Politics & Government
Coronavirus: Austin Resource Guide For Those Most Impacted
City officials outlined aid designed to those hardest hit by work COVID-19 work stoppages, and assured of no evictions or utilities cutoff.
AUSTIN, TX — City officials on Tuesday outlined efforts to offer help and support to families and businesses during the new coronavirus outbreak.
Assistant City Manager Chris Shorter and Veronica Briseño, the director of the city's Economic Development Department, highlighted a number of municipal resources for those hit hard financially by work stoppages resulting from the growing threat of resipiratory illness.
Earlier, Austin Mayor Steve Adler and Travis County Judge Sarah Eckhardt ordered all bars and businesses to close for business for the foreseeable future as a way of practicing social distancing — and thus prevent potential spread of the virus causing sickness.
Along the way, city officials limited the size of social gatherings to ten participants — down from an initial limit placed at 2,500 attendees before more stringent restrictions of no more than 250 in prior iterations of the ban as the pandemic spread in scope.
Don't miss the latest coronavirus updates from health and government officials in the Austin area. Sign up for Patch news alerts and newsletters for what you need to know daily.
Once referred to as coronavirus, the ailment renamed as COVID-19 is caused by a member of the coronavirus family that's a close cousin to the SARS and MERS viruses that have sparked outbreaks in the past.
As the newly released COVID-19 orders make an impact on community gatherings, restaurants and bars, Austin and Travis County officials are highlighting the range of services provided by public sector and community and economic development partners to help people in the service, events, music and other industries who likely to be impacted most by the restrictions.
Related story: Coronavirus: Austin Bars, Restaurants Ordered To Close
"We understand that people will need resources during this difficult time," Christopher J. Shorter, the city's assistant city manager, said in a prepared statement. "In anticipation of the impact of the new orders, The City of Austin, Travis County and our community partners are providing a range of services to help residents, workers and businesses who are likely to be most burdened by the new restrictions."
Added Briseño: "We are aware that the new orders will impact all Austin businesses, especially our creative-sector workers and venues. Many of the resources we're offering provide immediate support to ensure the economic and mental health of our local business owners, employees, and their families."
People impacted by the new orders are invited to visit the City of Austin COVID-19 webpage for up-to-date information about the orders and additional services. Community members can contact 3-1-1 with questions about particular services. Additional resources are available here.
Below is a summary of some of the services being offered by the city and county.
Utility Services
Austin Energy will not disconnect utility services. Additional Customer Assistance Programs are available for customers facing temporary and long-term financial difficulties, as well as serious medical problems. Residential and commercial customers can contact the Customer Care Contact Center at 512-494-9400 with any questions.
No Evictions
The Travis County Justices of the Peace have a standing order posted indicating there will be no eviction settings undertaken until after April 1, 2020.
Eviction Resources are available to assist residents with legal assistance, emergency grants for rent or utilities, alternate housing, short-term motel vouchers, or placement in a local shelter.
Immediate Housing Needs
The Neighborhood Housing and Community Development (NHCD) Department offers information and referrals to assist impacted community members with immediate housing needs including resources for homeowners and resources for renters, including resources to avoid mortgage foreclosure and assistance for paying rent.
Food Assistance
In partnership with Meals on Wheels, the Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) will distribute curbside for seniors and their spouses (10 meals per person). Local school districts are also providing meals for their students. Visit the City of Austin COVID-19 website for up-to-date information.
Business Resources
The Economic Development Department is offering services for businesses who may find themselves struggling in the coming weeks. They include free business coaching, emergency planning resources, and a Family Business Loan Program. Businesses with questions about the new Orders are asked to call Austin 3-1-1.
Workforce Services
Texas Workforce Commission is where people can apply for unemployment benefits. They also have a helpful tutorial to guide individuals through the process.
Healthcare Services
People with no insurance and no established provider experiencing coronavirus-like symptoms (e.g. fever, cough, shortness of breath) should call CommUnityCare at 512-978-9015. CommUnityCare will triage people over the phone and send them to the appropriate location. We are following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) rapid-response protocol. People with no established provider should call the number above rather than come in to a clinic to prevent any potential spread of the virus.
For updates and more information, monitor municipal developments various social media platforms:
