District F: Coronavirus Update March 18, 2020

• The Community Assistance Program (CAP) helps individuals to complete applications for public benefits like SNAP (food stamps).
• As social distancing continues, we are aware that many individuals in our community may be experiencing financial hardships, especially in the service worker industry.
• SNAP benefits provide eligible individuals with supplemental assistance to meet the basic need for food.
• Additionally, Houston Food Bank has multiple partner pantries and distributions still open to ensure that our community is getting fed.

We are reaching out to you directly to get contact information from businesses that may have employees who need assistance with either application assistance with benefits or food.  Employers, please use this form.

Send to:

SUSAN QUIROS, CHW
CAP Community Referral Specialist
(e) squiros@houstonfoodbank.org
(o) 832-369-9390| (c) 832-470-0160

• The Children’s Museum Houston is temporarily closed, but is bringing the museum to you!
• A daily Virtual Learning Broadcast Schedule has been built to extend learning at home after temporary closure
• Their Education team has begun sharing experiments, activities and inside-looks at exhibits on the Museum’s social media platforms and will follow a daily virtual learning broadcast schedule.  Make sure to follow on social media and join the fun!
  • 10:15am  –  O Wow Moment on Facebook
    11:15am – Story Time (English) sponsored by Phillips 66 on Instagram
    12:15p.m. – Educator Moment on Facebook or Instagram
    1:15p.m. – Story Time (Spanish) sponsored by Phillips 66 on Instagram
    3:15pm – Toddler Time sponsored by McGovern Foundation on YouTube

• Doing everyday things like grocery shopping has become dangerous, especially as crowds panic and deplete stores.
• To alleviate dangerous shopping conditions, Food Town is offering a “Senior Hour” in the greater Houston area.
• The grocer is opening its stores’ doors for shoppers who are 65 and older to shop with from 7am – 8am.
• Dollar General is likewise offering a Senior Hour: 8am – 9am

Please remember that the Houston Public Library’s many free online resources and digital services are always available 24/7 with your MY Link Library Card at www.houstonlibrary.org, including e-books and e-audiobooks, streaming TV, movie and music services, online classes and tutoring, and databases.

• METRO understands the critical role public transportation provides for the region and is continuing to expand its public service efforts to help safeguard against the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).
• More buses will be put in service on heavily traveled local routes in order to lessen crowding
• Approximately 50 percent fewer seats will be available on buses
• There will be fewer available seats on light rail and METROLift as well
• These additional safety measures are designed to encourage responsible social distancing on local bus routes, light rail, Park & Rides and METROLift. As a result:
  • Real-time predictions in the METRO TRIP app, or sent via text, will not be accurate
  • Accuracy of schedules for various services may be impacted
• Stay informed by subscribing to receive service alerts for the route(s) of your choice. We’ll send real-time, personalized route information straight to your email for free. It takes just seconds to subscribe.You can also monitor METRO’s Facebook and Twitter feeds.

  As always, METRO Customer Service can be reached at 713-635-4000.