Helpful Resources To Access Amid Austin's Public Health Order

AUSTIN, TX —In effect beginning Wednesday, March 25, the City of Austin and Travis County declared the Stay Home - Work Safe Public Health Order requiring individuals to remain in place at home, with exceptions for essential work and activities. The Order in place through April 13, (unless modified) is an effort to contain the spread of coronavirus, or COVID-19 within Austin and Travis County. Community transmission has been observed in Austin and communities worldwide; public health officials in Austin and across cities have determined sheltering in place as the best course of action to mitigate the spread of the disease, and do everything needed to slow down the spread of the virus and “flatten the curve” to avoid overwhelming health care systems.

The Public Health Order requires all Austin/Travis County residents avoid nonessential outings and stay inside as much as possible to contain the spread of COVID-19. The following is a resource guide for those needing assistance should challenges arise from the Order. These include resources for individuals in distress, if a home isn't deemed a safe environment, or for those needing housing assistance. This guide will be updated periodically.

Mental Health Resources

• Integral Care 24-Hour Crisis Hotline: 512-472-HELP (4357)
• National Alliance for Mental Illness Helpline: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or text NAMI to 741741 (NAMI Texas Online Support Groups)
• Lifeline Chat| National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Alternate Safe Environments

If your home environment is not safe, you are urged to find shelter at another location during the Order.

• SAFE: 512-267-7233
• Hope Alliance: 800-460-7233
• Texas Advocacy Project: 800-374-4673
• The National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-877-863-6338

Housing Assistance

• Austin Tenants Council provides counseling related to the eviction process, tenant-landlord issues, mediates disputes, provides workshops, and identifies fair housing issues to resolve or minimize discriminatory housing practices.
• Austin 2-1-1 is a free social service hotline available 24 hours a day.
• Aunt Bertha  is a website that matches qualified individuals with food, housing, transit, health/medical, education, and legal help.
• Eviction Service Resources website provides information regarding legal assistance, emergency grants for rent or utilities, alternate housing, short-term motel vouchers, or placement in a local shelter.
• Avoiding Mortgage Foreclosure website provides information about refinancing or modifying mortgage loans, lowering payments, or other solutions to avoid foreclosure.

• NHCD has resources for homeowners and resources for renters.

Additional resources can be found on the Community Resources Directory

Food Assistance

• Texas Students MealFinder Map: For families needing help locating local education agencies (LEAs) offering meals throughout the state.
• Meals On Wheels Central Texas: Services for older adults and people with disabilities.
• Central Texas Food Bank (Find Food Now)
• EMERGENCY FOOD ASSISTANCE REFERRAL LIST: First call for HELP 877-541-7905