Main | State Representative Gary Gates

Dear Neighbor,

My office has been reaching out to constituents across Ft. Bend county during the COVID-19 pandemic to let you know that my office is here to help in any way possible. We are still early in this process but are already hearing from our neighbors that the effects from this emergency are beginning to take their toll.

These are certainly unprecedented times. We are in daily contact with local, state, and federal agencies. Everyone is working hard to ensure the public safety and deal with the financial consequences of this virus to families and businesses.

I believe our community does best when we pull together and help our neighbors -- a little difficult when we are supposed to keep our distance! However, I believe we can be creative in the ways we seek to help each other while also keeping each other safe.

With this in mind, if you see a need or have a question that you think we can help with, please give me a call on my cell.

We’re a government of the people, by the people, and for the people; I invite and value your input.

Respectfully,

Gary Gates

State Representative

House District 28

Cell: (713) 899-7870

CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES

STATE

TEXAS GOVERNOR

Office: https://gov.texas.gov/

Latest press releases and executive orders: https://gov.texas.gov/news

TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

Website: https://dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/

Phone: 2-1-1

TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY

https://tea.texas.gov/texas-schools/safe-and-healthy-schools/coronavirus-covid-19-support-and-guidance

Phone: 512-463-9734

TEXAS STUDENT MEALFINDER

https://schoolmealfinder.hoonuit.com/

TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATE

https://www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/index.shtml

TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION COVID-19 PRESS RELEASE

https://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/media-center/statewide-news/006-2020.html

TEXAS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES COVID-19 RESOURCES

https://house.texas.gov/coronavirus/

TEXAS COMPTROLLER

https://comptroller.texas.gov/about/emergency/

TEXAS WORKFORCE COMMISSION

https://twc.texas.gov/news/covid-19-resources-job-seekers

LOCAL

FORT BEND COUNTY RENTAL, MORTGAGE & UTILITY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

http://coronavirusfortbend.gov/forms-covid19-rental-assistance-program.html

FORT BEND COUNTY

https://www.fortbendcountytx.gov/your-county/covid-19

FORT BEND ISD

https://www.fortbendisd.com/covid19

Grab and Go meals at no cost to anyone 18 and under, and to students with disabilities without regards to age, at 11 campuses from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Meals will be served Monday-Friday.

List of participating campuses:

■ Travis High School (11111 Harlem Rd, Richmond, TX 77406)

■ Hodges Bend Middle School (16510 Bissonnet St, Houston, TX 77083)

■ Kempner High School (14777 Voss Rd, Sugar Land, TX 77498)

■ Sartartia Middle School (8125 Homeward Way, Sugar Land, TX 77479)

■ First Colony Middle School (3225 Austin Pkwy, Sugar Land, TX 77479)

■ Dulles High School (550 Dulles Ave, Sugar Land, TX 77478)

■ Missouri City Middle School (202 Martin Ln, Missouri City, TX 77489)

■ Elkins High School (7007 Knights Ct, Missouri City, TX 77459)

■ Ridge Point High School (500 Waters Lake Blvd, Missouri City, TX 77459)

■ McAuliffe Middle School (16650 S Post Oak Rd, Houston, TX 77053)

■ Hightower High School (3333 Hurricane Ln, Missouri City, TX 77459)

https://www.fortbendisd.com/site/default.aspx?PageType=3&DomainID=4&ModuleInstanceID=12&ViewID=6446EE88-D30C-497E-9316-3F8874B3E108&RenderLoc=0&FlexDataID=153634&PageID=1

AT HOME LEARNING

FBISD is supporting at home learning for its students. Info at link below

https://www.fortbendisd.com/domain/17285

FORT BEND COUNTY HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

https://www.fbchealth.org/ncov/

Phone: 281-633-7795; Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat-Sun 10am-2pm

FREE DISINFECTING SOLUTION DISTRIBUTION

Who: Fort Bend County Residents

Where: 1521 Eugene Heimann Circle, Richmond

When: Everyday from 8 a.m.- 4 p.m.- depending on supply/demand

What to bring: Valid TX driver’s license or ID and to help expedite the process please fill out the waiver, print out and bring with you. (https://www.sugarlandtx.gov/DocumentCenter/View/23855/FBSO_Disinfectant_Waiver?bidId=)

If you’re inquiring about delivery to elderly/disabled residents please email name, TDL, address and phone number to yana@fortbendcountytx.gov

*To clarify this product IS NOT hand sanitizer. The disinfectant is to be used on surface areas only.

