Updated COVID-19 resources, from Commissioner Shea

As the number of COVID-19 cases continue to spike, I am urging everyone to do the simple things that we know work to slow the spread of COVID-19. Wear a mask, observe social distancing, practice good hygiene, and do not go out unnecessarily.

We also know that what helps keep us all safe is hurting our economy. Recognizing that many in our community are facing difficult economic burdens, Travis County has initiated several programs to help using federal CARES Act funding. Please see the list below of those and other programs that you or someone you know may find helpful.

• If you have a small business under 25 employees, and that business is located within Travis County (but outside the City of Austin), you may be eligible for up to $40,000 in grant assistance for those hurt by the pandemic. Visit www.traviscountythrive.com or Contact BCL of Texas by email at info@traviscountythrive.com or by phone at 512-994-2280 to take the first step by completing the pre-eligibility questionnaire.
• If you are struggling to pay rent or a mortgage anywhere in Travis County (including within the City of Austin), you may be eligible for rent or mortgage assistance for up to three months; that program starts on June 29^th. For more information, please click here. (https://www.traviscountytx.gov/health-human-services/individuals-families/basic)
• If you are struggling to pay utility bills, you may be eligible for utility assistance. For more information, please click here. (https://www.traviscountytx.gov/health-human-services/individuals-families/basic)
• If you or family members are in need of hot meals, Keep Austin Together has a network of partner organizations that are dedicated to feeding our community; more information here (https://www.keepaustintogether.com/partner-organizations). Travis County also offers food pantry assistance for basic groceries, more information here. (https://www.traviscountytx.gov/health-human-services/community-centers)
• If you are facing eviction because you are unable to pay rent, County Judge Sam Biscoe has issued an order banning evictions until July 25^th, 2020. For more information, the full order is available here.(https://www.traviscountytx.gov/images/docs/covid-19-order-10.pdf)
• If you are experiencing domestic violence, The SAFE Alliance can help. Learn more at safeaustin.org, or call them at 512-267-SAFE (7233) or text them at 737-888-7233.
• If you are struggling with mental health or substance use, Integral Care can help. Learn more at integralcare.org, or call them at 512-472-HELP (4357).
• If you think you may have contracted COVID-19, you can access free testing. Learn more from Austin Public Health(https://covid19.austintexas.gov) andCommUnityCare (https://communitycaretx.org/coronavirus-updates/coronavirus-updates.html)
• If you have the virus and need to quarantine away from others in your household, Austin & Travis County have partnered to establish an Isolation Facility for free, safe lodging for residents who cannot safely self-isolate. Learn morehere. (https://www.traviscountytx.gov/images/news/isolation_facility.pdf )

Some of these programs may be discussed Saturday, June 27^th, in a community forum hosted by the City of Austin. English forum is at 11 AM and Spanish forum at 1 PM. Tune in to the livestream at facebook.com/AustinPublicHealth, or call 1-844-992-4726and enter access code 146 697 3290 to participate.

Please share this with anyone who may need these resources. While we cannot solve all of the issues caused by this pandemic, Travis County is doing what we can to help.

I sincerely hope this message finds you and your family well. We will get through this, with each other’s help and the support of our entire community.

With hope,

Brigid Shea
Travis County Commissioner, Precinct Two