Month: April 2020

Employment Resources

Workforce Solutions of Greater Dallas has resources for job seekers. Those seeking employment can register at workintexas.com.

The Dallas Regional Chamber has launched a virtual job board: https://sayyestodallas.com/jobs/displaced-workers/

You can email Goodwill at jobs@goodwilldallas.org with your name, city/zip code, contact number and any additional information. A Goodwill Job Connection Center Manager or Specialist will contact you directly and set up an appointment for virtual employment services. You can also contact a Job Connection Center by phone at the location nearest you:

• 3020 N. Westmoreland Rd, Dallas, TX 75212: 214-638-2800 x185
• 1661 E. Northwest Hwy., Garland, TX 75041: 214-227-5549
• 919 W. Main Street, Lewisville, TX 75067: 972-436-3681

The North Texas Food Bank has partnered with ShiftShare to employ workers who have suffered from lost income as a result of the Coronavirus’ impact on the economy.

Frito-Lay Job Postings: https://fritolayemployment.com/

Pepsi Jobs: https://pepsifrontlinecareers.com/

by Robert Leal

Educational Resources for Parents

• The talkSTEM YouTube Channel houses over 250 videos for your free use! The channel includes various sections organized by content, including STEM in the Real World - Engaging, short, theme-based STEM videos based on math/science concepts and subject matter. See our latest playlist for Pre K - 2nd Grade : Math in the Early Years. More information and resources here.
• Free downloadable worksheets are available for all parents and educators. Suitable for K-12. Find them
• Parent and Educator Youtube Guide
• At-Home Learning resources can be found
• Rec@Home is a weekly video series created by Dallas Park and Recreation, giving step-by-step demonstrations for fitness workouts, children’s crafts, and healthy eating. Watch on Youtube here.
• The Dallas Public Library is now issuing library cards by email and phone. Loan periods are being extended, and digital resources are available at dallaslibrary.org. A link to more information for residents is here.

by Robert Leal

Domestic Violence Survivor Resources

• Futures Without Violence has compiled useful references, including for community-based advocates and health providers.
• The work of the National Domestic Violence Hotline is crucial in times like these, and has 24/7 online chat in addition to their hotline number and excellent safety planning resources.
• We are in close communication with the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
• VAWnet, a project of the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence, has special collections on topics like disaster and emergency preparedness and response.
• NNEDV’s own org offers an online legal hotline in addition to plain-language information for victims of abuse.
• Report child abuse either by phone 1-800-252-5400 or online at org if you suspect a child may be in danger. Every adult in Texas is a mandatory reporter.

by Robert Leal

Help Paying Utilities

• The Public Utilities Commission of Texas voted Thursday 3/26 to temporarily prevent utility companies from disconnecting power and water services to residents financially affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Residents must still pay their bills via a deferred payment plan (residents need to contact their service provider for customer assistance).
• Exelon brands (Constellation, Atlantic City Energy, BGE, ComEd, Delmarva Power, PECO) have suspended service disconnections and will waive late payment charges until at least May 1. Exelron has also committed to donating $1.15 million to local and national COVID-19 relief efforts.
• Vistra Energy brands (TXU, Ambit, Tri-Eagle) is waiving late fees, extending payment due dates with no down payment required, and reducing down payments and deferring balances over five equal installments. TXU customers can also receive additional bill-payment assistance through its TXU Energy AidSM program.
• NRG brands (Reliant, Green Mountain, Cirro, Stream, XOOM, Discount Power) is suspending disconnections for non-payment until April 3.
• Atmos and Dallas Water Utilities have suspended disconnections at this time.
• 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.

by Robert Leal

Trouble Paying Rent or Mortgage?

The Texas Supreme Court issued an order suspending all evictions until April 19, 2020: https://www.txcourts.gov/media/1446203/209045.pdf

The Dallas County Justices of the Peace also issued an order suspending all evictions for sixty days.

• In summary, per guidance from a Dallas County Justice of the Peace:
  • ALL Eviction cases are currently postponed and continued for 60 days
• Residential or Commercial;
• Currently pending or filed within the 60 day period
• ALL Writs of Possession are currently postponed and continued for 60 days
• Residential or Commercial;
• Previously requested or requested within the 60 day period
• Lockouts are not addressed in any current emergency order – Texas Property Code, Chapters 92 and 93, control
• Residential lockout tenants must be provided a key upon request whether rent is brought current or not;
• Commercial lockout tenants must only be provided a key when the rent is NOT delinquent– provided that all other requirements of the lockout were in accordance with the Texas Property Code
• Writs of Re-Entry are not addressed in any current order – Texas Property Code, Chapters 92 and 93, control Residential or Commercial tenants that are illegally locked out may seek relief from the Justice of the Peace in the precinct in which the property is located
• Residential landlords may be ordered to provide the tenant a key and the Court has authority to enforce its order;
• Commercial landlords may only be ordered provide a tenant with a key when the rent is NOT delinquent – provided that all other requirements of the lockout were in accordance with the Texas Property Code

The federal government announced they are suspending all HUD foreclosures and evictions for 60 days.

If you don’t have enough money to pay, contact your lender or landlord immediately. Help includes:

• If you are a Dallas Housing Authority client, please immediately report any loss of income in order to reduce your portion of rent and inspections will be restricted to health and safety only.
• Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs Foreclosure Prevention 1-888-995-HOPE (4673)
• Texas Attorney General Consumer Protection or call 800-621-0508
• Texas Health and Human Services Commission has resources available. There may be vouchers to assist those in need with paying their rent. Also get government assistance with other needs, including lease application fees, information on low income housing and security deposits. Dial 1-877-541-7905 to find additional ways to get rent help.
• Texas offers programs that can help you with paying your mortgage and also avoid foreclosure. Local resources, including government and non-profit assistance, can help qualified homeowners
• Homeowners have other resources too. Also click here for a listing of Texas HUD counseling agencies that provide free foreclosure counseling.

The City of Dallas Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization Office has information here.

by Robert Leal

Financial Assistance

The IRS has deferred the federal tax filing deadline to July 15th. Find more information on Coronavirus tax relief here.

The U.S. Department of Treasury has a list of financial resources for consumers.

Residents can call 211 and give their zip code for a list of local financial and in-kind resources available in their area.

Texans who believe they have encountered price gouging or disaster scams should call the Office of the Attorney General’s toll-free complaint line at (800) 621-0508 or file a complaint online. For additional information on disaster scams, please visit our disaster scams website.

by Robert Leal

Unemployment and Workers’ Comp

• Anyone who has lost their job due to coronavirus or has had to take time off to self-quarantine or care for a sick relative (and does not get paid sick time from work) may apply for UNEMPLOYMENT insurance. Information on that can be found here. Per the Workforce Commission, “a delay in filing will not impact the benefits you receive, your benefits are tied to your date of layoff, not filing date.”
• Anyone whose job has brought them into direct contact with someone with coronavirus (for instance, a first responder or a health care worker) and has become ill or is required to quarantine can file for WORKERS’ COMP. File for that here.
• If you or a friend or family member are out of work, the Texas Workforce Commission provides support services as well.

by Robert Leal