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How North Texans Can Help During The Coronavirus Outbreak

Michael Ainsworth
/
Associated Press
A large kettle sits in the end zone placed there by The Salvation Army before an NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas.

As businesses, schools and art venues shut down due to the coronavirus, the North Texas community is being faced with financial and personal challenges. 

We've created a guide that includes local restaurants you can order from as well as charities and food banks that need the support of North Texans -- now more than ever. 

Check back periodically for updates. 

Dining

For those who want to support their local eateries, here are resources on where to find restaurants that offer curbside pickup and delivery. While many North Texas cities are banning dine-in service, locals can still order their favorite dishes to enjoy at home. 

  • Visit Fort Worth has compiled a list of restaurants offering curbside and delivery service here.
  • Visit Dallas has compiled a list of restaurants offering take-out and home delivery here.
  • Visit Irving has compiled a list of restaurants here.
  • D Magazine has compiled a list of restaurants offering takeout or delivery here.
  • The Dentonite has compiled a list of local restaurants and other businesses here

Local Charities

Many local nonprofits need volunteers and donations to support those in the community who are already under-resourced. The Red Cross in North Texas has reported severe blood shortages due to the coronavirus and are asking for donations. 

  • Support the North Texas Salvation Army here.

  • Arlington Life Shelter provides the homeless in North Texas with shelter and employment programs. Learn more here.

  • Austin Street Center, which helps the homeless in North Texas, is asking for donations, meals and sanitation products. Find more information here.

  • Learn more about how to donate to the Catholic Charities Dallas COVID-19 Disaster Response Fund here

  • You can make an appointment to donate blood for the over 9 million people served by the organization in North Texas. 

  • Learn more about how to help a furry friend through Dallas Animal Services here. You can make a donation, adopt or foster a pet. 

  • Dallas Casa supports neglected or abused children in foster care. Learn more about the organization here

  • Genesis Women’s Shelter helps women who have experienced domestic violence. Support the shelter here

  • SafeHaven, a domestic violence shelter in Tarrant County, says it is experiencing an increase in hotline calls and requests for shelter. Learn more about how to donate here

  • The Communities Foundation in Texas is launching the Get Shift Done for North Texas Initiative which raises money to provide wages to hourly workers who then serve shifts at local nonprofits. Learn more about the initiative and how to make a donation here

Food Banks

While shoppers are making multiple grocery runs to stock up for self-isolation, many in the community don’t have enough food and the numbers of those in need are expected to increase. Several local organizations listed here are working to feed hungry families and children.

  • Learn more about how to support Gov. Abbott's new Comfort Food Care Packages program to provide meals to at-risk youth and families. Restaurants interested in participating can sign up here.
  • Find information here about Feed the Frontlines, a non-profit organization that supports hospital workers with fresh food from local restaurants.
  • The North Texas Food Bank offers some of the largest feeding programs in the region. The website says $1 can provide 3 meals for children, families or seniors in need. Learn more about how to donate here. 
  • The Tarrant Area Food Bank says its distribution of healthy food has increased 65% since March 13. Learn more about how you can help here
  • Find more information about how to support North Texas Meals On Wheels here and elderly populations who are especially vulnerable to COVID-19. 
  • Learn more about supporting Tarrant County’s Meals On Wheels chapter here
  • You can find more information about the Brother Bill’s Helping Hand emergency response fund here.
  • Learn more about the CitySquare COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund here.
  • Read more about Minnie’s Food Pantry here or donate online hereor text MINNIES to 41444.

Arts

Because workers at cultural institutions are some of the original members of the gig economy, many do not have unemployment insurance, health insurance or a cash reserve for the kind of world-wide emergency that’ll keep them out of work for at least two months.

Check here to learn more about disaster relief funds and resources for North Texas artists, actors and musicians. Stay tuned with live updates from Art&Seek.

Education

As North Texas schools shut down and students adjust to learning at home, organizations in the area are working to provide free online services to students.

The Dallas-based Student Success Agency is offering students free virtual services, including college prep, through the end of the year. Students can find help with homework, SAT/ACT prep, college scholarship advising, essay writing and strategies for adjusting to at-home learning. Learn more here.

Elizabeth Myong is KERA’s Arts Collaborative Reporter. She came to KERA from New York, where she worked as a CNBC fellow covering breaking news and politics. Before that, she freelanced as a features reporter for the Houston Chronicle and a modern arts reporter for Houstonia Magazine.