COVID19 Resources

Services

Worship service on Sunday's @ 10:00am at the Alief YMCA -7850 Howell Sugarland Road, Houston 77083. also Live streaming on Zoom https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85818619009

COVID-19 INFORMATION FOR LISTENERS AND DONORS

FAQs/RESOURCES 8-19-2020

I heard there’s a state mask order:

Harris County “threat-level system” for COVID-19//

  • For more information/to check the threat level, please go to readyharris.org

 I heard the Texas Governor has  re-opening of businesses 

I heard there’s new info about Texas schools reopening:

  • Information is constantly changing.
  • For now, students can access campuses for in person instruction, including summer school, special education, and tutoring.
  • Private schools and higher education can reopen.
  • Youth camps, summer camps, and Little League camp can reopen.

I heard Texas is reopening/the Governor is reopening Texas:

I heard something about wearing masks:

  • If you need a mask, you can get one through “Masks for All.” Go to houstonresponds.org/masksforall

HEARD ON-AIR:

I heard about help for Small Businesses in Houston: 

I heard about help paying rent:

I heard about a plan to re-open Houston-area schools:

I heard about help for Fort Bend County small businesses:

I heard about COVID-19 vaccine:

I heard my hand sanitizer might have dangerous ingredients:

  • The FDA has issued a warning about hand sanitizer that have dangerous amounts of poisonous methanol, or wood alcohol in them.  
  • Visit fda.gov for more info and exact brands. 

I heard info where to get food from HISD and the Houston Food Bank:

I heard MD Anderson needs blood donations for cancer patients:

  • MD Anderson needs blood for cancer patients who require large amounts of blood -  the need at MDA is more than any other hospital in the U.S.
  • To make an appointment to donate blood, go to www.mdandersonbloodbank.org

I heard about where to donate my bike:

  • You can donate your beat up and broken bike to Recycled Cycles of Texas. 
  • It will be fixed and given to kids, people who work in the service industry, and people who are homeless.
  • Find out more:  www.recycledcyclesoftexas.com

I heard there’s money available for low-income Texas families:

  • Low-income families on the SNAP program may be getting an extra $285 in federal aid per child – this is automatic you don’t need to apply.
  • It helps to make up for free/reduced price meals missed when schools closed.
  • This is being extended to any family who gets free/reduced meals at school.
  • To apply, ask your school district about the P-EBT program (Pandemic-Electronic Benefit Transfer) or call 833-613-6220.

 

I heard there’s financial help for people in Harris County:

  • For more info visit the Greater Houston Community Foundation’s website ghcf.org.
  • If you need immediate assistance, call 211

I heard the driver license office is open now:


I heard about how to get my stimulus check:

  • Questions: call (800) 919-9835.

I heard about a way to find out if items are in stock at the store:

  • Two University of Texas students designed a website called Instok.org. 
  • Instok allows users to search for items based on zip codes.

I heard about a renter’s relief program:

  • There’s a city of Houston program providing $15 million for renters’ relief.
  • Register at houstonrentassistance.org
  • The money will be distributed on a first come, first serve basis. 

I heard about help with my groceries with NextDoor and Walmart:

  • Walmart and Nextdoor have a new program called "Neighbors Helping Neighbors."   
  • Nextdoor members can get help shopping for essential items at Walmart from a neighbor already planning a trip to their local store.
  • For more info go to nextdoor.com or the nextdoor app. 

I heard something about where to find job openings in Texas:

  • Nearly 500,000 jobs are available across Texas.
  • Connect with Workforce Solutions or go to www.workintexas.com and  search for a job by city or zip code.

I heard there’s a food program for people with disabilities:

  • Non-perishable food, produce, and basic home necessities will be delivered to disabled people (who are finding it hard to get these items).  
  • If you need assistance visit houstontx.gov or call 832-394-0814. 

I heard there is more COVID-19 testing available:

  • The Texas Workforce Commission has a new app to apply for benefits DoNotPay is a free app and website
  • People can insert information on their smart phone and the app will mail the data to the unemployment office.

I heard about a website to report price gouging:

To report price-gouging, go to www.harriscountycao.org

I heard there are jobs available in Houston.  Where can I learn more?

  • There are thousands of positions available in our area, including grocery stores, healthcare facilities, construction, and trucking companies
  • Go to fox26houston.com

I heard about more loans being offered for small businesses:

  • Yes, there are now $50 million in new loans for Texas small businesses.
  • Go to liftfund.com to apply

MISCELLANEOUS INFO:

I heard about a number I can text to get area info/updates on COVID-19. What is it? Text CV19 to 888777.  This is the Harris County Office of Emergency Management notification system for COVID-19 updates.

FOOD RESOURCES: 

HISD Summer Food Program:

More resources for food programs:

Call the help hotline at 832-369-9390 to locate other food pantries.

  • http://salvationarmyhouston.org/ Salvation Army support and coronavirus (COVID-19) resources – help finding essentials like food, household items, emotional support, and activities for families in isolation
  • hhs.texas.gov Info about State of Texas Health and Human Services programs, including health clinics, food programs, aging, disabilities, indigent programs, and more

I heard there’s a food program for people with disabilities:

  • Non-perishable food, produce, and basic home necessities will be delivered to disabled people (who are finding it hard to get these items).  
  • If you need assistance visit houstontx.gov or call 832-394-0814

I have a small business.  How can I get a loan?

