Message from the City Manager and Chief of Equity and Inclusion

Dear Residents of Dallas, 

As Independence Day dawns upon us and the pandemic continues its course, it is evident that this year the celebrations are going to be different. Now more than ever, it is important that we take the necessary precautions to ensure that we are protecting ourselves and those around us. If you are planning on celebrating with your loved ones be sure to follow CDC guidelines such as wearing a face covering, maintaining six feet of distance between yourself and others and washing your hands often.

As we try to maintain a sense of normalcy in our everyday lives it is important to remember that our decisions have an effect on the lives of others. This pandemic continues to disproportionately affect Black and Latino residents the most. Solidarity can be as simple as avoiding unnecessary outings and wearing a face covering in public.  

The City of Dallas is resilient. Let’s continue connecting one another to the organizations and resources that will help us continue fostering the seeds of equity and inclusivity amongst our community.

Sincerely, 

                                      T.C. Broadnax                          Liz Cedillo-Pereira

                                       City Manager                  Chief of Equity and Inclusion

Dallas Testing Sites

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

• Persons with symptoms of potential COVID-19 infection, including fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills, muscle pain, new loss of taste or smell, vomiting or diarrhea, and/or sore throat; OR
• Anyone 65-years-old or older, OR
• Anyone with chronic health issues (diabetes, asthma, heart issues, etc.); OR
• Any first responders, DART drivers, healthcare workers, grocery store and essential retail store workers; OR
• Persons with symptoms who have been actively engaged in large group settings, such as public gatherings or congregations of people, within the past fifteen (15) days

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
  • Testing ends June 30th 
• University of Dallas, 1845 E. Northgate Dr., Irving, Texas 75062, Lot B
  • Testing begins July 1st 
  • This location is for the City of Dallas and Dallas County Residents Only
  • Must Provide Documentation on address (ex. Utility Bill) 
• 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.comor visit Dallas County COVID-19 Testing locations.

Walk-Up Locations  Red Bird Mall, 7222 S. Westmoreland Dallas, Tx  75237 Inspired Vision Church Compassion Church 2019 S. Masters Drive Dallas, TX 75217          Vickery Meadow, 7001 Fair Oaks Avenue Dallas, TX 75231  Walk-up locations are open Monday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.  Waiting period up to 1 hour No restroom on site

Additional Testing Sites

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

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 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.

Resources for Dangerous Weather Tornadoes continue to impact locations across the country every year, bringing massive winds and destruction in their paths. To stay safe during a tornado, prepare a plan and an emergency kit, stay aware of weather conditions during thunderstorms, know the best places to shelter both indoors and outdoors, and always protect your head. For more information visit this link.

Resources for Seniors and Persons with Disabilities

CDC has guidance for long-term care facilities and nursing homes, assisted living facilities, retirement communities and independent living facilities, and shared or congregate housing.

• For more information visit this link.

Immigration Updates

Temporary work visas H-1B, H-2B, J, and L have been temporarily suspended by the Executive Branch.

• For more information see this link.

Re-Opening Texas

Governor Greg Abbott today issued an executive order limiting certain businesses and services as part of the state’s efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19. This decision comes as the number of people testing positive for COVID-19 and the number of hospitalizations have increased and the positivity rate in Texas increased above 10%, which the Governor previously stated would lead to further preventative action. The targeted, measured directives in the executive order are based on links between certain types of businesses and services and the recent rise in positive cases throughout the state.

The order includes the following:

• All bars and similar establishments that receive more than 51% of their gross receipts from the sale of alcoholic beverages are required to close at 12:00 PM today. These businesses may remain open for delivery and take-out, including for alcoholic beverages, as authorized by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission. 
• Restaurants may remain open for dine-in service, but at a capacity not to exceed 50% of total listed indoor occupancy, beginning Monday, June 29, 2020.
• Rafting and tubing businesses must close.
• Outdoor gatherings of 100 or more people must be approved by local governments, with certain exceptions.

To read the full order follow this link.

Face Covering Initiative

Governor Greg Abbott announced that the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM), in partnership with the Texas Military Department, will begin distributing 3-ply surgical coverings to every Texan who undergoes COVID-19 testing sites at state-run mobile test collection sites.

• To find your local state-run test collection site, follow this link.

Employment News/Resources

The Texas Workforce Commission announced Tuesday, June 30^th that it will delay the reinstatement of the work search requirement for unemployment benefits in Texas. This requirement, which is federal law, was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. From the outset, TWC has stated that bringing back work search would be conditions-based.

