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Food and Utilities

Government

Healthcare
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Health Hotlines
 
Library
 
Financial
Assistance

Recreation
 
Senior Services

Transportation

 

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FOOD AND UTILITIES  

Food distribution from Network of Community Ministries 

As a community-based organization, Network of Community Ministries provides short-term assistance with the goal of helping individuals achieve self-sufficiency. Network has recently made changes to its food distribution program related to COVID-19. Clients will not enter the building in order to minimize exposure and decrease the risk of disease transmission. All food distributions will be picked up from our loading dock. Please note there will be no clothing distributions during this time.  

Network is located at 1500 International Parkway and is open 8 a.m.-4 p.m.  Monday-Thursday and 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday. For more information, contact Network at 972-234-8880 or visit www.thenetwork.org.  

Gas Bill Payments

Atmos Energy has payment options and financial assistance available to customers who are struggling to pay their monthly natural gas bill. The company has also temporarily suspended natural gas disconnections for non-payment.

Atmos offers installment plans that spread out payments of the total balance over time. During this time, there are no added charges or fees. To set up an installment plan, visit www.atmosenergy.com, log into the Atmos Energy Account Center and select the Payment Assistance tab, or call the Atmos Energy customer service team at 888-286-6700 from 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Financial assistance is available on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible residential customers through a local energy assistance agency. To locate an agency, visit atmosenergy.com/assistance or call 211.

Additional federal assistance funds have also been released through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), in addition to Atmos Energy’s Sharing the Warmth funds. Sharing the Warmth is a program that leverages the generosity of customer donations with additional contributions by Atmos Energy to amplify the amount of assistance offered. Atmos Energy then partners with local agencies to offer program funds to eligible customers.

Customers needing solutions to keep up with their monthly natural gas expenses are encouraged to contact Atmos Energy’s customer service team at 888-286-6700 or visit the account center at www.atmosenergy.com.

 

GOVERNMENT

Public Input at City Meetings

City Council, City Plan Commission and other boards and commissions meetings are being held, with precautions taken to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Submit Public Comment - Online
Meetings remain open to the public, but people wishing to make a public comment for City Council or City Plan Commission meetings can now do so online thanks to a new online public comment form. People can submit comments on any topic or meeting agenda item electronically using this form. All comments must be submitted by 5 p.m. on the meeting date and will be provided for the record.

Meeting dates and agendas can be found online.

 

HEALTH CARE

Since the onset of COVID-19, some doctors are changing the way they see patients in order to limit potential exposure to the virus. While it varies from doctor to doctor, some medical providers are using apps such as Facebook Messenger or Skype to see patients in addition to conducting exams via telephone. Contact your doctor for more information.  

For people who are looking to not leave their home, some pharmacies are offering delivery of prescription drugs. Additionally, having a friend or family member pick up a prescription for you could be an option. Contact your pharmacist to see what options are available to you. 


Do not visit fire stations to request medical assistance 

The Richardson Fire Department is asking people to not come to fire stations requesting medical assistance. Instead, the Department is asking people to call 911 and let firefighters respond to you. This ensures people are getting the closest rescuers as sometimes fire stations may be empty because they’re already on a response. It also allows rescuers to don their personal protective clothing before coming face-to-face with patients and decreases the likelihood of unnecessary exposures at the fire stations. 

 

 

HEALTH HOTLINES

Cancer Helpline by The American Cancer Society

The COVID-19 outbreak has greatly impacted cancer patients, and the American Cancer Society has several resources available to assist cancer patients and their families. Cancer patients—many whom already have compromised immune systems—are more vulnerable than ever as the COVID-19 crisis grows.

The American Cancer Society has established a 24/7 Cancer Helpline that connects people trained Cancer Information Specialists to get accurate, up-to-date information and find valuable services and resources for patients, caregivers, family members and health care providers. Call 1-800-227-2345 or live chat at cancer.org 24 hours per day.

For more information on what the American Cancer Society is doing to assist patients during the COVID-19 pandemic, click here.

 

COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line (All Texas residents) 

Texas Health and Human Services has a statewide mental health support line to help Texans experiencing anxiety, stress or emotional challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The hotline 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. 

Operated by the Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD, the support line offers trauma-informed support and psychological first aid to those experiencing stress and anxiety related to COVID-19. Counseling services are confidential and free of charge to people who call the hotline. 

 

LifePath Systems (Collin County residents) 

LifePath Systems is a community-based, nonprofit organization created specifically to help individuals and their families dealing with mental illnesses, intellectual disabilities and developmental delays. LifePath’s crisis hotline can be reached at 877-422-5939 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Trained behavioral health professionals are standing by to assist you. This service is available for all adults and children living in Collin County, regardless of insurance or income status. For more information, visit http://www.lifepathsystems.org. 

