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Houston Coronavirus Resources

Houston Coronavirus Resources

 

Harris County Stay Home Order

Stay Home, Work Safe Order FAQs (updated on 4/3/2020)

Will churches be permitted to conduct Easter Sunday celebrations?

Gatherings of any kind during this time creates a substantial threat to public health and safety. We applaud religious institutions across our region for taking action to save lives by moving their services online. At this crucial moment, faith leaders who provide religious and worship services by video and teleconference enable Harris County to greatly limit the spread of COVID-19 and the exponential growth of cases.

 If I have added sanitizing wipes and hand sanitizer to my business inventory, will my business be considered essential?

No. Retooling a non-essential business to become essential requires the business to change its focus from producing non-essential goods and services to producing essential goods and services. Retooling does not consist of adding a few putatively essential items to an inventory that consists of non-essential products.

Are furniture stores permitted to stay open?

Yes, retail stores that primarily sell furniture and do not engage in general retail are considered essential retail, and are permitted under this Order. These stores must adhere to social distancing and sanitization rules, and must not retail non-essential items during the period that the Stay Home, Work Safe Order is in effect.

Can I call a plumber or electrician into my home for emergency maintenance?

Yes, plumbers and electricians are permitted to work in a residence in the event of a domestic water leak or electrical fault or to maintain the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences. They also may work as a part of residential home construction. However, non-essential home projects such as changing light fixtures or plumbing fixtures for aesthetic reasons are not permitted.

 

Is remodeling construction in my home permitted?

Residential construction and remodeling is permitted only for health, safety, and sanitation reasons, and it is allowed at essential businesses. Remodeling is not allowed at a residence for aesthetic or non-essential reasons.

 

Can I meet up with friends outside to walk together?

Outdoor activities such as walking are permitted as long as contact with individuals who are not in the same household is minimized and complies with social distancing requirements of six feet. Please be advised that gatherings of people may be questioned by law enforcement and those who violate this Order risk a fine of up to $1,000 and up to 180 days in jail. 

Can I move to a new residence during the Stay Home, Work Safe Order?

Moving and movers are permitted under this Order as essential activities.

Are AA meetings still permitted under the Stay Home, Work Safe Order

AA meetings are permitted under this Order as essential mental health and substance abuse service providers. However, social distancing requirements must still be followed, including limiting attendees to 10 people and maintaining a distance of six feet.

What is the best way for restaurants to continue to operate under this Order?

Restaurants that serve food by take out, delivery, or drive-through are permissible under this Order. To ensure the safety of customers in lines, restaurants are required to have people stand single file on spots marked with tape that are at least 6 feet apart. Restaurants must also ensure social distancing among staff to the greatest extent possible. 

Restaurants are encouraged to take additional measures such as:

  •       Having people wait in cars until texted or notified that their order is ready
  •       Encouraging people to order and prepay for take-out online (rather than paying with cash or card on site)
  •       Asking people to clean their hands with sanitizer made available at the cash register at the restaurant before and after purchase (automatic, touchless dispensers are ideal)
  •       Setting up a “take-out station” in front of the main entrance of the restaurant so that people do not need to enter the building
  •       Increasing “touchless delivery” options

My business provides services or products to an Essential Business. Am I exempt from the Stay Home requirement?

Businesses that supply Essential Businesses with support or utilities may be exempt from the Stay Home, Work Safe requirement. However, even though a business may be exempt from the Stay Home, Work Safe requirement, that business still must implement social distancing rules to the extent possible. Additionally, just because a business is essential, that does not mean it cannot assign those who can effectively from home to do so. Remember: the more people who work at home, the greater the likelihood that the spread of COVID-19 will be impaired. We recommend that any business or service that is unsure if it is an “Essential Business” or “Essential Service” review the Order with legal counsel and apply for a waiver if necessary on www.ReadyHarris.org/StayHome. 

I live in and work in different counties. How do I handle this situation?

  •       If you reside in Harris County, you can travel to work — whether in the County or outside it — only if you are performing work for an essential business or are providing an essential service as that is defined in the Order. Employment at a non-essential business outside Harris County does not exempt you from the Stay Home, Work Safe Order.
  •       Similarly, if you live outside Harris County, you can travel into Harris County for work only if you are employed by an essential business or are providing an essential service. 

My business is not considered an “Essential Business,” but can I still continue to operate if I meet all social distancing guidelines?

No. Those who violate the Order risk a fine of up to $1,000 and up to 180 days in jail. If you believe your business should be considered an “Essential Business” or “Essential Service,” you may apply for an Essential Business Exemption on the Ready Harris website, www.ReadyHarris.org/StayHome. 

Do “Essential Workers” need a special ID to be out?

It depends. At this time, the Order does not require proof that you are allowed to be outside your residence because the Order presumes that citizens will adhere to their civic duty and follow the Order for the greater good of the community. However, some organizations — such as the Coast Guard Sector Houston-Galveston — are encouraging employers to provide a letter to their essential employees reflecting that they are being asked to work. If your employer is an essential business and you have an identification badge for your job, you can elect to show that badge to law enforcement should you be stopped. Law enforcement is focused primarily on educating the public, but they have and will continue to stop people who they believe may be in violation of the Order.

 

Can I keep my business open while my Essential Business Exemption application is being processed?

No.

Are childcare and adult/senior care available?

Residential care for seniors and adults and home-based childcare are considered part of healthcare operations and permitted under the Order. Childcare facilities that serve employees who are working for essential businesses or providing essential services also can operate. However, childcare cannot be provided for non-essential workers. Therefore, childcare providers must ascertain that the individual who is seeking care for a child is an essential worker under the Order.

