Food
Hays County Food Bank
The Hays County Food Bank is open and can be reached at (512) 392-8300.
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Tuesdays at 12:00 PM: Kyle - St. Anthony's Catholic Church (801 N. Burleson)
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Wednesdays at 6:00 PM: San Marcos - San Marcos Recreation Center (170 Charles Austin Dr.)
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Thursdays at 12:00 PM: Buda - Connection Church (1235 S. Loop 4)
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All distributions will be bagged, open-air, and drive through with limited interpersonal contact.
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If you are sick, do not go to a distribution. Designate a proxy to pick up on your behalf.
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If you are at a higher risk for contacting this virus, please designate a proxy to pick up on your behalf.
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The food bank's offices are closed to the public. They are accepting donations, but please call to schedule a drop-off time at (512) 392-8300 x230.
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All nutrition classes are cancelled until the end of April.
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Hays County Food Bank needs usable totes to distribute food in. They can be dropped off at the food bank.
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Check Hays County Food Bank's phone system, social media, and website for any changes in distributions.
Blanco Good Samaritan Center
Dripping Springs Helping Hands
Central Texas Food Bank
Get Help: https://www.centraltexasfoodbank.org/get-help
Wimberley Meals on Wheels
How to get Meals on Wheels:
If you would like to receive meal delivery or participate in congregate meals or if you know someone who would benefit from this program, please call (512) 847-1781
More information here.
St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church
For assistance, call (512) 858-5667.
Housing
Federal and State Updates to Housing
March 20, 2020 — The Texas Supreme Court has issued an emergency order suspending residential evictions in the state until April 19 unless there is a threat of physical harm or criminal activity.
Texas Department of Housing & Community Affairs
Help for Texans Tool: Select the type of help you need — including reduced rent apartments and emergency and homeless services — enter your city or county, and get a list of organizations that may be able to help you.
To contact TDHCA, visit their
website for a complete list of phone numbers.
Housing & Urban Affairs
Visit the Deparatment of Housing and Affairs website to access resources for individuals and providers in need of assistance.
San Marcos Housing Authority
Friday, March 20, 2020 — Following the lead from the City of San Marcos, the San Marcos Housing Authority (SMHA) will close its doors to the public at 12 p.m. and will not reopen until further notice.
Unemployment
How to Apply for Unemployment Benefits
Those filing for unemployment can submit an application on the Texas Workforce Commission's
website or by calling 800-939-6631 from 8 AM - 6 PM, Monday through Friday.
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Last employer's business name and address -
First and last dates you worked for your last employer -
Number of hours worked and pay rate if you worked this week -
Information on your normal wage -
Your A-number, if not a U.S. citizen or national
Additional Resources
For more information regarding unemployment, visit the Texas Workforce Commission's COVID-19 Resources page for jobseekers here.
Governor and TWC Waive Requirements to Receive Unemployment
March 17, 2020 — Governor Greg Abbott waived the 10-day waiting period that is usually required before an individual may receive unemployment benefits.
TWC is Hiring
Guidance Based on Work Status
1099 employees can collect umemployment insurance. The Dramatists Guild prepared the chart below for individuals applying for unemployment insurance.
F-1 Students
F-1 students who are experiencing Severe Economic Hardship because of COVID19 may request employment authorization to work off-campus by filing an I-765 & I-20.
Am I Eligible for Unemployment Assistance Benefits?
Texas AFL-CIO prepared this graphic to help individuals determine if they are eligible for asssistance:
How the CARES Act Impacts You
Payments & Bills
Apartment Renters
The Texas Apartment Association has prepared a resource page for renters impacted by COVID-19 that includes an FAQs section and contacts of local groups that may offer assistance.
Pedernales Electric Cooperative
For members experiencing unexpected circumstances right now, please call 888-554-4732. PEC has a number of payment options and agents ready to work with you.
Student Loans
March 27, 2020 — Federal student loans will be suspended and will not accrue interest until September 30.
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CornerStone: 1-800-663-1662
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FedLoan Servicing (PHEAA): 1-800-699-2908
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Granite State — GSMR: 1-888-556-0022
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Great Lakes Educational Loan Services, Inc.: 1-800-236-4300
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HESC/Edfinancial: 1-855-337-6884
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MOHELA: 1-888-866-4352
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Navient: 1-800-722-1300
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Nelnet: 1-888-486-4722
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OSLA Servicing: 1-866-264-9762
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ECSI: 1-866-313-3793
Hays County Rent Assistance
Find how to get rental assistance in Hays County Texas, by following the link here. Several churches, non-profits, and government organizations focus on providing seniors, the unemployed, and low income families with funds to pay their rent if they are faced with an eviction. Other agencies may offer moving cost assistance, or money for security deposits.
State & Federal Updates
March 26, 2020 — The Texas Public Utility Commission voted Thursday to ban utilities from cutting off power and water services to Texans who have lost jobs and income during the COVID-19 crisis for at least the next six months.
Mental Health
Managing Stress
The Texas Department of Health and Human Services has prepared a tip sheet for managing stress during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19
The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may be stressful for people. Fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children. Coping with stress will make you, the people you care about, and your community stronger. For more information, visit the CDC's website.
Texas Health and Human Services COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line
Internet
Internet Options
The information on this page is only a guide. You will need to call each provider or visit their web site to verify that their service and offer is available at your specific address.
Charter/Spectrum
First 60 days free. Month to month service with no contract.
Call 1-844-488-8395
Or visit https://www.spectrum.com/internet
Additional informaton is available in the March 13, 2020 press release
Map of open Spectrum Hot Spots (note, going inside businesses for non-essential reasons is discouraged, however it MAY be possible these WiFi hotspots could reach your vehicle depending where you park.)
Grande
Low income households qualify for the first 60 days free, then $9.95/month. Month to month service with no contract.
Visit http://www.internetfirst.com/ to apply
All households qualify for 30 days free on standard plans. Month to month service with no contract.
Call 844-822-8374
Or visit https://mygrande.com/internet/
CenturyLink
No special COVID-19 offers known at this time.
Call 1-855-727-8119
Or visit https://www.getcenturylink.com/availability/tx/san-marcos
Additional Options