Metro Care (Dallas County residents) 

The Metrocare Coronavirus Support Line can be reached at 214-743-1215. It is open during normal business hours, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday. Metrocare’s professionals will assist individuals in accessing our mental health services and provide referrals for other services that may be needed. For more information, visit https://www.metrocareservices.org/. 

 

North Texas Behavioral Health Authority (Dallas County residents) 

The North Texas Behavioral Health Authority (NTBHA) has developed a dedicated COVID-19 mental health support line to provide trauma informed support and psychological first aid to those experiencing stress and anxiety. The service will operate as an adjunct to the NTBHA’s crisis services and allow for direct transfers between lines to address a need for a crisis level care.

The NTBHA COVID-19 Mental Health Support line can be reached 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 833-251-7544. Individuals who contact the COVID-19 support line needing a higher level of care will be transferred directly to the traditional 24/7 NTBHA crisis line at 866-260-8000. For more information, visit https://ntbha.org/. 

 

LIBRARY

Library (972-744-4350, askrichardsonlibrary@cor.gov)

  • The Richardson Public Library has reopened its doors with access now available to all four floors.
  • Curbside pickup will remain available to all card holders. Call 972-744-4350 to request books, CDs, DVDs and audiobooks to check out.

Digital Library’s “Master Collection” Features 37,000+ Free Videos

The Library’s online Master Collection from Access Video on Demand includes more than 37,000 full-length, always-available videos, free to anyone with a valid Richardson Public Library card. The collection includes documentaries (including several by Ken Burns), award-winning educational films, concert videos and instructional videos (such as auto repair and fitness classes) from A&E, BBC, the History Channel, National Geographic, PBS and more.

To watch (via computer), go to the Library’s Digital Library web page, https://www.cor.net/departments/public-library/digital-library, and click on the Access Video Master Collection link and enter your Library card number/bar code number.

 

Darbey’s StoryWalk®

Adults with young children may get outside, get exercise and enjoy a book at the same time thanks to Darbey’s StoryWalk®. The outdoor “book experience,” enables visitors to walk along a designated path behind the Library while reading pages of a children’s book posted at 16 different stations. By the time a visitor completes the path, they’ve read an entire book.

The book featured during the month of April is “Felipe and Claudette” by Mark Teague, a sweet story about a grumpy cat and a hyperactive dog who become unlikely friends at an animal shelter.

Darbey’s StoryWalk® begins at the Friends Garden just north of the Library’s main entrance and continues along one side of the fountain plaza and back to the front of the Library. It is free and open to the public around the clock, seven days a week. Visitors are reminded to practice social distancing if others are enjoying the Walk and to take along wipes/sanitizer in case you/your children touch the stations.

The Library has several copies of the featured book—to request the book for curbside checkout, click here for more information.

Explora 24/7

Though students writing an essay or research paper from home may have several internet search engines at their disposal, the Library’s “Explora” search interface is popular with parents, teachers and students because it’s safe, includes no advertising and provides a quick way to get relevant, reliable information. Users can filter results by source type (such as magazines, journals, news), and all sources/articles contain citation information, ready to include on a “works cited” page in a research paper. In addition, many of the articles have a “listen” feature, for those students who prefer hearing the articles read aloud.

To access Explora 24/7, visit the Library’s Digital Library web page, https://www.cor.net/departments/public-library/digital-library, scroll down to the Homework and Education section and click on the appropriate Explora link (elementary or high school). You will then be asked to sign in with a Google password or enter your Library card number/bar code number. The service is free to anyone with a valid Richardson Library card.

 

Financial Assistance

Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs
The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) offers information related to resources available for homeowners and renters who may need payment assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic. The information is available at the TDHCA's website, www.tdhca.state.tx.us/covid19.htm.

 
Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act

The CARES Act provides economic assistance for American workers, families, and small businesses. (https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/cares)

Funds from the legislation are distributed through local governments and have been earmarked for a variety of programs, including mortgage and rental assistance.

For Richardson residents, access to CARES funding will be provided through Collin County and Dallas County governmental offices, due to population requirements (500,000 minimum) established by the legislation.


Collin County Emergency Rental Assistance Program for 2021 
Utilizing Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 funds, Collin County is launching the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (“ERAP”).  This program will provide residential rent and utility assistance for residents of Collin County, excluding the City of Allen, City of Dallas, City of Frisco, City of Plano and City of McKinney.  These cities listed will be operating their own programs.

An “eligible household” is defined as a renter household in which at least one or more individuals meets the following criteria:

  1. Qualifies for unemployment due to COVID‐19, has experienced a reduction in household income due to COVID‐19, or has incurred significant costs due to COVID‐19 or experienced a financial hardship due to COVID‐19;  
  2. Demonstrates a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability;  
  3. Has a household income at or below 80 percent of the area median.

Applicants will be required to provide documentation to support their eligibility for assistance.  

Household income will be determined as either the household’s total income for calendar year 2020 or the household’s monthly income at the time of application.  For household incomes determined using the latter method, income eligibility will be re‐determined every three months.

For more information, click here and here.

 

COLLIN Cares

DALLAS COUNTY EMERGENCY HOUSING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

(July 1, 2021 update) 

Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS) has reopened its Emergency Housing Assistance Program to provide short-term, rental, mortgage and utility assistance to Dallas County residents living outside the City of Dallas facing economic hardship in the wake of COVID-19. Assistance for EHAP-2021 is eligibility based and applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

The pre-screening application form is available in both English and Spanish. If you are an individual who does not have access to the internet or is unable to access the pre-screening application online, call 214-819-1968. Pre-screening applications are accepted by phone Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Please note that submission of a pre-screening application does not guarantee eligibility or an offer of assistance. Only completed applications meeting eligibility requirements, and supported by required documentation, will be considered for assistance, based on the availability of funds. Applicants must be 18 years of age or older to apply. 

For more information or to fill out the application, visit https://www.dallascounty.org/ehap-2021.

 

DALLAS COUNTY EMERGENCY RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

The Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) provides rental and utility assistance and related arrears to income-eligible households impacted by COVID-19 and help them recover economically from the impact of the pandemic. Funded by the Department of the Treasury (DOT) through the H.R. 133, Division N, Title V, Subtitle A, Section 501 of the Consolidated Appropriation Act, 2021, the program can pay up to twelve months of an eligible household’s rent and utilities including rental and utilities arrears.  The statute allows landlord and property owners to apply on behalf of their tenants after due consent. 

For more information, visit www.dallascounty.org/departments/dchhs/housing-programs/erap.php.

 

 

HOMEOWNERS

Mortgage Information

Forbearance

If you are experiencing difficulty making on-time mortgage payments due to the national coronavirus emergency, forbearance may be an option for you.

Forbearance is when your mortgage servicer, that’s the company that sends your mortgage statement and manages your loan, or lender allows you to pause or reduce your payments for a limited period of time.

Forbearance does not erase what you owe. You’ll have to repay any missed or reduced payments in the future. So, if you’re able to keep up with your payments, keep making them. The types of forbearance available vary by loan type.

 

Other Options

Reduced or suspended payments for qualified homeowners affected by COVID-19 may be available. To learn more:

The Federal Housing Finance Agency and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has suspended foreclosures and evictions through June 30 for FHA-insured and Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac-backed mortgages.

RENTERS

The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) offers the following guidance:

Unable to Pay Rent

  • First: Contact your property manager.
  • Ignoring notices and requests to contact your property manager is not advised. Frequent and timely communication is the best course of action.

For more information:

 

Funeral assistance available through FEMA

Under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, FEMA is providing financial assistance for COVID-19 related funeral expenses incurred after Jan. 20, 2020.

To apply, call 844-684-6333 or 800-462-7585 from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Friday. Multilingual services are available.

For more information, including eligibility requirements, visit https://www.fema.gov/disasters/coronavirus/economic/funeral-assistance.

 

 

RECREATION

  • All playground, parks and trails remain open but social distancing is encouraged.
  • Class offerings to continue with socially distanced protocol.
  • All league play can resume.

Social-Distancing Etiquette at Richardson Parks and Other Outdoor Areas

Visitors are taking advantage of local parks as people have stayed home from work and school as a result of social distancing policies meant to get COVID-19 virus spread under control. The increase in use has also caused a number of complaints about people not following “social distancing” guidelines.

The decision to change operations are being made on a park-by-park basis. Parks and trails are open, but it is strongly recommended that people not use playgrounds, picnic tables, or any other high-touch areas openly available across the city. Water fountains at all public parks are being turned back on as quickly as possible. Restrooms are operational but not all have hand sanitation available. Please plan accordingly.

Health experts say it is good to get exercise for strengthening the immune system and reduce stress, but they have said the coronavirus can be spread by crowds descending on open-air areas, including parks. That’s why the CDC advises people to maintain distance from others.

The best etiquette to follow while in the outdoors is to:

  • Follow CDC’s guidance on personal hygiene prior to heading to trails — wash hands, carry hand sanitizer, do not use trails if you have symptoms, cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, etc.

  • Observe at all times CDC’s minimum recommended social distancing of six feet from other people. Practice it and know what it looks like. Keep it as you walk, bike or hike.