ENABLE FORT BEND – DISASTER EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE REGISTRY

A service by Fort Bend County Health & Human Services that aims to identify people with functional and medical needs that may require assistance during an emergency. Register if you:

■ Have a physical or mental disability

■ Need assistance with daily medical care

■ Need electricity for your medical care or equipment

■ Use medical equipment at home

■ Are elderly and need extra assistance

■ Have any other condition that you feel may need extra help in an emergency

To register, visit: http://www.enablefortbend.com/Registration

CITY OF SUGAR LAND

https://www.sugarlandtx.gov/1905/2019-Novel-Coronavirus-COVID-19-Informat

SUGAR LAND CHURCHES OFFERING ONLINE WORSHIP SERVICES

■ Christ Church Sugar Land: https://www.christchurchsl.org/livestream

■ St. Laurence Catholic Church: https://stlaurence.org/

■ Sugar Creek Church: https://sugarcreek.churchonline.org/

■ Sugar Land Bible Church: https://slbc.org/media/watch-live/

■ Sugar Land Family Church: https://live.slfc.co/

■ Sugar Land Methodist Church: https://www.sugarlandmethodist.org/worshiplive

SUGAR LAND LOCAL RESTAURANT CARRY-OUT AND DELIVERY OPTIONS

https://www.visitsugarlandtx.com/explore/carryout-and-delivery-options/

CITY OF KATY

https://www.cityofkaty.com/government/city-departments/fire-department/office-of-emergency-management/coronavirus-disease

CITY OF ROSENBERG

https://rosenbergtx.gov/covid-19/

CITY OF FULSHEAR

http://www.fulsheartexas.gov/alert_detail.php

MISSOURI CITY

https://www.missouricitytx.gov/AlertCenter.aspx

GROCERY STORES WITH SPECIAL HOURS FOR HIGH RISK POPULATIONS

https://www.fbchealth.org/grocery-hours-for-those-at-higher-risk-of-covid-19/

■ Food Town - applies to all locations until ordered by corporate office, 7 a.m.-8 a.m.

■ Fiesta - applies to all Fiesta locations, 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.

■ HEB - no citizen hours but have home delivery options.

“H-E-B, in partnership with Favor Delivery, will launch a simple, low-cost solution that gives seniors access to their very own personal shopper by phone, allowing them to get essential food and supplies delivered to them, while remaining in the comfort and safety of their home. Beginning on Friday, March 20, seniors across Texas, age 60 and older, will be able to place orders with Favor using a curated list of products available from H-E-B.

“We heard from our customers loud and clear, and we’re ready to offer one of the safest, healthiest solutions in the marketplace dedicated to seniors who are worried about going out in public,” said Martin Otto, H-E-B chief operating officer. “Together with Favor, H-E-B is committed to helping Texans get the products they need while slowing the spread of coronavirus in our communities.” https://newsroom.heb.com/h-e-b-launches-community-care-efforts-across-the-state-to-assist-our-most-vulnerable-neighbors/

■ Wal-Mart - 6:00 a.m-7:00 a.m., applies to all Wal-Mart Stores

■ Target - every location until ordered by corporate, first shopping hour on Wednesdays.

■ Randalls - 1890 FM 359 Rd, Richmond, TX 77406, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:00 – 9:00 a.m. available to Senior Citizens. While solely designated it is highly recommended that the general public do not stop by those hours to allow for the Senior Citizens BUT public is able to stop by.

■ Whole Foods Market - Those over 60 years old and can start shopping at 7:00am.

OTHER

WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION

Website: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

Phone: 41-22-791-2111

CENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROL

Website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

Phone: 800-232-4636

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Website: https://www.dol.gov/coronavirus

Telephone: 1-866-487-2365

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Website: https://www.ed.gov/coronavirus

Telephone: 1-800-872-5327

CENTER FOR INFECTIOUS DISEASES RESEARCH AND POLICY

Website: http://www.cidrap.umn.edu/infectious-disease-topics/covid-19

Phone: 612-626-6770

CONSUMER REPORT ARTICLE TRACKING COVID-19

https://www.consumerreports.org/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid-19-updates/?utm_source=acxiom&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20200318_fundr_online_march_covid19_blast1'

TEMPORARY JOB RESOURCES

■ Texas Workforce Commission: Information for Job Seekers https://twc.texas.gov/news/covid-19-resources-job-seekers

■ Unemployment Benefit Services https://apps.twc.state.tx.us/UBS/security/logon.do

