COVID-19 Information

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The City of Denton works closely with state and county health officials to monitor the impacts of COVID-19 (Coronavirus).

All City facilities are open to the public.

Denton County Public Health

The Denton County Public Health Department is the local public health authority and will share the most updated information: www.dentoncounty.gov/coronavirus.

United Way COVID-19 Crisis Response

United Way of Denton County leveraged public and private sector relationships to procure over $11.5 million* in funding support in 2020 and worked collaboratively with local community leaders to ensure funding is coordinated to cover all COVID-related needs of our community, including rental assistance, food insecurity for children and adults, childcare, etc. Find more COVID-19 response information on the United Way website.

In March 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act (ARP) was signed into law providing $1.9 trillion in funding for relief from the COVID-19 public health emergency and its economic impacts. As part of the ARP, the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (SLFRF) was established to provide support to State, territorial, local, and Tribal governments in responding to the economic and public health impacts of the pandemic and in their efforts to contain impacts on their communities, residents, and businesses. Eligible uses of funding are outlined in four categories:

  1. To respond to the public health emergency or its negative economic impacts, including assistance to households, small businesses, and nonprofits, or aid to impacted industries such as tourism, travel, and hospitality;
  2. To respond to workers performing essential work during the COVID-19 public health emergency by providing premium pay to eligible workers;
  3. For the provision of government services to the extent of the reduction in revenue due to the COVID–19 public health emergency relative to revenues collected in the most recent full fiscal year prior to the emergency; and
  4. To make necessary investments in water, sewer, or broadband infrastructure.

Direct Aid to the City of Denton

The City of Denton will receive a total $23.29 million in federal aid over two years under SLFRF. The first half of funding ($11.65 million) became available in May 2021 and the remaining half is anticipated in May 2022. Funds can be used to cover costs incurred beginning March 3, 2021. All cost must be incurred or obligated by Dec. 31, 2024. The period of performance will run until December 31, 2026, at which time all projects must be completed.

In determining how to allocate this funding, the City will focus on projects and uses that address immediate needs, create solutions that are sustainable, and achieve long-term benefits.

Council Approval

On Tuesday, July 27, 2021, the Denton City Council approved the use of the ARP funding. The Council received feedback from the community regarding these funds before deciding upon allocations for the first half of this funding.

The Denton City Council approved the following projects using the first round of SLRF funding:

Day Center and Overnight Shelter
Community Services / $5,000,000

Construction of day center and overnight shelter to provide services to people experiencing or at-risk of homelessness. 

Vaccine Clinic Support
Denton Fire Department / $550,000

Support and enhance local efforts for COVID testing and vaccinations. 

Temporary Alternative Shelter
Community Services / $550,000

Support the current Hotel Voucher Program providing temporary housing for individuals experiencing homelessness.

Behavioral Healthcare Services Grant
Community Services / $895,000

Grant program aimed at increasing access to services for City of Denton residents in at least one of three priority areas: youth mental health services, adult mental health services and substance use treatment services. Focus will include an increase of access to services for underinsured and/or uninsured individuals and families. Funding priority will be given to providers who demonstrate an ability to provide dual diagnosis treatment for people with mental health and substance use treatment needs.

Non-Profit Capacity Support Grant
Community Services / $550,000

Grant program aimed at providing support to nonprofits whose services and programming were directly impacted by COVID. Focus is on long-term sustainment of operations.  

Emergency Management Program Manager
Denton Fire Department / $95,000

Fill vacant position within the Fire Department’s Emergency Management Division. The position will include expanded duties related to public health initiatives. 

Public Communication Software
Denton Fire Department / $75,000

Replacement of the CodeRED public notification system. 

Street Outreach Expansion (Clinician and Paramedic Positions)
Denton Police Department and Denton Fire Department / $250,000

Expand the Street Outreach Team to include a Caseworker and a Paramedic. The Team provides direct assistance to individuals experiencing homelessness. The additional positions will enhance current services provided.

Street Outreach Expansion (Vehicle)
Denton Police Department / $50,000

A dedicated vehicle for the day-to-day operations of the Street Outreach Team.

Lease and Rent Relief for Small Businesses Grant
Economic Development / $2,330,000

Grant program aimed at providing relief to small businesses who demonstrate an economic loss associated with COVID. Focus is on long-term sustainment of operations.

Arts/Music/Cultural Business Grant
Economic Development / $550,000

Grant program aimed at providing relief to individuals and organizations with programming that promotes or develops art, promotes music or musical performances, or preserves or commemorates historical events and local cultures. Recipients must demonstrate an economic loss associated with COVID. Focus is on long-term sustainment of operations. 

City Facilities – COVID Updates
Facilities Management / $750,000

Modifications and improvements to city facilities that promote public health by mitigating the spread of COVID. 

Local Eviction & Utility Assistance

The United Way of Denton County Eviction Prevention Program was created to help Denton County renters avoid eviction and stay in their homes while also helping property managers and landlords avoid the eviction process. In addition to eviction assistance, this program also offers assistance with utility payments. Please visit or call 940-566-5851.

The City of Denton also offers utility assistance for its utility customers. To request assistance, please call 940-349-8700.

Emergency Broadband Program

The $3.4 billion Emergency Broadband Program provides a monthly discount of $50 off the standard rate for broadband service and associated equipment and a $100 discount for a connection device. Eligible households are those at or below 135% of the federal poverty level, have at least one member eligible for Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, federal housing assistance, veterans or survivors benefits, have at least one member receiving free or reduced price school meals or a Pell Grant, has experienced a documented substantial loss of income, or meets the low-income criteria of the broadband provider. Funds are available through FY 2031 or until exhausted.

Learn more and to apply for the Emergency Broadband Benefit online.