• For more information regarding unemployment benefits follow this link.

Work in Texas offers job seekers immediate and continuous access to job matching services. Job seekers can also browse thousands of job postings, including all Texas state agency jobs, refer themselves to open positions, complete résumés and/or state applications and maintain them online.

• For more information on their services follow this link.

Veterans News/Resources

Governor Greg Abbott today announced the results of a study completed by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts at the request of the Texas Military Preparedness Commission (TMPC) analyzing the impact on the state’s economy of the various U.S. military installations within Texas. The Comptroller estimates these military installations contributed at least $123.6 billion to the Texas economy in 2019 and supported more than 630,000 jobs in communities across the state.

To explore resources for veterans, follow the following links:

• PenFed Foundation: The foundation has launched a COVID-19 relief program for emergency financial assistance. The relief program was created to provide assistance to all veterans, active duty, reserves and national guard who are experiencing financial setback.
• For more information on requirements visit this link.
• AARP: The organization has compiled a list of resources that veterans, active-duty military and their families can receive if they need assistance during the pandemic.
• To access the resources follow this link.
• US VA: The US Department of Veteran Affairs has implemented an aggressive public health response to protect and care for Veterans, their families, health care providers, and staff in the face of this emerging health risk.
  • To read the VA’s health response and access their resources follow this link.

Racial Equity

US Senator John Cornyn and US Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee both introduced resolutions aiming to recognize Juneteenth as a federal holiday. Texas House Bill 1016 passed in the 66th Legislature, Regular Session, declared June 19, "Emancipation Day in Texas," a legal state holiday effective starting in 1980. Since that time, the celebration of Juneteenth continues across the state of Texas with parades, picnics, and dancing. Now, this represents the most recent attempt by National officials to make the Juneteenth a National Holiday.

• For more information on the history of Juneteenth in Texas follow this link.

Dallas County Face Covering Mandate

Dallas County voted to pass a face covering order for businesses to begin requiring customers and everyone on the premises to wear a face covering to help contain the spread of COVID-19. Dallas County Health and Human Services will be tasked with ensuring businesses follow through with the order. The order mandates that employees and visitors to a business who are within 6 feet of another, and where separation is not possible, wear a face covering .

• Click here for more information on business resources.

Tax Preparation Assistance

The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service are providing special tax filing and payment relief to individuals and businesses in response to the COVID-19 Outbreak. The filing deadline for tax returns has been extended from April 15 to July 15, 2020. The IRS urges taxpayers who are owed a refund to file as quickly as possible. For those who can't file by the July 15, 2020 deadline, the IRS reminds individual taxpayers that everyone is eligible to request an extension to file their return.

• For more information on the filing and payment deadline, follow this link.

The Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) is a tax processing number issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to ensure that people – including undocumented immigrants – pay taxes even if they do not have a Social Security number and regardless of their immigration status.

• The American Immigration Council has compiled an FAQ about ITIN numbers and undocumented immigrants.
• Self has also compiled an article with guidelines for undocumented immigrants and filing taxes, find the article here.

The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs offer free tax help for taxpayers who qualify. Find more information about the program and who qualifies for free assistance here.

• To find a provider near you, follow this link.

The Free Tax Prep program provides free tax preparation services that help families maximize tax refunds and create a foundation for savings. In-person services are available at over 50 North Texas locations for households earning below $58,000.

• Online services are available at MyFreeTaxes.com for households earning below $66,000.

The Dallas Community Tax Centers are now offering virtual tax preparation. Clients will be able to upload all tax documents into a secure server so that certified tax preparers can complete their taxes.

• For more information on eligibility requirements and to access virtual tax preparation resources follow this link.

SMU Dedman School of Law is helping taxpayers and other individuals interested in obtaining information regarding federal tax assistance.

• Individuals interested in the tax Clinic’s services or in scheduling an initial consultation with student attorneys should call 214-768-8299.
• Hours: Tax Clinic is open from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., Monday – Friday
• Location: lower level of Storey Hall on the SMU campus at 3315 Daniel, Dallas, Texas.
• For more information click this link.

Community Building

New American Economy is celebrating the 50^th anniversary of the first New York City Pride March, held on June 28, 1970, one year after the Stonewall Uprising. In light of the continued struggle of LGBTQ+ immigrants and asylum seekers -- and as part of an ongoing commitment to lift up voices, stories, and organizations that are fighting for equity, justice, and inclusion for all Americans, including immigrants -- they are writing to share a few ways for you to celebrate Pride and to take action today.