Are landscaping and maintenance projects allowable?

Yes. Yard and maintenance crews are listed in Section 2(b)(vii) of the Order as an essential service necessary to maintain essential operations at residences and essential businesses.

Are funeral services allowed?

Funeral gatherings are permitted as long as they are limited to a total of up to 10 people, including staff, and social distancing practices must be in place. 

Are beauty supply stores and salons allowed?

No. These are considered non-essential businesses and are not authorized.

 

CARES ACT – What Is In CoronaVirus Stimulus?

For a quick rundown of what is in the stimulus package from Congress see https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Y9uDzdMDKb1-RCCfoNodj3RW_gX5_G4dH9ztSIs3dxM/edit

 

National Resources from Mi Familia Vota

Nation-wide resources for COVID from Mi Familia Vota.

 

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YZ7r-9mP1UhEnEspTynlj1_Klx0xkLLZCUSrdNMo_AA/edit

 

Houston Testing Sites: Coronavirus (COVID-19): 

 

Community Based Testing Sites

  • The Houston/Harris County free drive-thru testing sites are available to people with the common COVID-19 symptoms of cough, shortness of breath and fever.
  • Use the self-assessment tool at ReadyHarris.org or call 832-393-4220 to be screened.
  • In order to get tested, one must have an access code given at the online screening

 

Houston – Food and Grocery Assistance 

HISD food distribution efforts 

The Houston Independent School District will relaunch food distribution efforts throughout the district beginning Monday, April 6, with a streamlined process that will implement increased safety measures. https://blogs.houstonisd.org/news/2020/04/01/hisd-to-relaunch-food-distribution-efforts-on-april-6-with-centralized-packing-hub/?fbclid=IwAR1z-rkKmr6p1Pu4Y4TxamKCEOjYrs1Q4nAd8Yqn8IzrRzWEGIK8MsGxFvU 

Free meals in surrounding School Districts 

Fort Bend ISD (children must be present to receive meals)

  • Beginning March 16, the district will offer breakfast and lunch from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Monday-Friday. Beginning March 17, both breakfast and lunch meals will be available for pickup during the morning hours. Lunch meals will also be available for pickup from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Locations include: 
      • Travis High School (11111 Harlem Rd, Richmond, TX 77406); 
      • Hodges Bend Middle School (16510 Bissonnet St, Houston, TX 77083)
      • Kempner High School (14777 Voss Rd, Sugar Land, TX 77498)
      • Sartartia Middle School (8125 Homeward Way, Sugar Land, TX 77479)
      • First Colony Middle School (3225 Austin Pkwy, Sugar Land, TX 77479);
      • Dulles High School (550 Dulles Ave, Sugar Land, TX 77478
      • Missouri City Middle School (202 Martin Ln, Missouri City, TX 77489)
      • Elkins High School (7007 Knights Ct, Missouri City, TX 77459)
      • Ridge Point High School (500 Waters Lake Blvd, Missouri City, TX 77459)
      • McAuliffe Middle School (16650 S Post Oak Rd, Houston, TX 77053)
      • Hightower High School (3333 Hurricane Ln, Missouri City, TX 77459) 

Katy ISD 

Beginning March 16, free breakfast and lunches will be served from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday at the following campuses: 

    • Bear Creek Elementary, Bethke Elementary
    • Golbow Elementary
    • Hutsell Elementary
    • Mayde Creek Elementary
    • Memorial Parkway Elementary
    • Sundown Elementary
    • West Memorial Elementary
    • Williams Elementary
    • Tompkins High School. 

Goose Creek ISD 

  • Beginning March 16, the district will offer “Grab and Go” lunches for all children 18 and under from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on weekdays. Starting Tuesday, March 17, breakfast will also be served on weekdays from 8 to 9 a.m. Meals may be picked up from the following locations: 
    • Banuelos elementary
    • Bowie elementary
    • Carver elementary
    • Highlands elementary
    • Travis elementary
    • San Jacinto elementary
    • Gentry and Horace Mann Junior Schools
    • GCM, Lee and Sterling High Schools.  

Stafford MSD (children must be present to receive meals)

  • Beginning Monday, March 16, SMSD will offer “Grab and Go” meals at various times and locations: 
    • Breakfast: 8 to 9 a.m. Monday-Friday at Stafford Elementary School & Stafford Intermediate School
    • Lunch: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday-Friday at Stafford Elementary School & Stafford Intermediate School
    • Dinner: 3 to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday at Stafford Elementary School 

Conroe ISD

  • From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17 and Thursday, March 19, the district will offer free meals to students who qualify for free or reduced lunch. Meals will be delivered curbside at the following locations: 
    • Austin Elementary
    • Caney Creek High School
    • Conroe High School
    • Grand Oaks High School
    • Hauke High School
    • Knox Junior High
    • Oak Ridge High School
    • The Woodlands College Park High School
    • The Woodlands High School
    • Washington Junior High

Santa Fe ISD

  • Beginning March 16 through March 20, the district will provide free meals for students who qualify for the federal meal program. Meals may be picked up from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. daily at:
    • Barnett Elementary. Contact Michelle Skiles, Nutrition Services Supervisor, at michelle.skiles@sfisd.org for any questions

Cypress-Fairbanks ISD (children must be present to receive meals)

  • Beginning daily on March 16, the district will offer breakfast from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m.; lunch 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and dinner 4 to 6 p.m. Schools available for curbside meals include (Beginning Tuesday, March 17, Goodson MS will also offer curbside meals.):
    • Arnold MS, Bane ES
    • Cy Creek HS
    • Cy Lakes HS
    • Cy Park HS
    • Cy Ridge HS
    • Cy Springs HS
    • Danish ES
    • Francone ES
    • Frazier ES
    • Holbrook ES
    • Horne ES
    • Kirk ES
    • Langham Creek HS
    • Thornton MS.

 

Clear Creek ISD (children must be present to receive meals)

  • Beginning March 17, the district will offer drive-through meals from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on weekdays at:
    • Greene Elementary
    • League City Elementary
    • McWhirter Elementary
    • Stewart Elementary 
    • Whitcomb Elementary. 

Spring ISD (children must be present to receive meals)

  • From March 16-20, the district will offer free breakfast and lunch from 8 to 11 a.m. at the following campuses: 
    • Anderson Elementary, 6218 Lyngate, Spring
    • Bammel Elementary, 17309 Red Oak Dr., Houston
    • Booker Elementary, 22352 Imperial Valley Dr., Houston
    • Clark Primary, 12625 River Laurel Dr., Houston
    • Claughton Middle, 3000 Spears Rd., Houston
    • Hoyland Elementary, 2200 Wittershaw Dr, Houston
    • McNabb Elementary, 743 East Cypresswood Dr., Spring
    • Meyer Elementary, 16330 Forest Way Dr., Houston
    • Ponderosa Elementary, 17202 Butte Creek Rd., Houston
    • Reynolds Elementary, 3975 Gladeridge Dr., Houston
    • Smith Elementary, 26000 Cypresswood Dr., Spring. 

 

Klein ISD (children must be present to receive meals)

  • On March 16 and 17, the district will offer free, one week’s worth of breakfast and lunch meals curbside from 8 to 11 a.m. at:
    • Klein Intermediate
    • Wunderlich Intermediate
    • Mittelstadt Intermediate
    • Schultz Intermediate. 

Humble ISD (children must be present to receive meals)

  • Beginning March 17, the district will offer free meals from 8 to 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.on Tuesday-Friday at:
    • Elm Grove Elementary School
    • Oaks Elementary School
    • Ridge Creek Elementary School
    • River Pines Elementary School
    • Humble Middle School
    • Ross Sterling Middle School.

Magnolia ISD (children must be present to receive meals)

  • Beginning Tuesday, March 17, the district will offer free meals via curbside pickup from 9 to 11 a.m. at Magnolia Elementary School and Smith Elementary School. 

Galena Park ISD (children must be present to receive meals)

  • Beginning March 17, the district will offer free breakfast from 7:30 to 9 a.m. and free lunch from 10:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at the following locations: 
    • Woodland Acres Elementary School
    • Sam Houston Elementary School
    • Galena Park Elementary School
    • Dr. Shirley J. Williamson Elementary School
    • North Shore Middle School. 

Lamar CISD (children must be present to receive meals)

  • Beginning Tuesday, March 17, the district will offer free breakfast and lunch from 8 to 8:30 a.m. and 11 to 11:45 a.m. Monday through Friday at the following campuses: 
    • Beasley Elementary
    • Foster High School
    • Fulshear High School
    • George Ranch High School
    • Lamar Consolidated High School 
    • Terry High School. 

Waller ISD

  • Through the week of March 16, the district will offer free curbside meals from 7:30 to 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at:
    • Waller High School
    • Fields Store Elementary
    • Roberts Road Elementary.

Galveston ISD

  • Beginning March 16, the district will offer free curbside meals 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday-Friday at: 
    • Ball High
    • Collegiate Academy at Weis and Crenshaw School.

La Porte ISD  (children must be present to receive meals)

  • Through the week of March 16, the district will offer free, to-go breakfast from 7:30 to 9 a.m. and lunch from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the following campuses: 
    • James H. Baker Sixth Grade Campus
    • College Park Elementary School
    • La Porte High School. 

Dickinson ISD

  • Through the week of March 16, the district will serve free meals to students who qualify for the federal meal program. Meals include a lunch and breakfast for the following day. Meals can be picked up from 11 a.m. to noon in the drop-off/parking area at Dickinson High School. 

Brazosport ISD

  • Grab and go food services will be offered from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily at Ney, Ogg, and Velasco Elementary Schools; 10:30 to 11:00 a.m. at  SF Austin Elementary School in Jones Creek; 11:15 to 11:40 a.m. at Northgate Apartments in Freeport; 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Avenue J Apartments and 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Griffith Elementary School. 

Alvin ISD

  • Through the week of March 16, the district will offer free meals from 12 to 1 p.m. at:
    • Passmore Elementary
    • Rodeo Palms Junior High
    • Manvel Junior High. 

Channelview ISD

  • Through the week of March 16, the district will offer free drive-through meals from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at:
    • Crenshaw Elementary
    • DeZavala Elementary
    • Hamblen Elementary. 

Hempstead ISD (children must be present to receive meals) 

  • Through the week of March 16, the district will offer free breakfast and lunch meals from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at Hempstead Elementary.

Hitchcock ISD

  • Through the week of March 16, the district will offer free meals from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Monday-Friday at the following locations: 
    • KFHS parking lot
    • Crosby Middle School
    • Bent Oaks Apartments
    • The Life at Emerald Oaks
    • The Village Apartments
    • Galilee Missionary Baptist Church
    • Joe Moore Park the corner of Heron & Highland Dr.

Aldine ISD

  • Through the week of March 16 and on March 23, the district will provide free meals from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at select campuses. See the complete list of campuses on the Aldine ISD website.

