COVID-19: What You Need to Know, Where You Need to Go
Local and National Resources for Information and Aid Related to the Pandemic
Words by Jessi Devenyns
For so many, the sweeping changes instigated by the spread of coronavirus have left them wondering where to turn to access the pertinent information for their particular situation. Whether it’s assistance for small businesses loans or it’s information about positive COVID-19 diagnosis statistics in Travis County, here is a list of useful websites to connect with information from its source.
*This is not an exhaustive list of the available resources on a local, state, or national level.
Emergency Assistance Accessing Resources
For medical or immediate emergencies, please DIAL 911.
COVID-19 Testing
– Austin Public Health provides statistics on confirmed cases and demographics of Travis County residents to test positive for COVID-19.
– CommUnity Care offers medical appointments over the phone as well as drive-thru COVID-19 testing for eligible individuals.
– The University of Texas Health in Austin (UTHA), Dell Medical Center’s Clinic, opened up a drive-thru testing facility downtown.
– Baylor Scott & White similarly opened a drive-thru testing site.
Housing Services
– Austin Energy has implemented policies to ensure that residents have uninterrupted access to utilities. They also have Customer Assistance Programs for limited income customers and medically vulnerable customers.
– Texas Gas Service is providing payment plan options for households affected by COVID-19.
– The Austin Tenants Council has a comprehensive overview on tenant rights and current eviction prohibitions. Those who require assistance paying rent can find information on late rent payments from the City of Austin.
Small Business Assistance
The SBA Express Bridge Loan is a program that enables small businesses to have quick access to $25,000 or less. The Austin Chamber also provides some helpful information to navigate the SBA loan program process.
Emergency Resources
– Frontline Child Care is open and accepting children of essential employees. Workforce Solutions is similarly providing childcare for frontline workers.
– For those in need of psychiatric assistance or crisis intervention, the Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (MCOT) is available to Austin residents. Low-cost counseling services are available through Capital Area Counseling.
– Emergency shelter services are provided at SafePlace, which also has a 24-hour hotline available for individuals and families affected by domestic violence. For survivors of domestic violence that are in need of assistance or legal support, contact the U.S. Department of Health & Human Service’s Family Violence Prevention Team.
– Access to food can be obtained through local independent school districts, and the Austin Chamber keeps a list of meal service schedules. The Central Texas Food Bank also maintains a listing of locations where food is available. Meals on Wheels provides resources for seniors who require assistance receiving meals.
Job Resources
– The Austin Chamber keeps an updated list of job opportunities in Austin. Additionally, the organization maintains a Q&A page for employers based on information from the Texas Workforce Commission. Workforce Solutions similarly maintains a queue of job listings in the area.
– For those who require a driver license for a job, expiration dates have been waived.