  • Warn other trail users of your presence and as you pass to allow proper distance and step off trails to allow others to pass, keeping minimum recommended distances at all times. Signal your presence with your voice, bell or horn.

  • Bring water or drinks.

  • Bring a suitable trash bag. Leave no trash, take everything out to protect park workers.

 

“ArtWalk” Available for Outdoor Viewing, Selfies

The City’s ArtWalk includes eight pieces of outdoor, public art and utilizes existing greenspaces and trails. Five of the pieces are located in the CityLine area and three are in the Galatyn Park area. To find a digital version of the Richardson ArtWalk map, visit www.cor.net/artwalk. Each piece of art is numbered on the map and a description is included for each. You can explore each area separately or with the help of the map, walk from one to the other. Total length of the ArtWalk is three miles.

Please remember to adhere to the social distancing guidelines and remain six feet apart when in the City’s parks and on the City’s trails.

 

Sherrill Park Golf Course

(972-234-1416, www.sherrillparkgolf.com)

  • Occupancy in the snack bar and clubhouse remains at 75 percent.

For more information, visit www.sherrillparkgolf.com.

 

 

SENIOR SERVICES

Meals on Wheels

Meals on Wheels is still being provided to Richardson residents. For more information on Meals on Wheels for Dallas County residents, contact the Visiting Nurses Association—Dallas at 800-CALL-VNA or visit www.vnatexas.org/i-need-help/meals-on-wheels. For information on Meals on Wheels for Collin County residents, call 972-562-6996 or visit https://mowcc.com/.

 

Eldercare

Older adults who need assistance can contact the U.S. Administration on Aging’s Eldercare Locator to find services available in their community. The Eldercare Locator can be reached at 1-800-677-1116 or https://eldercare.acl.gov/.

 

Senior Center Bus

The Senior Center Bus is still operating but is limited to essential travel only Call 972-744-7800 or e-mail askrichardsonseniorcenter@cor.gov for more information.

 

 

TRANSPORTATION

Senior Center Bus

The Senior Center Bus is still operating but is limited to essential travel only Call 972-744-7800 or e-mail askrichardsonseniorcenter@cor.gov for more information.

 

DART to Require Face Masks on All Buses, Trains

The Transportation Security Administration has extended the face mask requirement for all transportation networks, including public transportation, through March 18, 2022.

Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) will continue to require a CDC-approved face mask be worn over the mouth and nose by passengers and operators at all times while on DART vehicles or properties including buses, trains and paratransit vehicles, Trinity Railway Express trains, at DART stations, on platforms, in buildings and on-board the Dallas Streetcar.

Face masks and hand sanitizer dispensers are installed on all buses, light rail vehicles and Dallas streetcars and will continue to be available to all passengers.

If a DART passenger is concerned with someone not wearing a mask, they can contact DART Customer Service at 214-979-1111, or use the "DART Say Something" app, which can be downloaded from the Apple Store or Google Play for free.

For more information, click here.

 

Bus Boarding

DART riders should board at the rear doors of buses in an effort to slow the spread of coronavirus. This allows DART to restrict contact between operators and passengers and to install physical partitions. Passengers with mobility issues who need to use the entrance ramp can still do so. Though people are entering from the back of the bus, fares have not been waived. DART recommends using the GoPass app to purchase passes.

Social Distancing

  • The lobby at DART Headquarters (1401 Pacific Ave.) remains closed to the public, including the DARTmart Store and Lost and Found.
  • All transit center waiting areas remain temporarily closed, but DART riders may still use the outdoor areas for boarding buses and light rail vehicles.
  • DART recommends maintaining a six-foot distance between fellow riders and your DART operator, leaving an open seat between yourself and other riders when available, avoiding large groups and staying home if you feel sick or are experiencing symptoms.

Cleaning and Protection

  • DART continues to aggressively expand agency-wide cleaning and safety protocols in response to the coronavirus. Besides standard nightly cleanings, DART vehicles receive additional cleanings throughout the day.
  • High touch surface areas such as handrails, door buttons, grab rails and hanging straps, are cleaned with a solution approved by the Environmental Protection Agency as successful in killing the coronavirus, as well as influenza, rhinovirus, norovirus, salmonella, staphylococcus and e-coli.
  • Procedures remain in place to isolate vehicles and areas that have been exposed to unsanitary and unhygienic situations. This includes removing vehicles from service that have been exposed to biohazard situations from passengers.

You can find more information about how DART is working to keep our passengers safe at www.dart.org/health.

 

DART Comet Cruiser

DART's and the University of Texas at Dallas' Comet Cruiser (Route 883) operates 7 a.m.-11 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. For more information, click here.