 

COVID-19 and Public Charge: What Immigrant Communities Need to Know

Updated March 23, 2020 

 

On March 13, USCIS announced that testing, prevention, or treatment for COVID-19, also called Coronavirus, would NOT be used against immigrants in a public charge test. This means that immigrant families should seek the care they need during this difficult time. All of us have a role to play in keeping our communities healthy. This is especially true when our communities face a public health emergency like COVID-19. Immigrant families may be wondering which resources are available to them during this time. Below is some information about immigrants’ rights in health care settings: 

 

    • It is safe and smart to see the doctor if you need care. Your doctor is required to honor your right to privacy. You do not need to share any information about your immigration status unless you apply for Medicaid or other health coverage. 
    • You can still see a doctor without medical insurance. This includes care you receive in the emergency room, at community and migrant health centers, free clinics, and public hospitals. If you don’t have a doctor, call a local community health center for assistance.  You can find a health center here: https://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/ 
    • Hospitals and health care spaces are safe to visit. Federal guidelines prohibit immigration agents from conducting arrests or other enforcement actions at health care facilities, such as hospitals, doctors’ offices, health clinics, and urgent care facilities.

 

  • CLICK HERE to learn more about your rights when accessing health services.

 

 

If you feel your rights or the rights of someone you know have been violated, you can file an immigration enforcement civil rights complaint. To learn more about filing a complaint, click here.

  

ON PUBLIC CHARGE:

On February 24, the Trump administration implemented a new wealth test for people applying for their green card. This wealth test — also known as the public charge test — affects only a select group of immigrants. Here are the facts on public charge: 

 

  • Public charge does not apply to all immigrants. To learn more about who is affected by the rule, visit Protecting Immigrant Families or Keep Your Benefits (for California residents).
  • Many health and nutrition programs are NOT included in the public charge test – and are still safe to use. These include:
    • Emergency Medicaid
    • State and locally funded health care
    • Disaster assistance
    • Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) replacement for school meals
    • Disaster SNAP (also known as D-SNAP or disaster food stamps)
    • Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
    • Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
    • School meals (free and reduced price lunch)
    • Food banks and homeless shelters 
    • Child care related services
  • A family member’s use of public benefits will not affect an immigrant’s green card application. There is no benefit to disenrolling U.S. citizens or other eligible family members from health and nutrition programs. 

 

For more information, visit www.protectingimmigrantfamilies.org and learn more about how to keep our communities healthy and strong. 

 

Additional resources can be found at https://unitedwedream.org/2020/03/healthcare-access-for-undocumented-folks-in-the-time-of-covid19/

Summary of CARES Act [Immigration Hub]

Short summary of the COVID-19 Stimulus and Supplemental Funding Bill (CARES Act) put together by the Immigration Hub, which also highlights Immigration-Specific Provisions. 

 

SPAN CARES Act FAQ [House Committee on Ways and Means]

Frequently asked questions about CARES Act in Spanish, written by the House Committee on Ways and Means

 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nyqRLkz_88jj-HSSktPFZADhSB7CbDZL/view?usp=sharing  

 

Resources for Immigrant Community during COVID-19, by city [RAICES]

Food, health, school/child care, employment, city-wide closure information, free services offered/shelter, transportation 

 

https://www.raicestexas.org/2020/03/24/resources-for-immigrant-community-during-covid-19/?ms=em20200319_covid19supporter&emci=b76ef5c9-f469-ea11-a94c-00155d03b5dd&emdi=9dbec7fa-416a-ea11-a94c-00155d03b5dd

 

COVID Undocumented Community Resource Page Toolkit [Informed Immigrant]

Informed Immigrant is proud to launch the Resources For the Undocumented Community During Coronavirus page to connect immigrant families with resources during this difficult time. This is the first iteration of our resource page, which includes national and state-based resources including food distribution sites, mutual aid funds, and health care accessible to undocumented and mixed status families.

 

Do you have a resource you would like us to add to our page? Please fill out this form, or reply to me (susie@fwd.us) and my colleague, Ana Aldazabal (ana@fwd.us) 

 

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1INQmOcF-DGa7Hu2wDVuTQpuQIZ1fTz5y54UBph_p4Yw/edit

 

Texas Undocumented Worker Fund [Workers Defense Project] 

Solicitud para el Fondo de Emergencia para Trabajadores Indocumentados de Texas / Texas Undocu Worker Fund Application

La membresía de Proyecto Defensa Laboral (www.workersdefense.org) creó este fondo como forma de ‘ayuda mutua’ reconociendo que el sistema económico actual nos falla y qué nos toca crear soluciones alternativas por el bienestar de nuestra comunidad ante la pandemia de COVID-19. Esperamos poder dar $250 a familias y hogares de familias inmigrantes de bajo ingreso en Texas.

QUIEN PUEDE SOLICITAR?: Personas y familias de bajo ingreso en los áreas metropolitanas de Houston, Dallas y Austin quienes no se beneficiarán de asistencia financiera federal. Solicitar antes del 12 de abril, 2020.

The membership of Workers Defense Project (www.workersdefense.org) created this fund as a form of ‘mutual aid’ recognizing that our current economic system fails us and it’s up to us to create alternative solutions for the well-being of our community during the COVID-19 pandemic. We hope to be able to give $250 to 60 families / households of low-income immigrant families in Texas.

