COVID-19 UPDATES

This page is frequently updated. Please check back regularly.

Food Distribution – current list of local drive-up distribution sites is updated regularly on our Facebook page. Please visit and sign up to volunteer at https://volunteer.unitedwaygbacc.org/. Volunteer guidelines: 

• Volunteers will enter and park in the side parking lot to the right of the main building 
• Over the age of 60 is not advised.
• No children please.
• Please arrive between 7:30-8am
• Gloves are provided, if you have a mask please wear it.
• We will be on our feet and active, please dress accordingly.
• Hair should be put up or in a cap.
• We are following strict guidelines set forth by the Houston Food Bank/CDC, we need to all do our absolute best to adhere.

COVID-19 Emergency Fund

Applications are due each Wednesday by 5 pm. 

The agency COVID 19 Emergency Fund application is now available. The COVID-19 Emergency Fund will help your UW support community needs resulting from the economic impact of measures taken to stop the spread of this disease. To access the application click here.

Grants have been awarded to:

• Bay Area Turning Point received $2,500 to provide additional resources to prevent episodes of violence;
• Baytown Resource & Assistance Center received  $5,000 to provide utility assistance
• Love Network received $5000 to provide rental and prescription assistance
• Hearts and Hands received $2000 to provide food to those who are home-bound and do not qualify for other food programs.
• Meals on Wheels to provide food to 58 more individuals.

At this time, UWGBACC is not asking for in-kind donations such as food, hygiene items and school supplies. Please visit this page often for updates.

APRIL 1, 2020 United Way of Greater Baytown Area and Chambers County Supporting Community Needs

Everyone is feeling the effects of COVID-19 and the new restrictions we all must adhere to in order to keep our families, friends, and neighbors safe. It is time to LIVE UNITED. Do your part to support our community during this crisis and beyond!

In response to the COVID-19 crisis, United Way of Greater Baytown Area & Chambers County is working a modified schedule from 8 am – 4 pm. No one other than key staff members are allowed into the building until further notice.  We are still actively supporting the community. UW is in constant communication with community leaders and service providers. We are working to coordinate resources for local families and individuals impacted by the health crisis and coinciding financial fears we are facing today and for the immediate future.  

Your United Way is:

• United Way of Greater Baytown Area & Chambers County has established the COVID-19 Emergency Fund. UWGBACC is raising funds to help alleviate the burden it has on individuals’ well-being and basic needs. The COVID-19 Emergency Fund will help your UW support community needs resulting from the economic impact of measures taken to stop the spread of this disease. This fund is beyond the annual fundraising effort that will still need the community’s support.  This is a complex disaster and our community will be feeling the effect for the years to come.  United Way’s ongoing work designed to develop, promote, and support solutions designed to meet targeted community needs through the generous support of the annual campaign will be more important than ever. Click here to review the full description of the COVID-19 Emergency Fund.
• Tracking resources and anticipating future needs in order to identify additional support that will be needed;
• In communication with local nonprofit partners to get frequent updates on their work and if there are increased demands that need supported;
• Providing updates to 2-1-1 Texas, a free helpline, to increase accuracy on currently available resources; and
• Promoting volunteer opportunities – these are limited due to this crisis.