• Consider making a donation to an organization that is leading the fight for the rights and inclusion of LGBTQ+ immigrants: Immigration Equality, National Immigrant Justice Center, and The LGBT Asylum Project.

The Town of Addison will be live-streaming their annual July 3^rd fireworks on the town’s YouTube channel at 9:30 pm. The fireworks will also be shown July 4^th on KDAF-TV Channel 33.

• To view the firework livestream through YouTube, follow this link.

The Community Artist Program will open applications for placement on the CAP FY20-21 Roster on July 20, 2020. The goal of the Community Artist Program is to provide support and opportunities for African, Latinx, Asian, Arab, and Native American artists and organizations to teach, perform, and exhibit at host facilities in Dallas Neighborhoods. 

• To learn more about the Community Artist Program and be taken to the application follow this link,

Education

The Dallas Public Library started its new Library to Go curbside pickup of materials on June 9. For the past two weeks staff have been pulling requested items for customers and getting them ready for pick up. It's a simple process to check out books, CDs, DVDs and audiobooks, just log on to dallaslibrary.org, find your title, put it on request and they’ll notify you when it is ready for pick up. Residents can call or email to reserve a time slot, then drive up and Library staff will bring it out to you through curbside pick-up. For more information regarding participating locations or any other questions, follow this link or call 214.670.7809.

United Way Denton has compiled a list for college students that have been greatly impacted by COVID-19. The list has financial assistance resources and important information on student loans.

• Follow this link to access the resources.

The Dallas Public Library Adult Learning Unit is offering online class meetings for English Language Learning and GED classes in Spanish. GED study in English will be available in a self-guided online study program. No library card or residency is required.

• For more information on the programs being offered or to enroll in one please email adultlearning@dallascityhall.com or call at 214.671.8291.

In partnership with the Santander Consumer USA Foundation, The Meadows Foundation, Cisco, Capital One, Netsync, and Presidio, the Dallas Innovation Alliance and their partners at FlyBusFly and Better Block have converted a retired school bus into a large-scale mobile hotspot, and their partners at Dallas ISD are using similar technology to deploy 8 additional buses in key clusters of students. When social distancing subsides, programming will commence onboard the bus, which will be converted into a classroom.

• During the COVID-19 pandemic, the following site will be available during school hours:

  • DIA Mobile Learning Lab: Fair Park, Just inside Gate 5, off of 2nd Avenue
• Dates and Times: Opening Monday June 22nd from 9:00 am- 5:00 pm
• For more information about the Mobile Learning Lab click this link.

Employment Resources

Say Yes to Dallas and the Dallas Regional Chamber, with partners across North Texas, are connecting workers displaced by the COVID-19 outbreak. Several organizations are hiring large numbers of employees.

• Follow this link to find openings in essential industries that have ramped up hiring locally.

Food

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.

The Salvation Army is committed to helping provide meals to families across North Texas during this crisis. They have 13 locations across the metroplex ranging from mobile food pantries and service centers.

• If you find yourself in need of food assistance, please click this link to find the closest center to you and check out their hours of operation.

Pleasant Grove Food Pantry is a local drive-through food pantry helping residents from the 75217, 75227, and 75253 zip codes receive prepacked food boxes to help feed their families.

• Location: 1331 Baywood Street, Dallas, TX 75217
• Hours: 9:30am-12:30pm (or until out of prepacked food boxes, whichever comes first)
• Requirements: Only serves zip codes 75217, 75227, and 75253
• For more information visit their website or call 214.505.1928.

North Dallas Shared Ministries has an emergency food and toiletries pantry. Applicants must meet their eligibility requirements and may receive food eight times in twelve months. Clients must live within their service area and must provide photo ID and proof of address.

• Location: 2875 Merrell Road Dallas, TX 75229
• Hours: 9am, 1st and 3rd Saturday of every month
• Requirements: Clients must live within their service area to receive food more than once, photo ID, and proof of address.
• For more information on eligibility requirements please visit their website.

Crossroads Community Services continues to serve clients during the Covid-19 outbreak. To protect the health and safety of clients, volunteers and staff, we have implemented new procedures. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic they are not requiring clients to bring any form of documentation to receive food.

• To find more information about guidelines and requirements, follow this link.

Feed the People Dallas is a Black-led, female-operated, and ally-funded collective providing mutual-aid to Black and POC communities throughout the DFW area. They are running a Free Grocery Program to help families put healthy food on the table and provide basic household essentials to support historically underserved communities.