WHO CAN APPLY: Low-income people and families in the Houston, Dallas and Austin metro areas that will not benefit from federal financial assistance. The initial window to apply is April 1 – 12th, 2020.

tinyurl.com/sisepuede2020

 

SPANISH AND ENGLISH Resources for the Undocumented Community during the Coronavirus Emergency [Informed Immigrant]

Spanish: https://www.inmigranteinformado.com/guides/coronavirus/#

 

English: https://www.informedimmigrant.com/guides/coronavirus/#  

 

This is a Spanish language page and the first iteration of its resource page, which includes national and state-based resources including food distribution sites, mutual aid funds, and health care accessible to undocumented and mixed status families. We expect to include more resources as they become available over the coming days as well as a resource page in English very soon.

 

Covid-19 & Public Charge Guidance [MFV]

Below please find message guidance and more resources for your constituencies.

Covid-19 Resources & Public Charge Guidance – Google Doc Here

 

Public Charge & COVID-19

  • Highlight: For families that are concerned about the “public charge” rule, immigration officials have confirmed that they will neither consider testing, treatment, nor preventative care related to COVID-19 as part of a public charge inadmissibility determination.  

  • Talking Points from National Protecting Immigrant Families (PIF) Campaign: Coronavirus TPs

 

Know Your Medical Rights [Texas Immigration Statewide Call, 3/24]

Notes from call on 3/24 addressing medical rights of immigrants.

 

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1F2GSlquFIPwWdzGCJg8imi7mN5qkeSbJNOGI6Y6ccmA/edit?usp=sharing 

 

Undocu-friendly Care Centers during COVID-19 & Other Resources [United We Dream]

 

Here is a list of undocu-friendly care centers in each state. 

 

Below is a list of all the COVID-19 content UWD has produced.

 

 

DACA Update [Informed Immigrant]

 

Please see above for updates on how COVID-19 may impact DACA renewals and up to date information on any action the Supreme Court may take. As always, we’re committed to supporting you in any way possible. We will work on updating this page as new information surfaces.

Includes info on:

  • DACA renewal clinics
  • USCIS offices
  • Unemployment eligibility
  • Social distancing, etc.

https://www.informedimmigrant.com/guides/daca-coronavirus/# 

Mental Health Resources For DREAMers & Undocu families in Houston 

Mental Health Service Providers 

Dr. William July, Licensed Psychologist 

10900 Northwest Freeway, Suite 205 Houston, TX 77092 

713.993.7751 https://www.drwilliamjuly.com/ 

The Alliance Wellness Center 

6440 Hillcroft Ave, Suite 304 Houston, Texas 77081 

(713) 554- 1890 

https://thealliancetx.org/wp- content/uploads/2019/12/Wellness- Center-brochure-updated-Dec- 2019.pdf or http://thealliancetx.org/wellness- center/ 

Crisis Assistance 

Crisis Intervention of Houston, Inc- 713-468-5463 

Crisis Intervention (Spanish Hotline) 

713-526-8088 

Crisis Text Line Crisis Text Line is free, 24/7 support for those in crisis. Text 741741 from anywhere in the US to text with a trained Crisis Counselor 

The Harris Center The Harris Center offers a 24/7 crisis hotline at 713-970-7000 option 1. 

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones at 1-800-273-8255 or online. 

SAMHSA’s National Disaster Distress Hotline 

The SAMHSA National Disaster Distress Hotline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders. 1-800-273-8255 or online. 

COVID19 Emotional Support Hotline (Non-Emergency) 

People who are feeling worry/anxiety/stress and just need a warm voice to talk to. Please Call 833-251-7544. 

Sliding Scale Counseling Services & Support Groups 

Avenue 360 Multiple Locations 713-426-0027 https://www.avenue360.org/ 

Baylor Psychiatry Clinic 1977 Butler Blvd 

Houston, TX 77030 

713-798-4857 https://www.bcm.edu/healthcare/care-centers/psychiatry 

Bo’s Place 10050 Buffalo Speedway 

Houston, TX 77054 

713-942-8339 https://www.bosplace.org/en/ 

Catholic Charities Contact Family Counseling 

2900 Louisiana Street, Houston, TX 77006 

713-874-6602 or 713-874-6502 & 713-874-6590 

https://catholiccharities.org/our- services/strengthening- families/counseling/ 

El Centro de Corazon Multiple Locations 713-660-1880 https://www.elcentrodecorazon.org/ 

Family Services of Greater Houston 

4625 Lillian St Houston, TX 77007 

713-861-4849 https://www.familyhouston.org/ 

Hope Clinic Multiple Locations 713-773-0803 https://www.hopechc.org/ 

Hope and Healing Center 

717 Sage Road Houston, TX 77056 

713-871-1004 https://hopeandhealingcenter.org/ 

Legacy Community Health Services 

Multiple Locations 832-548-5100 or 832-548-5000 

https://www.legacycommunityhealth.org/ 

Mental Health Association of Greater Houston 

2211 Norfolk, Suite 810 Houston, TX 77098 

713-521-0110 https://mhahouston.org/ 

UH Clear Lake Psychological Services Clinic 

Arbor South 2700 Bay Area Blvd, Box 83 Houston, TX 77058 

281-283-3330 https://www.uhcl.edu/psychological- services-clinic/ 

UH Psychology Research & Services Center 

4733 Wheeler Ave Houston, TX 77004 

713-743-8600 https://uh.edu/class/psychology/clinics

Sam Houston State University Counseling Center 

936-294-1720 https://www.shsu.edu/dept/counseling/ 

Texas Children’s Hospital Trauma and Grief Center 

1608 Avenue J., Box 209 Huntsville, TX 77341 

(Wallace Tower, Floor 16)

6701 Fannin Street 

832-822-3829 https://www.texaschildrens.org/departments/trauma-and-grief-center Houston, TX 77030 

Additional Resources 

Multilingual COVID-19 Resources

Information on coronavirus in various languages. 

