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Where to get help if you’re still recovering from Winter Storm Uri

Between rolling blackouts, burst pipes and lost wages for hourly workers, many across the state are still reeling from the effects of Winter Storm Uri, which swept across Texas last week, bringing freezing temperatures and snow. 

Here’s where students at the Denton, Dallas and Houston campuses can find help:

Federal and state resources

FEMA – Texans in counties with a declared disaster — which include Denton, Dallas and Houston — can apply for assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency. FEMA can provide temporary housing, help with home repairs and rent, help you replace personal belongings and meet other disaster-related costs. Insured Texans should file a claim through their homeowner’s insurance, but FEMA can help cover the costs if you’re underinsured or uninsured and you qualify, according to the agency’s website. Click the link for your city of residence on the FEMA website to be taken to the application. You can also download the app, call 1-800-621-3362, or visit a Disaster Relief Center. 

Texas Rent Relief – Texans can apply for emergency aid through the Texas Rent Relief program at https://texasrentrelief.com. Though funds are aimed at COVID-19 relief, the funds help with rent and utility bills, and applicants can apply for up to 11 months of backdated relief. If you need help filling out the form, call 1-833-989-7368.

D-SNAP — Texas residents who need food assistance can apply for the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, a short-term program created to provide food assistance for those impacted by disasters. Set up a Texas Benefitsaccount to apply. 

Regional resources

North Texas Food Bank and Tarrant Area Food Bank are hosting multiple mobile markets throughout the DFW. For the latest updates, visit their websites at ntfb.org/mobile-pantry and tafb.org/find-food.

Local resources

       

Denton

  • The City of Denton is distributing free bottled water to those in need through Feb. 26 at three Denton locations: MLK Jr. Recreation Center from noon-7 p.m. daily, the Denton Natatorium from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., and North Lakes Recreation Center from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. All three locations are also available for showers and restroom use, though visitors must provide towels and bathing supplies. 
  • Denton Grassroots Water Crew has been connecting residents with water over the past week. The organization is expecting a shipment of water from Operation Airdrop to be distributed to those in need this week and is providing other essential supplies to residents without water such as canned food, paper plates and disposable utensils and more. To request assistance or volunteer, visit the group’s Facebook page.
  • Denton Community Food Center offers free food during drive-thru events every Monday and Wednesday from 1 to 3 p.m. A photo ID is required. Call 211 for after-hours food assistance. 

Dallas

  • Feed the People Dallas Mutual Aid has a storm relief form Dallas residents can fill out for assistance. There is currently a backlog of applicants, according to the organization’s website, but the form is expected to reopen Wednesday at noon.
  • Harvest Project Food Rescue is partnering with local churches to provide hot meals and began home produce delivery to families who could not leave their homes Monday, according to the Dallas Morning News. Contact the organization on their website at harvestprojectfoodrescue.org. 
  • Not My Son DFW is offering hotel rooms, food and essential supplies to those in need of shelter in Dallas. Fill out the form to be contacted. 

Houston

  • Mutual Aid Houston is providing food, water and financial assistance to those in need. The organization posts regular updates on social media for how to receive help through their organization and other community partners. 
  • Harris County Eviction Legal Aid will host a drive-thru event Feb. 27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to help those facing eviction find out if they qualify for renter protections. Events will be held at three locations: Harris County Precinct 1, Hobby Airport and Jim Fonteno Annex.  
  • Houston Harris County Rental Assistance Program will begin accepting applications Feb. 25. Visit houstonharrishelp.org to apply or call 211. 

Featured image: FEMA building in Denton, Texas. Courtesy of Public Domain Archive.

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