Resources and Critical Information (updated frequently) click on links

• While the Covid-19 pandemic upends life around the globe, many vulnerable people in the U.S. — including low-income mothers, children, undocumented immigrants and refugees — face serious challenges that extend beyond immediate health concerns. In a series of policy reports, Quianta Moore, fellow in child health policy, collaborates with Baker Institute experts across disciplines to look at the struggles of these families and the policies that may help them. Read more: https://www.bakerinstitute.org/research/impact-covid-19-vulnerable-families/
• BakerRipley has available funds for CEAP (Comprehensive Emergency Assistance Program).  This program pays a portion of electric bills from the time of application through the end of the calendar year. This is for low-income Harris Co residents. Call 211 to get started  
• World Health Organization Rolling updates on COVID-19 worldwide.
• Coronavirus Latest official information from the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Task Force at the White House.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Official Coronavirus (COVID-19) public health information. The CDC is an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
• National Institutes of Health Latest research information. Curated collection of information and resources provided and maintained by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
• IRS Coronavirus Tax Relief Resources and Information to help taxpayers, businesses and others affected by the coronavirus.
• U.S. Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance Information for designated states and territories about low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to small businesses suffering economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
• National Federation of Independent Business - Small Business Financial Resources
• U.S. Treasury - Assistance for Small Businesses  Information about the Paycheck Protection Program for individuals employed by small businesses for job retention and other expenses.
• U.S. Chamber of Commerce - Coronavirus Small Business Guide  Coronavirus coverage, updated daily with new resources to assist individuals and their businesses.
• U.S. Department of Labor - Coronavirus Resources  Resources to help workers and employers prepare for COVID-19. Unemployment insurance information.
• U.S. Department of Homeland Security - Defending Against COVID-19 Cyber Scams The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) warns individuals to remain vigilant for frauds related to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
• Office of the Texas Governor - Coronavirus Updates  Resources, updates and information from the Governor’s office.
• State of Texas Resources from all Texas State Agencies.
• Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs COVID-19 Housing Resources and Information.
• Texas Health and Human Services – Coronavirus Updates Resources for hospitals, healthcare professionals, local public health and community leaders in their response to COVID‑19. Mental Health Support Line.
• Texas Education Agency School Meal Finder  Information to help students gain access to breakfast and lunch during the quarantine.
• Support and Guidance Webpage to help coordinate the flow of information from the state to districts, help districts solve problems, and provide guidance that will aid in districts’ decision-making 
• Texas Economic Development - Coronavirus Updates Information related to COVID-19 for Texas Businesses and Community Economic Development Partners.
• Texas Workforce Commission Unemployment information Information for COVID-19 Employers, Jobseekers and Child Care. Unemployment Benefit System.
• Texas Department of Insurance - Coronavirus Updates and Preparations Information related to health insurance companies and health services.
• ReadyHarris Public health resources, rumor control, report violation, screening, Stay At Home, Work Safe Order.
• Harris County Public Health Official site for Harris County Health Department. Community resources, information and reports from the developing outbreak.
• Goose Creek CISD – COVID-19 Information and Updates Information and updates from the school district for parents, students, staff and the community in general.
• ARAMARK providing meals.
• Lee College - Coronavirus: Stay informed Information on updates, student services and virtual services.
• City of Baytown Q&A about the city’s services.
• Chambers County Information on executive orders, declarations and public notices.
• San Jacinto College Information on altered operations related to COVID-19 for students and staff.
• Houston Food Bank– click to see current list of services available
• 2-1-1 Texas: Dial 211 or (877) 541-7905 to get help accessing needed resources in your community
• Centers for Disease Control to learn how COVID-19 spreads and best way to protect yourself
• To support first responders, community leaders and under-insured Texans,  Texas Psychological Association's TPA Pro Bono Project: COVID-19 provides up to 2 hours of free mental health services for qualifying Texans. Click here, TPA Pro Bono Project or email probono@texaspsyc.org. 
• Texas Department of Health and Human Services to search for programs and services
• Chambers County Government, Chambers County Health, Harris County Government, and Harris County Public Health websites have frequent updates posted
• AARP Texas learn how to get connected to avoid the feeling of isolation caused by COVID-19
• DePelchin Children’s Center for mental health support. NEW: A Mental Health Support Line designed to support families who may be experiencing mental health stress related to the COVID-19 Pandemic. The Mental Health Support Line will provide callers with access to mental health support, guidance, and a direct connection to agency and community resources. Families can access a Mental Health Professional Monday through Friday, 9:00 am-5:00 pm, by calling 713-558-3777.  The Mental Health Support Line is offered at no cost in English and Spanish. NEW: QPR Suicide Prevention training provided virtually. See flyer.  DePelchin Children’s Center is offering QPR Suicide Prevention in Spanish: QPR Entrenamiento para la prevencion del suicidio, Seminario web, Martes, 30 de junio de 2020 , Haga clic en el enlace de abajo para registrarse https://www.depelchin.org/events/4601/
• Chambers Health is open and providing updates Bayside Clinic & West Chambers Medical Center are both open and accepting appointments by phone, virtually or in-person. 
• Houston Methodist Baytown has updated information about accessing the hospital
• Legacy Community Health San Jacinto Clinic has updated information about clinic hours and other COVID-19 information. On March 31st they opened a virtual pediatric clinic - they are ready to help children with sick, well, behavioral health appointments - including new patients’ ages 0-17 in the Houston area. – Legacy Community Health clinics now all have the capability for COVID-19 testing for those who meet the current criteria. Based on CDC guidelines, that includes anyone with a chronic illness or underlying condition that results in a suppressed immune system who is also exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19. Legacy also continues to offer adult and pediatric primary care and sick visits, HIV/AIDS care, OB/GYN and maternity, vaccination, immunization, free HIV and pregnancy testing, and telehealth visits for pediatrics, behavioral health and some adult primary care services.
• Rehab Spot helps those struggling with addiction and their families find the information, support, and resources needed to get help.
• Texas Workforce Solutions “Connecting you with opportunity.”  They are offering staggered access to unemployment as of 4/3: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/TXWC/bulletins/284c4fd
• Sterling Municipal Library is offering curbside pickup - call 281-427-7331 x2 or Email Library
• Your United Way has an e-library with free books to read online, that include unlimited access to numerous eBooks and other fun.
• The Stratford Branch Library in Highlands is closed due to the COVID-19 virus.
• Chambers County Library will provide curbside pickup for pre-orders (May 4). 
• Boy Scouts is going virtual with its popcorn sale. Click here to make a purchase. At check out you can identify the Sam Houston Area Council by clicking on "Support My Local Scouts" or if you know of a Scout, select "Support a Specific Scout. .
• Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council is providing virtual programming to members AND non-members to keep girls learning! Visit https://www.gssjc.org/en/our-council/girl-scouting-from-home.html.
• Girl Scout cookies being sold online! Cookies4Heroes campaign https://www.gssjc.org/en/cookies/find-cookies-now.html. 
• CarePartners offers a lot of different types of assistance to caregivers: Common Ground (support group) Tele-Conference held twice per week on Tuesdays at 10 AM & Thursdays at 2 PM; Online Daily Activities Calendar https://www.carepartnerstexas.org/find-help/gathering-place/ is updated weekly; Caregiver Education & Information “Hot Topic” social media events on Facebook and YouTube; Caregiver Online Live Events