 

Paid Sick Leave, Paid Family Leave & Medical Leave Laws, by state

Spreadsheet of every state and local paid sick leave & paid family and medical leave law, organized by state with details on each law

 

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1TTDYmTaDkR3jDHMxJXx1v9JKD8hO_phukL2T8Vdo2ZE/edit#gid=0

 

OPPORTUNITIES TO DONATE

  • NDLON Immigrant Worker Safety Net Fund

For people in the NDLON network.

https://ndlon.org/immigrant-worker-safety-net-fund/

  • WDP Undocumented Workers Fund

For undocumented Texans; via Workers Defense Project: 

Texas Undocu Worker Emergency Fun

 

FOR BLACK COMMUNITIES

Food and other resources for black communities in Austin and in the US [401]

FOR PEOPLE WITH CHRONIC ILLNESSES OR DISABILITIES

Coronavirus: Wisdom from a Social Justice Lens [Irresistible Podcast]

Via irresistible podcast, formerly known as Healing Justice Podcast. This episode’s transcript can be found here.

 

Resource List

FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS

Texas Rising at UT Dallas

List put together for UT Dallas students and Dallas Co. at large.

 

http://tinyurl.com/dallascvdhelp 

 

Richland Community College

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SzQk2ypSGnPwaKVEDv5TtWfGU-LWdDNQ/ 

 

University of Houston

Emotional Phone Support Help Line for COVID-19

1-866-342-6892

(Free access to specially trained mental health specialists to support people who may be experiencing anxiety or stress following the recent developments around COVID-19. Provided by Optum, the toll-free help line number will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for as long as necessary. The service is free of charge and open to anyone).

 

The Harris Center Mental Health Call Line

Call Toll Free 833-251-7544

The Harris Center has activated a Mental Health Call Line to support our community during COVID-19. The purpose of the line is to provide trauma-informed support and psychological first aid to those experiencing stress and anxiety related to the COVID-19 event. If you or someone you know shows signs of stress for several days or weeks, get help by accessing Harris County’s COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line at 833-251-7544.

 

Teletherapy Resources

(sign up and pay for sessions with a licensed counselor)

  • Talkspace Online Therapy – online counseling by text, audio or video messaging at an affordable cost talkspace.com
  • Better Help – professional online counselors available 24/7, private and affordable betterhelp.com

Other Mental Health Resources for Youth

 

For more info on these resources, see below in the “MENTAL HEALTH” section of this document.

Other Mental Health Resources for Youth

 

For more info on these resources, see below in the “MENTAL HEALTH” section of this document.

 

MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES

Mental Health Resources [Modern Health] 

  • This week, Modern Health is hosting a series of free Community Support Sessions designed to equip you with meaningful strategies to overcome stress or anxiety in various areas of your life caused by the COVID-19, such as managing isolation and loneliness, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, financial confidence, work-from-home wellbeing, and practicing mindfulness.
  • In these sessions, coaches and therapists from our network will provide some advice on how to best approach these important areas of interest and then open up the floor to answer questions that you or the rest of the Modern Health community may have.
  • Friday, March 20 at 2pm PDT: Work-from-Home Wellbeing 
  • Monday, March 23 at 9am: Mindfulness Workshop
  • Playlist of all Modern Health’s Community Support webinars this week
  • Gathered content and suggestions from the webinars
  • Private Coping webinar from last Friday

 

Texas Health and Human Services CV-19 Mental Health Support Line

Texas HHS has launched a mental health support line to help Texas experiencing anxiety, stress or emotional challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. People can call 24 hrs/day, 7 day/week toll-free at 833-986-1919. Counseling services are confidential and free of charge.

 

https://hhs.texas.gov/about-hhs/communications-events/news/2020/03/hhs-launches-statewide-covid-19-mental-health-support-line 

 

Mental Health Tools & Resources

The following are online and phone resources for mental health.

Low-Cost Anxiety and Depression Treatment via ADAA

Trevor Project

LGBT National Youth Talkline

Didi Hirsch Suicide Prevention Center

Crisis Text Line

  • Text 741741 if you are feeling depressed or suicidal, a crisis worker WILL text with you. Some people are not comfortable talking on the phone, so texting is an option. 
  • Free service by https://www.crisistextline.org 
  • Crisis Text Line – Special keyword for students of color – Text STEVE to 741741

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

NAMI North Texas

National Alliance on Mental Illness North Texas has lots of local resources. Visit https://www.naminorthtexas.org/local-resources.html 

ADAPT Community Solutions and Mobile Crisis Team

(866) 260-8000

24-hour crisis hotline and face-to-face mental health services for people experiencing a mental health crisis.

