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COVID-19 Community Resources
As the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to impact the community, the City of Denton is highlighting the range of services provided by the public sector, community, and economic development partners to support residents during this time of recovery. For information about COVID-19 testing locations and vaccine eligibility and availability, visit the Denton County Public Health COVID-19 Information Page.
Rental Assistance, Utility Assistance, Shelter and Crisis Resources
Available Rental Assistance
The federal eviction moratorium issued by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) ended July 31, 2021. The Denton County Eviction Prevention Program was created to help Denton County residents avoid eviction and stay in their homes while also helping property managers and landlords avoid the eviction process. The Denton County nonprofit community is working collaboratively to help residents in need of rent and/or utility assistance. Households whose income has been impacted by COVID-19 may be eligible for financial assistance with up to 15 months of rent and/or utilities.
Tenants residing in Denton County and landlords with Denton County properties can begin the screening process by completing screening applications online or calling (940) 566-2688. For more information, visit https://www.unitedwaydenton.org/eviction-prevention.
Local Resources
City of Denton (940) 349-8700 – The City of Denton is working to assist residents experiencing hardship due to COVID-19 and its economic impacts. If any resident receives a courtesy call stating their services are scheduled to be interrupted, call the Utilities Customer Service at (940) 349-8700.
Denton County Friends of the Family (940) 387-5131 - Denton County Friends of the Family provides compassionate, comprehensive services to those impacted by rape, sexual abuse, and domestic violence, while partnering with our community to promote safety, hope, healing, justice, and prevention.
Evictions in Texas FAQs - Texas RioGrande Legal Aid (TRLA) and Texas Homeless Network (THN) compiled a FAQs list on evictions in Texas due to COVID-19. Please view the infographic linked here for more information.
Monsignor King Outreach Center (940) 514-1007 – The Monsignor King Outreach Center provides emergency shelter for people experiencing literal homelessness in Denton County.
Our Daily Bread (940) 566-1308 - Our Daily Bread is a community soup kitchen that serves free meals and provides support resources.
The Salvation Army Denton Shelter (940) 566-3800 - The Salvation Army Denton addresses the needs of individuals experiencing homeless and/or food insecurity and the working poor of Denton County.
Employment Seeker Assistance
Denton County Works Denton County Works is a resource for job seekers with local job listings within Denton County and the metroplex, plus useful tips for resume writing and interviewing. You will also find "dress for success" attire suggestions, as well as guidance to honing computer skills, getting your GED, and finding job fairs, transportation, and childcare.
Denton Workforce Center (940) 382-6712 The Denton Workforce Center provides services to job seekers, employers, and young adults.
Goodwill Denton Job Resource Center (940) 999-5432 The Goodwill Denton Job Resource Center is designed to provide full job search assistance in strategic locations throughout the Denton area. Job seekers can get the personal attention they need from job search experts to get back to work.
Family and Childcare Services
Texas Workforce Commission Childcare Program The child care services program subsidizes child care for low-income families, promoting long-term self-sufficiency by enabling parents to work or attend workforce training or education activities. It also educates parents about the availability of quality child care, which enhances children’s early learning.
Workforce Solutions Child Care Resources Workforce Solutions for North Central Texas Child Care Services (CCS) maintains agreements with a wide range of child care providers in order to meet the needs of families receiving services. In order to receive assistance, families must meet federal, state, and local guidelines. The child care services program subsidizes child care for low-income families, promoting long-term self-sufficiency by enabling parents to work or attend workforce training or education activities.
Child Care Services of North Central Texas Provides State-funded child care, primarily to help low-income families achieve and maintain self-sufficiency. For most clients, CCS requires a co-payment, usually 9% or 11% of the family's monthly income. Special funding is available for teen parents and children with disabilities. CCS also provides services for parent education in choosing quality daycare.
Food Resources
Denton Community Food Center (940) 382-0807 - Denton Community Food Center provides food from a central community storehouse to families and individuals struggling with hunger insecurity. Individuals and families may receive food every two weeks. Open 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays.
Denton Hunger Coalition - The Denton Hunger Coalition has compiled a list of food resources for those in need of assistance. Please visit the Denton Hunger Coalition Facebook page for more information.
First Refuge Ministries (940) 484-4384 - First Refuge Ministries assist people in our community (Denton County and North of Lake Lewisville) who are hungry and in need of food during a financial crisis. Clients may come to the food pantry once every 30 days during operation hours. Please bring current proof of identification for yourself and all members of your household. (Birth certificates, current Medicaid cards, or government-issued picture ID).
First Refuge Denton Site: 1701 Broadway Street [Drive-Ups Only]:
- Monday: 9:00am to 12:00pm
- Wednesday: 1:00pm to 4:00pm
- Thursday: 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Our Daily Bread (940) 566-1308 - Our Daily Bread is a community soup kitchen that serves free continental breakfast and hot lunch Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m to 12:45 p.m.
Salvation Army Denton - Daily dinner at 5:30 p.m.; Food pantry Wednesday and Friday 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Physical and Mental Health Services
Denton County MHMR Center (940) 381-5000 - Denton County MHMR Center has several resources that help connect families to resources they need, including childcare for essential workers.
- Resources Hotline for Families with Children under 6 - helpmegrownorthtexas.org
- Resources for Families - hmgnt.findconnect.org/Kb
- Find Childcare for Essential Workers - tarrantcountyccms.org
Health Services of North Texas (HSNT) (940) 381-1501- HSNT provides primary medical care, counseling services, women’s health, prenatal care, pediatrics and a prescription assistance program for patients.
Here for Texas (972) 525-8181 The Here for Texas Mental Health Navigation Line is available from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday for those dealing with a crisis situation, struggling with major life stresses, concerned about someone’s mental health or in need of assistance referring a patient for specialized care. The resource also provides a comprehensive online database of North Texas mental health providers and resources. Resources are available for anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, addiction, and other mental health conditions.
PediPlace (972) 436-7962 - PediPlace is a non-profit pediatric healthcare practice for children from birth through eighteen years of age who are uninsured or who qualify for Medicaid or CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program) benefits.
Texas Health and Human Services has launched a 24/7 statewide mental health support line to help Texans experiencing anxiety, stress or emotional challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This new resource offers COVID-19-related mental health support for all Texans. People can call the Statewide COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week toll-free at 833-986-1919.
Job Seekers
Many businesses are seeking part-time or temporary workers to assist with the COVID-19 response. TWC manages a comprehensive job board called Work In Texas. Job Seekers can view available jobs at WorkInTexas.com.
Unemployment Insurance
The CARES Act included numerous provisions to assist individuals experiencing furloughs, layoffs, or reduced pay/hours as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Relief for Workers Affected by Coronavirus Act (RWACA) is designed to provide additional financial support for states and additional support for individuals through a weekly federal unemployment benefit in addition to any state benefits that an individual may be eligible for.
The major provisions of the RWACA include:
- A $600 weekly federal benefit for individuals eligible for unemployment.
- An extension of the unemployment insurance eligibility period for 13 weeks.
- An extension of unemployment insurance benefits to individuals who may not be eligible under state law or who has exhausted state unemployment benefits may still qualify for unemployment benefits under RWACA. Individuals in this category should work directly with the Texas Workforce Commission to understand how this impacts them.
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) manages unemployment benefits in Texas. On March 17, 2020, Governor Abbott waived the normally required “waiting week” for unemployment benefits as well as the unemployment insurance work search requirements.
TWC has posted information and is making regular updates regarding COVID-19 impacts at twc.texas.gov. Businesses and employees can contact TWC’s tele-center at (800) 939-6631 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays, or submit an application for unemployment benefits through the Unemployment Benefits Services online portal here.
Having trouble filing an unemployment claim online? The Unemployment Benefit System online portal is available 24 hours a day but is experiencing a high volume of visitors. Lower volumes on the online portal are occurring between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. You may want to try back during those hours to file your claim or check the status of your claim.
Texas Workforce Commission Resource Handout for Claimants
Texas Workforce Commission Resource Handout for Employers
Denton County Public Health Department is the local public health authority and will share the most updated information. For the latest information from the Denton County Public Health Department, visit www.dentoncounty.gov/coronavirus. Denton County Public Health COVID-19 information hotline: (940) 349-2585
About the COVID-19 Information Hotline
The Denton County Public Health COVID-19 information hotline can be reached by calling (940) 349-2585. Calls will be answered weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call the hotline if you have questions or need information about COVID-19. Please be advised that the hotline is not for clinical advice or to provide diagnosis. If you are ill, please contact your healthcare provider.
What is COVID-19 (Coronavirus)?
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China.
The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
- Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
- Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
- Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands; and rarely, fecal contamination.
CDC Tips
How to Protect Yourself & Others
Follow the CDC’S Recommendations for Using a Facemask:
Facemasks are not recommended for those who are well to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others or by health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
State and Federal Agency Resources
CARES Act: College and Graduate Federal Student Loan Relief
Denton County Public Health Information
Texas Department of State Health Services