• If you need help or someone you know needs help email programs@feedthepeopledallas.com or text 214.735.7791
• If you’re interested in getting involved with Feed the People Dallas here are a few ways to help:

Food for Families with Students

The Texas Department of Agriculture has linked a school meal finder on their website in order to allow families to find the closest healthy, no-cost meals for your students.

• Click this link, enter your address and find the nearest pick-up location to you and their hours of operation.

The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides free, nutritious meals to children who might otherwise go hungry when the school year has ended or is closed. The meals are usually provided along with educational or recreational activities. The program reimburses contractors who serve meals that meet certain nutritional standards to children.

• Follow this link to fill out a survey to ensure that you are eligible for the Summer Food Service Program.

The Dallas Independent School District in association with School Leadership, Food & Child Nutrition Services is committed to offering meal service at no cost while Dallas ISD remains closed. Meal service will continue through the summer break. Meals will be served at strategic locations throughout the district.

• Please visit Dallas ISD’s website for more information.

Health

Mental Health America of Greater Dallas has created a Work At-Home Tool Kit to help individuals might still be working from home during the pandemic. Alongside, they have launched a Quarantine Web Series to help people understand and learn more about various mental health topics that may arise amidst the pandemic.

• For access to the toolkit, follow this link.
• For access to the Quarantine web series, follow this link.

The North Texas Behavioral Health Authority has created a 24/7 COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line for residents in the greater Dallas area to call in if they are experiencing stress and anxiety related to this time of crisis.

• Residents can call for support in both English and Spanish, at (833) 251-7544.

Housing

Beginning June 1, SMU Law's legal clinic will launch 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.

• The  COVID-19 Legal Helpline may be reached by dialing 214-SMU-COVD (214-768-2683). 
• For more information about the SMU Legal Clinic follow this link.

Eviction Assistance

• North Texas Fair Housing Center - 469-941-0375 
• The Housing Crisis Center - 214-828-4244 
• Legal Aid of North Texas - 214-748-1234 
• Texas Tenants’ Union - 214-823-2733 
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center Social Services - 214-670-8416
• West Dallas Multipurpose Center Social Services - 214-670-6530
• Local Dallas lawyers are volunteering to answer renter questions for free.
  • Contact: DallasEvictions2020@gmail.com or https://www.dallasevictions.com
• CALL 211 or visit 211texas.org
  • Give zip code for a list of local financial and in-kind resources available in your area
• Dallas Housing Authority: Please immediately report any loss of income in order to reduce your portion of rent
• The North Texas Behavioral Health Authority is taking applications for COVID-19 tenant-based rental assistance.
  • To receive a packet or more information, contact housing@ntbha.org, call 469-840-4553, or follow this link.

Dallas County - Tenant Hotline:

• Visit Dallas County Tenant Hotline Website
• Email: Tenanthotline@dallascounty.org
• Call 214-653-6563 or 833-743-0072

CARES Act Eviction Moratorium: Section 4024 of the CARES Act provides a temporary moratorium on eviction filings as well as other protections for tenants in certain rental properties with federal assistance or federally related financing. These protections are designed to alleviate the economic and public health consequences of tenant displacement during the COVID-19 outbreak. They supplement temporary eviction moratoria and rent
freezes implemented in states and cities by governors and local officials using emergency powers

• Congressional Research Service 
• National Housing Law Project

Small Business Support

Dallas Forward is a coalition of private and public partners dedicated to inclusive growth through the support of small business during COVID and beyond. Together they have created an online resource hub to streamline access to the support services available in our community, including funding resources and technical assistance through coaching services.

• For access to the online resource hub, click this link.

The City of Dallas is closely monitoring the impact of COVID-19 on the small business community, working closely with our local, state and federal partners. Economic Development has listed COVID small business suppor and tinformation that will help you navigate these challenging times.

• For access to the resources follow this link.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act creates a variety of programs to provide assistance to small businesses. A good summary of these options can be found here and a simple flow chart here. Key components include:

• The Payroll Protection Program (PPP), which would provide a portion of its financing as a forgivable loan, is available through 7(a) lenders. Please contact your existing lender for details. The nation's top 7(a) lenders can be found here. The deadline for applying is June 30, 2020. Read more here.
• The Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program, which now includes a grant component of up to $10,000. Details are available at the SBA website.
• Dallas' Small Business Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) have developed COVID-19 loan products:
• Business & Community Lenders of Texas: For more information click here.
• DreamSpring: For payment relief on an active loan, click here.
• Lift Fund: Up to $50,000; apply online here.
• PeopleFund: Quick turnaround, disaster assistance loans; for more information click here.

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