American Association of Suicidology

  • If you’re struggling with the loss of a loved one who died by suicide, visit the American Association of Suicidiology for resources and options.
  • Visit https://suicidology.org 

Open Path Psychotherapy

  • Open Path Psychotherapy Collective provides middle and lower-income level individuals, couples, families, and children with access to affordable psychotherapy and mental health education services.
  • Partners with licensed mental health clinicians in private practice across the US.
  • Cost: Pay a one-time membership fee of $59; from there the per-session fee will be in a range between $30 and $60 for individual counseling (and between $30 and $80 for couples and family counseling.
  • Website: https://openpathcollective.org 

Real to The People [Limited Time Cost Free]

  • Online private counseling, or group counseling facilitated by a therapist, plus hosted events that cover coping strategies and mental health support 
  • Website: join-real.com  

MHA (Mental Health America) e-Psychiatry [Paid]

  • Offers appointments with providers licensed in all 50 states over secure video conference sessions. 
  • Fees vary depending on the providers, but a free sign up can allow users to compare rates. Does accept individuals who are uninsured. 
  • Website: https://mha.e-psychiatry.com 

Happy App [Paid]

  • Mobile app that connects individuals experiencing stresses and life struggles to “Support Givers” – vetted persons who will listen, affirm, and ask questions to try to offer new perspectives 
  • Support Givers are not licensed therapists, and are meant only to offer emotional support and empathy to their callers and the service is not intended to substitute for professional care
  • First call is free, afterwards the rate is $12 per 30 minutes, prorated per minute so callers only pay for the time they need. Available 24/7
  • Official partner of the American Heart Association (AHA) and Mental Health America (MHA)
  • Free download available in Android and Apple app stores

Better Help [Paid]

  • Online private counseling with licensed and credited LMFTs, social workers and psychologist.
  • The cost of counseling through BetterHelp ranges from $40 to $70 per week (billed monthly) and includes unlimited access to your counselor. You can cancel your membership at any time for any reason.
  • Website: https://www.betterhelp.com 

Talkspace [Paid]

 

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE RESOURCES

Hotlines

    • Domestic Violence Hotline – 800-799-7233
    • National Domestic Violence Hotline 800-799-SAFE
    • Dallas Area Rape Crisis Center 972-641-RAPE (7273)
    • Adult and Child Abuse Hotline 800-252-5400

Emergency Assistance

    • North Dallas Shared Ministries 972-620-8690
    • Parkland Homes 214-590-0153
    • Catholic Charities 214-520-6590
    • Violence Intervention and Prevention Center at Parkland Hospital 214-590-2926
    • After hours – 214-590-8000

Battered Women’s Shelters

  • The Family Place 214-941-1991
  • Genesis Shelter 214-946-HELP (4357)
  • Brighter Tomorrows 972-262-8383
  • Mosaic Family Services 214-823-4434
  • Hope’s Door 972-422-7233
  • New Beginning Center 972-276-0057
  • The Salvation Army (DAL) 214-424-7208
  • The Salvation Army (FTW) 817-332-2495
  • Safe Haven (Tarrant) 877-701-7233

Transitional Housing

  • Mosaic Family Services 214-823-4434
  • Home Sweet Home 214-424-7033
  • Crossroads 972-254-4003

Domestic Violence Counseling

  • Brighter Tomorrow 972-263-0506
  • The Family Place 214-443-7701
  • Genesis Outreach 214-559-2050
  • Mosaic Family Services 214-821-5392
  • New Beginnings Center 972-276-0423

 

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Desempleo y compensación para los trabajadores

  • Cualquier persona que (tenga permiso de trabajo legal) y que haya perdido su trabajo debido al coronavirus (COVID-19) o que haya tenido que tomarse un tiempo libre para ponerse en cuarentena o cuidar a un pariente enfermo (y no se le pague tiempo de enfermedad del trabajo) puede solicitar el seguro de DESEMPLEO. 
    • ​Puede solicitar estos beneficios en línea a cualquier hora usando los Servicios de Beneficios de Desempleo en línea. Está disponible las 24 horas del dia, 7 dias a la semana. Los empleados deben llamar al tele-centro  la Comisión de la Fuerza Laboral de Texas al 800-939-6631 de 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. hora Central de Lunes a Viernes.
    • Visite: https://www.twc.texas.gov/informacion-en-espanol
  • La Comisión de Fuerza Laboral de Texas (Texas Workforce Commission) ha

lanzado un nuevo asistente virtual automatizado para ayudar a los tejanos a

registrarse en el seguro de desempleo. El chatbot activado por inteligencia artificial

puede responder instantáneamente a muchas de las preguntas mas comunes sobre

el proceso del seguro de desempleo.

  • Cualquier persona cuyo trabajo los haya puesto en contacto directo con alguien con

coronavirus (por ejemplo, alguien que provee primeros auxilios o un trabajador de salud) y se haya enfermado o se le requiera que se ponga en cuarentena puede

solicitar compensación para los trabajadores. 

  • Si usted o un amigo o familiar no tiene trabajo, también brinda servicios de apoyo.

 

Help Paying Bills

 

  • Atmos Energy’s “Sharing the Warmth” program aids customers who are being financially impacted by COVID-19. To apply for the program, customers should visit: https://www.atmosenergy.com/customer-service/get-help-paying-your-bill or call 888-286-6700.
  • TXU is offering additional bill-payment assistance to customers in need through its TXU Energy AidSM program.
  • All AT&T consumer home internet wireline customers, as well as Fixed Wireless Internet, can use unlimited internet data. Additionally, AT&T will continue to offer internet access for qualifying limited income households at $10 a month through our Access from AT&T program. They have expanded eligibility to Access from AT&T to households participating in the National School Lunch Program and Head Start. Additionally, they offering new Access from AT&T customers two months of free service.
    • AT&T is redirecting more resources to provide communication services and tools for first responders, health care professionals, educators and other essential customers. This additional support will help ensure these customers can continue providing critical support to the country and their communities, particularly to first responders using the FirstNet network.
  • Assistance with utility bills (electric, gas and water) up to once per year (with exceptions for “blitz” events determined by funder) in an amount not to exceed $300 available for customers of Reliant Energy, TXU and ATMOS Energy.
  • Residents can call 211 or visit www.211texas.org and give their zip code for a list of local financial and in-kind resources available in their area.
  • Charter Communications is offering free access to Spectrum Broadband and Wi-Fi for 60 days for new K-12 and College Student households. Residents should call: 1-844-488-8395. Charter is also working with school districts to ensure that communication is provided about the free wi-fi; Charter continues to offer Spectrum Assist for households without school-aged children; Charter is also opening its Wi-Fi hotspots for public use.

