Strengthening The Community: Local Nonprofits Provide Resources to Residents

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With the spread of COVID-19/coronavirus a big issue across the country, several local nonprofits and community organizations have stepped up to provide useful information and resources to local residents who need it the most. These community organizations provide a variety of services and free-to-use programs, including up-to-date health information, economic assistance to those in need, food and health care providers, and utility assistance. Here are a few of the programs available to Brazos Valley residents to help them deal with the COVID-19 outbreak and its after effects.

Brazos Valley COVID-19 Relief Fund For those who have faced economic challenges due to CDC, state, and city guidelines designed to contain the spread of COVID-19, community nonprofits, in partnership with local governments and businesses, are launching a relief fund for Brazos Valley residents, giving those who need it the resources necessary to live during this time of economic uncertainty.

Spearheaded by United Way of the Brazos Valley, the Community Foundation of the Brazos Valley, the Bryan College Station Chamber of Commerce, and the cities of Bryan and College Station, the Brazos Valley COVID-19 Community Relief Fund is designed to help alleviate the stress on those who need it most. With the relief fund, small businesses can help keep workers employed by funding their paycheck through a payroll assistance program, while grant funding will be available to community nonprofits to provide services for residents needing food, rent, and more.

Small businesses or nonprofits wishing to apply for the program can do so at www.uwbv.org/covid19. Anyone can donate to the Brazos Valley COVID-19 Community Relief fund by texting BVCOVID19 to 41444 or by donating online.

2-1-1 Texas and Option Six The United Way will continue to facilitate the Brazos Valley version of 2-1-1 Texas. A program of the Texas Human Services Commission, 2-1-1 Texas is a free information and call center with the goal of connecting local residents to the best community resources available, referring locals to a variety of services including food pantries, substance abuse programs, or housing assistance. It is recommended that people call 2-1-1 Texas first in order to assess their needs carefully, says Mickal Lewis, 2-1-1 resource and project coordinator for United Way.

One area where 2-1-1 Texas has created special accommodations is for people looking for medical advice. For those searching for answers regarding health and well-being during the self-quarantine, 2-1-1 Texas has created a special hotline as a part of their services for medical questions regarding COVID-19. While in the local area, people who call 2-1-1 and select option six will be sent to a medical hotline where they can speak to medical professionals about any questions they have about COVID-19.

Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program and Utility Assistance For those who need assistance with paying off their utility bill, the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program is a great resource available for anyone in the community. Part of the energy and housing assistance programs provided by the Brazos Valley Community Action Programs, the Bill Pay Program provides assistance with electricity, natural gas, or propane bills people are struggling to pay.

Additionally, many utility service providers have enacted measures to assist customers with their utility bill during the COVID-19 outbreak. Atmos Energy says in a press release they are going to suspend any natural gas disconnections temporarily, while Altice USA says they will provide internet access to households with K-12 and/or college students for free for 60 days for new customers.

Other Community Resources Available