COVID-19 Community Fund
COVID-19 VACCINATION CLINICS
Please visit this page for COVID-19 vaccination clinic updates in Hidalgo County: https://www.hidalgocounty.us/coronavirusupdates
COVID-19 COMMUNITY FUND
We encourage all residents to stay up-to-date on the latest information and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Dial 2-1-1 for Referrals
GET HELP - FIND LOCAL RESOURCES
Help starts here. Call 2-1-1 or visit 211texas.org to get help today.
Local resources are available if you or your loved ones are in need of food, rent/utility assistance, mental healthcare, etc.
211 is a free, confidential service that connects millions of people to help every year.
Their compassionate, highly-trained specialists are available to help you find services and resources in your local area to assist with:
- supplemental food & nutrition programs
- shelter/housing options & utilities assistance
- emergency information & disaster relief
- employment & education opportunities
- services for veterans
- healthcare, vaccination & health epidemic info
- addiction prevention & rehab programs
- support groups for individuals with mental illnesses or special needs
- a safe, confidential path out of physical and/or emotional domestic abuse
- COVID-19 Resources
The service is completely confidential and is accessible 24/7/365. Bilingual Assistance available.
Local, State, and Federal services
During this time of uncertainty, various local, state and federal entities are working around the clock to keep you safe and to provide you with the most updated information. While many outlets of information about COVID-19 and resources to assistance are on the internet, we hope to reduce your time searching with this list of links:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
Hidalgo County — https://www.hidalgocounty.us/coronavirusupdates
Hidalgo County Hotline Number — (956) 292-7765
Department of State Health Services — https://www.dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/
Office of Governor Greg Abbott— https://gov.texas.gov/coronavirus
Local
The Salvation Army: Emergency Shelter, Grab and Go Meals and other Social Services. (956) 682-1468
The Boys and Girls Clubs: Grab and Go Meals and Virtual Learning Programs.
- Edinburg (956) 383-2582
- McAllen (956) 682-5791
- Mission (956) 585-3606
- Pharr/San Juan (956) 781-5437
Catholic Social Services: Emergency Shelter, Food Distribution and other Social Services. (956) 702-4088
Silver Ribbon: Providing basic necessities to vulnerable senior citizens and the disabled. (956) 664-4892
Palmer Drug Abuse: Substance Abuse Counseling. (956) 687-7714
Women Together: Providing Shelter for Domestic Violence Victims. (956) 630-4878
State
Texas Department of Agriculture- Food and Nutrition Division
Texas Workforce Commission- COVID Resources
- Job Seekers
- Child Care Services has received funding to assist Essential Worker parents with child care. Parents are required to complete the Essential Worker Child Care Form. Parents can also submit the form by using this link: https://www.twc.texas.gov/news/covid-19-resources-child-care (Essential Worker Enrollment forms under “Resources for Parents).
Federal
We thank the USDA for creating and sharing the following list of links:
USDA Coronavirus Resources and Information
For solutions to feeding children impacted by COVID-19, email feedingkids@usda.gov. For solutions impacting America’s food supply chain and other logistical complications, email foodsupplychain@usda.gov.
- Rural Development COVID-19 Response
- Main USDA Rural Development page :https://www.rd.usda.gov/
- Community Facilities Program page: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/community-facilities-direct-loan-grant-program
- Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant page: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/distance-learning-telemedicine-grants
U.S. Small Business Administration
- Coronavirus Relief Options
- Paycheck Protection Program
- EIDL Loan Advancement
- SBA Express Bridge Loans
- SBA Debt Relief
GOVERNOR'S REPORT TO OPEN TEXAS
Local COVID-19 Community Fund
United Way of South Texas established a COVID-19 Community Fund in March 2020 to support local non-profit agencies' providing direct services to residents affected by COVID-19.