• Dealing with Anxiety related to the COVID Pandemic, by David Arabie, LPC. Click on this document to learn how to deal with anxiety.
  
  • Dealing with Anxiety Part 2
• Do you need childcare? Essential workers, with children 12 and under, can now go to a website called findchildcarenow.org to be connected to a child care center that best serves their children's needs. The website also offers financial support to essential workers who need assistance with child care. 
• Mesothelioma & Coronavirus info: www.asbestos.com/blog/2020/03/06/mesothelioma-coronavirus-information/  
• Houston Volunteer Lawyers Virtual Legal Clinics Held Every Friday - HVL will conduct legal advice interviews over the phone for those who submit an application and are eligible for HVL's pro bono services. Legal advice interviews will take place every Friday from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. through May 2020. A legal advice clinic is an opportunity to speak with volunteer attorneys to discuss your civil legal questions and issues. Applications can be submitted online or a printed application may be requested over the phone and mailed. To apply online, visit www.makejusticehappen.org/Apply-Online or email an application to info@hvlp.org. To request an application by mail, please call (713) 228-0735.
• GRADcafé is here to help you REMOTE advising with an advisor We continuously use the latest methods to innovate. As such, our love to try new tools and find ways to... www.smore.com
• Houston Immigration COVID-19 Resources: Information on the current pandemic, connect community members to local resources and amplify self-care tools through this time of social distancing.
• Families with children can apply for the Comfort Food Package program to have food delivered to your home. Click here to learn more: https://bit.ly/2UWNpAg.