texas Parks. Social distancing and public health protocols will be in effect and visitors are advised to wear face coverings and utilize hand sanitizer.

Local Information

Arts and Culture 

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  • Visit Dallas has curated a list of virtual museum experiences, performances, and wellness resources for residents to experience some of the best parts of Dallas while staying at home. Activities include Flores Mexicanas: Women in Modern Mexican Art a virtual tour from the DMA to Dallas Comedy House offering free courses.
  • Grow with Us is a series of online sessions from the Dallas Public Library, Seed Library and Dallas Environmental Quality and Sustainability hosting expert speakers to share practical, informative and inspirational information about growing and urban agriculture in Dallas.
  • Earth Day Everyday learn how green Dallas really is by hearing about a variety of topics like recycling, water conservation, pollinators plus participate in different green activities like making your own non-toxic household cleaners.
    • To sign up for either series please register at this link.

Childcare

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  • Frontline Childcare in partnership with the Texas Workforce Commission, Texas Education Agency, Office of the Governor, Texas Human Health Services, and Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board has created a childcare service locator for essential workers. There is a map where an essential worker can find a childcare service near their home or work.
  • YMCA is still currently closed; however, they will continue to offer limited childcare services. These services are reserved for first responders, medical professionals, government officials, and essential workers.

Education

  • There are still opportunities for students to receive financial aid support and scholarships for college. First, students should make sure to complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on the FAFSA website or submit a Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA) directly to the financial aid office of their Texas college or university. Contact the financial aid at your college or university for guidance on which form to complete.
  • Students can also search for both national and local scholarships on College Greenlight.
  • Regional Black Contractors Scholarship Program
    • Deadline: July 1, 2020. If you are a high school senior, and have already applied to a college or trade school with a major in construction, engineering, architecture, IT, or trades such as plumbing, electrical, masonry – you are eligible to receive a $2500 scholarship from the RBC. Contact: Brenea Proctor, 214-565-8946
    • Fill out the application here.
  • SMART Summer Reading Program's registration is now open. Students 18 and under are eligible to sign up for the Mayor and Dallas Public Library's SMART Summer, a virtual summer reading program, enlisting students to read for 20 minutes a day. Participants in the program can win prizes such as free books. 

Employment

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  • Goodwill Dallas is offering assistance in seeking employment. Residents can email jobs@goodwilldallas.org with their name, city/zip code, contact number. A Specialist will contact you directly and set up an appointment for virtual employment services. Or contact by phone to a convenient location.
    • 3020 N. Westmoreland Rd, Dallas, TX 75212: 214-638-2800 x185
    • 919 W. Main Street, Lewisville, TX 75067: 972-436-3681
    • 1661 E. Northwest Hwy., Garland, TX 75041: 214-227-5549
  • Dallas Regional Chamber has a resource page with a list employment opportunities across different industries such as warehouse positions, pharmacies, and hospitals. Visit the Dallas Regional Chamber website for more details.
  • Dallas Public Library hosts 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.
  • Intensive Technology Training Per Scholas is currently recruiting residents over the age of 18, have a high school diploma, a US citizen or authorized to work in the US, and passionate about a career in technology to join their free 10 week course. Residents must commit full time training sessions from Monday-Friday, 9 am to 4 pm. This course will provide industry certifications, career planning, networking and job placement. For more information contact dallas@perscholas.org
  • The Texas Workforce Commission has a job-seeking resource page to assist the public. Explores different positions across different branches of government, tools specifically for Veterans, and skill training resources. For more information visit the Texas Workforce Commission. 
  • For residents that must stay home to care for their minor children and schools or care providers are unavailable due to COVID-19, they can see if their employer can temporarily extend the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) benefits. For more information on the FMLA.

Food

WCIA
  • 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.
    • The North Texas Food Bank has a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) assistance program run by the Social Services Assistance Navigators. This program will help residents fill out and complete their SNAP applications. For more information email snap@ntfb.org.
  • Why Hunger has created a food bank locator tool to help residents find food banks in their area. Residents will have to visit the website and type in their zip code for resources near them. In addition to food banks this locator tool can help find school meals, food vouchers, medically tailored food, and many other categories.
  • DART is providing 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.
  • City Square  has a food pantry service for the Dallas area. Residents can come in every two weeks to receive a pre-packaged set of groceries.
    • Location: 1610 S Malcolm X Blvd, Bldg 350, Dallas, Texas 75226  
    • Hours of Operation Tuesday-Friday 9am-1pm based on a first come, first serve basis.
    • For more information visit the City Square website.
  • Vickery Meadow Food Pantry has a walk-in food pantry where no appointment necessary to access resources.
    • Location: 8448 Walnut Hill Lane Dallas Texas 75231
    • Hours of Operation: Wednesday 1 pm to 4 pm, Thursday and Saturday from 9 am to 12 pm.
    • For more information contact 972-437-9950
  • Crossroads Community Services  is providing residents access to the food pantry once a month and the ability to choose the food they receive. To prevent the spread of COVID-19 there is no need of documentation to access the pantry services.
    • Location: 4500 S Cockrell Hill Rd, Dallas, TX 75236
    • Hours of Operation: Monday-Thursday 9 am to 3 pm.
    • Phone: (214) 560-2511
  • Inspired Vision Compassion Center: . is providing access to their food bank.
    Only one person per house is allowed in the facility, they must wear a face mask, and adhere to social distancing rules. Items are on a first come, first served basis.
  • Pearl C. Anderson Walk-up & Drive Though Food Distribution :  is providing Free meat, fruits, and vegetables. No sign-up, ID, or zip code requirements. Volunteers will place boxes into the residents vehicles. Walk up to access to box is allowed. 
    • Location: Pearl C. Anderson, 3400 Garden Ln, 75215, Second Avenue Lot
    • Hours of Operation: Every Friday 11 am to 1pm 
    • Contact: southdallas@watermark.org.

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.

Housing

  • The moratorium on evictions ended on May 19, 2020. With the expiration of the moratorium, landlords can file 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 not be heard until after June 15.
  • COVID-19 Landlord-Tenant Notice Ordinance 31521 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 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. For questions or concerns contact the Office of Fair Housing and Human Rights at 214-670-FAIR (3247).
    • The Office of Fair Housing and Human Right has created a FAQ about evictions visit the website for more information.
housing lawyr
  • For Eviction Assistance
    • Legal Aide of North West Texas can help with eviction issues and has staff trained in both English and Spanish. Visit the Legal Aide of North West Texas for more information or call 888-529-5277.
    • Local Dallas lawyers are volunteering to answer renter questions for free. Contact: DallasEvictions2020@gmail.com or Dallas Evictions.
    • 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 details, or call (214)-951-8300.
    • Texas Tenants’ Union has online workshops, tools and a toll-free number to help tenants navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information visit their website. For access to their hotline call (214) 823-2733
  • Call Texas 2-1-1 or visit the website for locally based resources in the area that aide with eviction and housing assistance.
  • Free AC Unit Windows for Families:
    • Any resident living within 30 miles of downtown Dallas who does not have a functioning air-conditioner may be able to get a free window unit installed if they occupy the house and have the ability to pay their utility bill. Preference given to the elderly, in-firmed, or families with children. Now till August 31, 2020. For more information call 214-791-9882 or email or csimmons@cornerstonedallas.org.

Legal Support 

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SMU Dedman School of Law has launched a clinic project with an emergency helpline that offers North Texas residents the opportunity to secure free legal assistance with matters related to the COVID-19 pandemic, such as housing, immigration and consumer protection.

Working under the supervision of SMU Law Clinic faculty, more than 45 law students will staff the COVID-19 Legal Helpline. Callers seeking assistance with certain COVID-19 related legal problems can receive assistance through the SMU legal clinics or, when necessary, referral to local law firms and attorneys providing free services in specialized areas. 

  • To access the SMU COVID-19 Legal Helpline call 214-SMU-COVD (214-768-2683).

Small Business Support

  • Dallas Business Resource and Information Network (BRAIN) is a website created by the Office of Economic Development and the Dallas Public Library that will help guide and connect local businesses to nearby resources to help them thrive during the COVID-19 pandemic. BRAIN has a wide range of resources from webinars to applications for the Small Business Relief Fund.
  • The Greater Workforce Solutions is assisting small businesses and connecting them to essential workers by creating a request line. To place a request. Call 214-302-5555
  • Texas Comptroller’s Office has made available different guides and FAQ’s to help businesses navigate and stay strong during COVID-19 such as where to receive small business training and counseling, local Texas Workforce Commission resources, and available loans and grants.
  • Governor's Small Business Webinar Series is launched by the Governor's Economic Development & Tourism Office to provide Texas small businesses and entrepreneurs with the resources they need during this crisis. To access the webinars, visit the Governor’s website.
  • Second Wednesday (Virtual) Business Chats are monthly business chats are designed to inform local businesses about vendor opportunities with NTTA, North Texas Tollway Authority. Learn NTTA’s procurement process for project delivery, IT, maintenance, and professional services. Register here. 
  • The Dallas Regional Chamber  is providing online health and safety information for all businesses as well as specific industries, such as manufacturing, construction and retail. To access these guides visit the Dallas Regional Chamber website. 

Transportation

go link

DART is providing the Go-Link transportation option. Go-Link is an on-demand curb to curb service shuttle at the request of residents. It can be taken to work and/or run errands in the Dallas area. Download the DART app to request a ride. Alternatively, residents can also call the Go-Link service directly at 214-452-1827 and request a ride.