SUPPORT LOCAL COVID-19 RESPONSE and RECOVERY
United Way of South Texas established a COVID-19 Community Fund in March 2020 to support local non-profit agencies providing direct services to Hidalgo and Starr Counties residents affected by COVID-19. United Way of South Texas and its partner agencies are using creative methods to reach clients.
The following are some examples of how Partner Agencies provided free services in 2020-2021:
- Boys and Girls Clubs provided Drive-Up food distribution for school-aged youth and their families. In addition, they offered an educational virtual experience for club members.
- Hidalgo Youth Center provided Grab and Go Meals.
- The Salvation Army closed their family thrift store. Today, they continue to provide shelter, Grab and Go Meals, and rental assistance to qualifying families.
- Palmer Drug Abuse Program continuous to offer counselling via phone to individuals struggling with addiction and substance abuse.
- Starr County food boxes are available at precincts in Starr County.
Our partner agencies still play an essential part in assisting their clients and the community
Latest updates
- Total of funds raised: $296,786.22
- Total of funds utilized/distributed to local organizations: $226,902.74
- Number of organizations who have received funding or assistance: 22
- Number of residents helped: 24,520
Organizations supported through the COVID-19 Fund:
The Salvation Army | The funds provided shelter to 320 individuals, 2,000 meals, and on average, 75 individuals have received rental assistance. |
PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) | United Way of South Texas purchased 15,000 gloves in bulk and distributed them to partner agencies providing COVID-19 assistance. |
17 School Districts | Hidalgo and Starr County school districts will be awarded small emergency grants to assist an estimate of 400 students to meet emergency needs. |
United Way of South Texas | United Way of South Texas will provide transportation assistance for individuals that lack transportation to medical appointments and job searches. |
Starr County Food Pantries | Food Boxes are available at Precincts in Starr County. |
Silver Ribbon | The agency will perform activities to address COVID-19 related areas of need for the elderly and disabled and prepare hygiene care packages for 120 clients that include antibacterial soap, hand sanitizer, masks, disinfectant spray, wipes, paper towels, toilet paper and disinfectant cleaners. |
Starr County Victims of Domestic Violence Assistance Program | Funds will assist in serving approximately 100 families who will receive groceries, toiletries and fans with a $125 gift card/voucher from H-E-B. |
Boys and Girls Club of Pharr/San Juan | Children will have access to high-yield learning activities, tutors & staff, family support, educational tools, supplies and equipment to prevent summer learning loss. 350 youth will be served in the summer and an additional 400 youth will be served in fall 2021. |
Girl Scouts | Girls Scouts will receive hands-on learning and badge-earning opportunities that will be delivered virtually to 100 girls in Hidalgo & Starr County. |
Additionally, United Way of South Texas invested in PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and distributed them to the following partner agencies:
- American Red Cross
- Aurora House
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg
- Boys & Girls Clubs of McAllen
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Mission
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Pharr/San Juan
- CASA of Hidalgo County
- Children's Advocacy Center
- Comfort House
- Hidalgo Youth Center
- Mercedes Recreation Center
- Palmer Drug Abuse Program
- Serving Children & Adults in Need (SCAN)
- Silver Ribbon Community Partners
- Starr County Victims of Domestic Violence
- The Salvation Army
- Women Together
UNITED WAY AND The Following Companies provided resources to the COVID-19 Community Fund:
- United Way of South Texas
- Wells Fargo Foundation
- Truist Foundation
- ONE Gas Foundation
- BBVA Foundation
- AEP Texas
- H-E-B
- Fidelity Foundation
- Security Service Federal Credit Union
- United Way World Wide
- Private Donors
SUPPORT LOCAL COVID-19 COMMUNITY FUND
United Way of South Texas established the COVID-19 Community Fund to support local non-profit agencies providing direct services to those being affected by COVID-19.
Donations to the COVID-19 Community Fund will be used to support Hidalgo and Starr County non-profits working with individuals affected by this pandemic.
Agencies must apply for consideration.