■ Wal-Mart https://storejobs.wal-mart.com/HiringCenter/homeScreen

■ Amazon https://www.amazondelivers.jobs/?cmpid=PRPRLC0780H6

BUSINESS RESOURCES

U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

https://www.sba.gov/page/coronavirus-covid-19-small-business-guidance-loan-resources

Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program

https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/Account/Login

SUGAR CONVENTION & VISITOR SERVICES

https://www.visitsugarlandtx.com/explore/covid-19/

GOVERNOR’S BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIVISION

https://gov.texas.gov/business/page/coronavirus

Business FAQs

http://twc.texas.gov/files/agency/faq-texas-employers-twc.docx

TEXAS WORKFORCE COMMISSION

https://twc.texas.gov/news/covid-19-resources-employers

Shared Work Program

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) encourages employers to enroll in Shared Work program as an alternative to layoffs. The voluntary Shared Work program was developed to help Texas employers and employees withstand a slowdown in business such as the impact of COVID-19. https://twc.texas.gov/news/twc-encourages-employers-enroll-shared-work-program

TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATION

Licensing requirement changes due to COVID-19

https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/covid19.htm

U.S. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

https://www.uschamber.com/coronavirus

NATIONAL RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION

https://restaurant.org/Covid19

NATIONAL RETAIL FEDERATION

https://nrf.com/resources/retail-safety-and-security-tools/coronavirus-resources-retailers

NATIONAL FEDERATION OF INDEPENDENT BUSINESS

https://www.nfib.com/content/analysis/coronavirus/latest-on-coronavirus-from-nfib/

TEXAS INTERNATIONAL PRODUCE ASSOCIATION

https://texipa.org/covid-19/

THE UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON TEXAS GULF COAST SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER NETWORK provides business advising, access to training, tools and resources to help small businesses start, grow, expand and succeed.

https://www.sbdc.uh.edu/sbdc/Fort_Bend_County_SBDC.asp

CONSUMER DATA INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION

Helping Consumers Avoid Credit Problems if They Have Been Impacted by Coronavirus (COVID-19)

https://mcusercontent.com/7c81d80d7762c8bf04f36ce32/files/7bce8e24-1844-4e65-9c5c-c3163199974c/Coronavirus_The_Credit_Bureaus_Response.pdf

PEOPLE FUND

Provides small business loans as well as business assistance and education to people with otherwise limited access to such resources. In addition to the normal financial options we offer for business owners (https://peoplefund.org/get-a-loan/are-you-ready/) we are providing free business coaching, disaster preparedness information and we can help you find resources you need. To take advantage of this help via Zoom meeting or phone call, please submit a request at peoplefund.org/edclient/.

https://peoplefund.org/coronavirus/

LIFT FUND

For more than 21 years, LiftFund, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, has helped individuals achieve the American Dream by providing small business lending to those who do not have access to capital from typical lenders, such as traditional banks. Along with vital small business loans, LiftFund provides educational services at no cost to borrowers, which are essential to foster self-sufficiency.

https://www.liftfund.com/disaster-relief-program-2020/

BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY LENDERS (BCL) OF TEXAS

A 501(c)(3) nonprofit economic development organization providing lending, homeownership, entrepreneurship, and community development programs to fulfill our mission of Building Strong Communities across Texas.

https://bcloftexas.org/

OPPORTUNITY FINANCE NETWORK (OFN)

The national association of community development financial institutions (CDFIs). We provide capital, advocacy, and capacity building to help OFN member and non-member CDFIs create impact in rural, urban, and Native communities nationwide. OFN is also a CDFI.

https://ofn.org/cdfi-locator

SCORE

The nation’s largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors, is dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, grow and achieve their goals. https://www.score.org/

RESOURCES FOR INDIVIDUALS EXPERIENCING ECONOMIC HARDSHIPS

U.S. DEPT. OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT

HUD provides immediate relief for homeowners amid nationwide coronavirus response; Suspends all foreclosure and evictions for the next 60 days. https://www.hud.gov/press/press_releases_media_advisories/HUD_No_20_042

FOOD BANKS/PANTRIES

■ KATY CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES- Katy

https://ktcm.org/covid19/

Phone: 281-391-3730

Monday-Thursday 8:30am-5pm.

5506 1st Street, Katy, TX 77493

■ SECOND MILE - Missouri City

https://www.secondmile.org/coronavirus-response/

Phone: (281) 261-9199

■ HUMAN NEEDS MINISTRIES - East Ft. Bend County

https://www.humanneeds.org/interfaith-food-pantry/

Phone: 281-261-1006