SMALL BUSINESS LOANS: https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/

I heard about more loans being offered for small businesses:

  • There are now $50-million in new loans for Texas small businesses
  • Go to liftfund.com to apply

I lost my job.  What do I do? How do I file for unemployment:

You can apply for unemployment benefits by calling the Texas Workforce Commission at 800-939-6631 Mon-Fri 8 AM – 6 PM or go to https://www.twc.texas.gov/jobseekers/unemployment-benefits-services 

  • The Texas Workforce Commission has a new app to apply for benefits DoNotPay is a free app and website
  • People can insert information on their smart phone and the app will mail the data to the unemployment office.
  • Connect with Workforce Solutions or go to www.workintexas.com and  search for a job by city or zip code

For an additional list of resources if you lost your job go to: https://www.click2houston.com/money/2020/04/01/rent-is-due-here-are-financial-resources-to-help-you-navigate-all-of-the-bills-that-are-now-due/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=snd&utm_content=kprc2

Where can I get general information on resources and food, etc.?

https://publichealth.harriscountytx.gov

Info on COVID 19, map of outbreak, community resources, myth-busters, where to report price gouging

http://salvationarmyhouston.org/ Salvation Army support and coronavirus (COVID-19) resources – help finding essentials like food, household items, emotional support, and activities for families in isolation

hhs.texas.gov Info about State of Texas Health and Human Services programs, including health clinics, food programs, aging, disabilities, indigent programs, and more

crowdsourcerescue.com - a group called Crowd Source Rescue is offering no contact food deliveries for seniors.  They need volunteers.  To volunteer or to request food

I’m an essential employee and must work. Are any daycares open?

The YMCA has daycares open for children of essential employees.  There is more information at https://www.ymcahouston.org/essential-personnel-child-care

Here are more daycares that remain open: https://nam01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.click2houston.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2F2020%2F03%2F26%2Flist-these-daycares-will-be-open-for-kids-of-essential-employees-during-houston-area-stay-home-orders%2F&data=02%7C01%7Csboasehoneycutt%40ksbj.org%7C98cddacb2e674adfc99d08d7d254a628%7Ce4230037ca00439689858d83ae1d3f72%7C1%7C0%7C637209133320294007&sdata=UoLYrfxrqoNtzoLAMzQEcVMqXMgjCv3d9ZrdaECXkUU%3D&reserved=0

Find Childcare Now

  • It links Houston-area essential workers with child-care providers. It also helps with some childcare expenses for low-income families.
  • It’s through a website  go to find-childcare-now-dot-org.  

What about renter’s rights – can I be evicted during coronavirus? 

The Texas Supreme Court issued an emergency order barring evictions at this time. Go to https://texashousers.net/2020/03/17/covid-19-texas-protections-preparedness-statement/ 

There’s a city of Houston program providing $15 million for renters’ relief.

Where can I get more information on coronavirus?

HELPFUL WEBSITES:

https://publichealth.harriscountytx.gov

Info on COVID 19, map of outbreak, community resources, myth-busters, where to report price gouging

Readyharris.org – Harris Co Emergency website with info on COVID 19 – list of facilities/public areas with restricted access, disaster checklists, pet preparedness

CDC.gov – updates on the national outbreak of coronavirus, health information, preventing illness, what to do if you’re sick

coronavirus.gov – government website with information on the coronavirus, how to protect yourself and your family, and national info/resources

Q&A/Info on COVID-19 from a physician: https://www.click2houston.com/health/2020/03/19/what-does-covid-19-stand-for-anyway-a-complete-coronavirus-glossary/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=snd&utm_content=kprc2

Where can I get information on volunteer opportunities/ways to help others?

Volunteerhouston.org – places to volunteer and help others – of note – social distancing is recommended by all authorities and should be practiced by all when volunteering

Houstonresponds.org – umbrella organization working with churches and non-profits to respond to disasters including COVID 19, to give helpful info churches and non-profits to navigate the crisis, and to help organize volunteers to serve the community

**They are now asking for churches to help make and donate one-million masks. For info, go to ksbj.org or ngenradio.com

crowdsourcerescue.com Crowd Source Rescue is offering no contact food deliveries for seniors.  They need volunteers.  

CORONAVIRUS TESTING:

I heard there is a new screening tool to figure out whether I should be tested:

  • You can take a self-assessment to determine whether you should get a test
  • Go to covidcheck.hctx.net

Where is a list of sites across Texas?

Where are other testing sites/Can I get tested?

Public COVID 19 testing sites are now open; go to the above link for sites across the Houston area and Texas.

  • **For local government testing sites, you must go first call the Houston Health Department COVID-19 call center at 832-393-4220 or 832-927-7575 to get screened BEFORE going to get tested
  • Bring ID for anyone getting tested.  
  • Most are free (or will accept insurance copays)

Are there any phone numbers to call for information?

  • Not all counties have phone numbers.  Here is what is available:
  • Call 211 for state-wide information and services on COVID-19 and for various state services and resources including food, housing, etc.
  • HARRIS COUNTY ASK MY NURSE/TRIAGE LINE – for those without access to healthcare: 713-634-1110
  • COVID CALL CENTERS:
  • Houston: 832-393-4220
  • Fort Bend Co: 281-633-7795
Harris Co: 832-927-7575

 


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