Available resources amid COVID-19

Although it may be necessary, social distancing is not easy. If you’re like me, you may have experienced some anxiety or frustration or feel uncertain about the future. While this can be scary, it is important to know that you are not alone and there are places that you can turn to for resources and help.

One thing we can all do to help one another is calling attention to the various resources available to help those in need. I was reminded of this when I saw a sign at the grocery store that read: “Limit to two – save some for your neighbor.” As I continued to shop, I thought about how this sign was a call to action for our community to be better neighbors, not only to those close to us, but to all those in our community. As such, while it is necessary that we practice social distancing during this time, there are still many ways that we can come together to support one another and make sure that everyone, especially those most impacted by recent events, has access to much-needed resources.

Being a good neighbor with social distancing 

While maintaining social distancing, there are many ways to keep in contact with loved ones and those in the larger community. In addition to social media and staying connected through phone calls, video chats and text messages, you can also support your local community by joining different neighborhood groups and apps to see what’s needed in your area. This is especially important for those most at risk of contracting COVID-19, such as the elderly and immune-compromised. Some of your neighbors may not have access to basic needs, such as groceries or the ability to pick up medications, but you may be able to assist them by sharing resources and information.

Available Resources – Food Pantries

City Square
Tuesday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
1610 S Malcolm X Blvd, Bldg 350, Dallas, Texas 75226

Mission Oak Cliff
Monday – Friday, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
111 S. Beckley Ave. Dallas, TX 75203

Brother Bill’s Helping Hand
Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Every second Saturday, 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 pm
3906 North Westmoreland Road, Dallas, TX, 75212

A Christian Food Pantry
Saturdays, Mondays and Tuesdays, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
1116 Dobie Dr, Plano, TX 75074

Hope in Hand Food Pantry operated by First Christian Church
GISD district, Monday – Wednesdays and Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Tuesday evenings, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
7301 W Miller Rd. Rowlett, TX.

FISH Ministries 
Pick up Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
805 King Street Greenville, Tx 75401

Helping Hands of Rockwall
401 W. Rusk Street, Ste 200, Rockwall, TX 75087

Helping Hands of Ennis
604 NE Main Ennis, TX, 75119

Boys and Girls Club
Providing grab and go meals for children 18 and under, available on the weekends
Cedar Springs: 4440 Brown St. Dallas, TX 75219; 11:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Roseland: 2101 N. Washington Ave. Dallas, TX 75204; 12:00 – 12:30 p.m.
Oak Cliff: 2907 Linfield Rd. Dallas, TX 75216; 12:45 – 1:15 p.m.

DISD
Providing breakfast and lunch to children up to 18 years old
Pick-up twice a week on Mondays and Thursdays, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Available locations here
*Similar programs available for other school districts as well

Available Resources – Medical

Metrocare
Provides support for behavioral health needs
877-283-2121

North Dallas Shared Ministries Dental Clinic
Open on a walk-in basis, Monday – Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. for emergency care only
214-358-8700

North Dallas Shared Ministries Medical Clinic
214-358-8705

Resource Center (Dental Services)
Emergency services on a case-by case basis
214-540-4463

Resource Center (Nelson-Tebedo)
HIV/STI testing by appointment, gender-affirming health care and PrEP appointments are available
214-528-2236

Resource Center Health Campus
For intakes and case management
214-528-0144

Available Resources – Financial Assistance

United Way: COVID- 19 Economic Relief Fund
Assists with rent, bills and food.
Call 1-866-211-9966 and provide zip code for list of local agencies

Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs Foreclosure Prevention
1-888-995-HOPE (4673)

Texas Health and Human Service Commission
Provides vouchers to assist with rent
1-877-541-7905

Interfaith Family Service
Utility and rental assistance

Helping Hands of Rockwall
Financial assistance by appointment
401 W. Rusk Street, Ste 200 Rockwall, TX 75087

*Most utility companies and phone service providers have temporarily halted disconnection of services due to unpaid bills

Available Resources – Shelter

*Many shelters remain open but have less beds available then usual at this time

Austin Street Center (homeless shelter)
214-428-4242

The Bridge (homeless shelter)
214-670-1100

Mosaic Family Services (domestic violence shelter)
214-823-4434

Brighter Tomorrows (domestic violence shelter)
972-262-8383

Additional Support

National Domestic Violence Hotline
Includes a chat feature in case it’s not safe to call
1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

National Eating Disorder Association
1-800-931-2237 or text ‘NEDA’ to 741741

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administrations
1-800-662-HELP (4357)

National Suicide Prevention Hotline
1-800-273-8255

Government Benefits

TANF, CHIP, Medicaid are all open but recommend that you visit youtexasbenefits.com

Social Security and Disability are open but offices closed. Visit https://www.ssa.gov/ for more information

Unemployment benefits – provides compensation for lost work or wages due to COVID-19

Worker’s Compensation – if your job has brought you into direct contact with someone with COVID-19 and you became ill you can apply for workers comp

 

Written by Emma Coleman, advocacy intern at Genesis Women’s Shelter & Support