Problemas para pagar el alquiler o la hipoteca

  • La Corte Suprema de Texas emitió una orden suspendiendo todos los desalojos hasta el

19 de Abril, 2020: https://www.txcourts.gov/media/1446203/209045.pdf

  • Los Jueces de Paz de Dallas también emitieron una orden suspendiendo todos los

desalojos por sesenta días.

En resumen, bajo la orden de un Juez de Paz del Condado de Dallas:

  • TODOS los casos de desalojo se han postergado por 60 días. o Casos residenciales o comerciales; o Casos pendientes y presentados durante un periodo de 60 días
  • TODOS los decretos judiciales de posesión se han postergado actualmente y

continuarán por 60 días. o Casos residenciales o comerciales; o Casos previamente solicitados o solicitados dentro del periodo de 60 días;

  • Órdenes de Cierres no son cubiertos en ninguna orden actual de emergencia – Código de Propiedad de Texas, Capítulos 92 y 93, control 
    • A los arrendatarios sujetos a ordenes de cierre se les tiene que proporcionar una llave si la han solicitado sin importar si sus pagos estén o no al día
    • A los arrendatarios de propiedades comerciales sujetos a ordenes de cierre solamente se les tiene que proporcionar una llave si sus pagos estén al día – siempre y cuando todos los demás requisitos del cierre están en concordancia con el Código de Propiedad de Texas;
    • Órdenes de Reingreso no son cubiertos en ninguna orden actual – Código de

Propiedad de Texas, Capítulos 92 y 93, control de arrendatarios residenciales o

comerciales que se les impide el acceso de forma ilegal pueden dirigirse al Juez

de Paz del recinto en el cual se encuentra la propiedad

  • A los arrendadores de residencias se les puede ordenar que proporcionen una llave

al arrendatario y la corte tiene la autoridad de aplicar la orden

  • A los arrendadores de comercios solamente se les puede ordenar que le proporcionen una llave al arrendatario siempre y cuando NO se haya atrasado con el pago del alquiler siempre y cuando todos los requisitos del cierre estén de acuerdo con el Código de Propiedad de Texas
  • El gobierno federal anunció que suspenderá todas las ejecuciones hipotecarias y

desalojos de HUD durante 60 días.

  • Si no tiene suficiente dinero para pagar, comuníquese con su prestamista o

arrendador inmediatamente. La ayuda incluye:

 

Albergue para Personas sin Hogar y Programas Residenciales

 

La Oficina de Soluciones para Personas Sin Techo (OHS) de la Ciudad de Dallas ha lanzado el esfuerzo para trasladar a personas a habitaciones de hoteles. La OHS prioritiza a los siguientes grupos:

  • Personas sin hogar que necesiten guardar cuarentena
  • Personas en albergues y en la “lista prioritaria de vivienda”

 

OHS coordinará servicio continuo para estos asistentes. OHS trabajará en conjunto con socios para identificar y garantizar el acceso a una propiedad alquilada prestando ayuda por un periodo de hasta 6 meses a personas listas para un programa de vivienda. Este proceso ayudará a liberar camas en los albergues e instalar personas en sus propios hogares. Se administrará casos a largo plazo a cualquiera que sea instalado en un nuevo hogar.

 

Información sobre el Centro de Recuperación del albergue The Bridge se encuentra aquí

Información sobre el albergue Austin Street Center se encuentra aquí.

Información sobre el albergue Family Gateway se encuentra aquí.

Viola’s House | Un hogar de maternidad para adolescentes sin hogar

Houston

Harris County resources for: 

Childcare for Essential Workers- 

https://collabforchildren.org/child-care-now is a one-stop-shop solution where essential workers can go to register for help and find out if they qualify for financial assistance.

Domestic Violence-National Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 799-7233, (800) 787-3224 (TTY), or text LOVEIS to 22522 

Food Resources- Apply for SNAP Food Benefits: https://yourtexasbenefits.hhsc.texas.gov/programs/snap or call 2-1-1, option 2

Find Student Meals: Texas Education Agency https://schoolmealfinder.hoonuit.com/?filter_state=tx

Healthcare and COVID-19 Testing-Harris County is partnering with the Federal government to provide COVID-19 testing to those experiencing symptoms or who may have been exposed to the virus. If this applies to you, please begin the process using the COVID-19: Self-Assessment Tool / (832) 927-7575 (technical access needs).

Student Loan Assistance- https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/coronavirus#borrower-questions

Unemployment- Apply for Unemployment Benefits: https://www.twc.texas.gov/jobseekers/applying-unemployment-benefits

Utility Assistance- Apply for Texas COVID-19 Electricity Relief Program – Bill Payment Assistance – call (866) 454-8387

https://www.readyharris.org/Incidents/COVID-19-Resources-Recovery

LABOR LAW

Family First Coronavirus Act 

Congress and the White House approved and signed into law the Family First Coronavirus Act (“FFCRA”), which expands protections under the Family Medical Leave Act as well as paid sick leave to eligible employees for qualifying reasons related to COVID-19.

https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic