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Houston Health Department, partners announce free COVID-19 testing schedule for week of July 6

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HOUSTON – The Houston Health Department and its agency partners are announcing the schedule for sites offering free COVID-19 tests the week of July 6, 2020.

Texas Division of Emergency Management
The Texas Division of Emergency Management and the department will open four drive-thru testing sites, Monday through Saturday:Eden Event Center, 7450 N. Wayside Dr.,NRG Park, Green Lot, 1 Reliant Park.,HCC – Northeast Campus, 555 Community College Dr., andHCC – South Campus, 1990 Airport Blvd.TDEM and the department will also operate a site at the Merfish Teen Center, 9000 S Rice Ave, Sunday through Saturday.  TDEM sites require appointments, available by visiting txcovidtest.org.

United Memorial Medical Center
United Memorial Medical Center (UMMC) will continue its weekday testing at a drive-thru and walk-up test site at the Southwest Multi-Service Center, 6400 High Star. The site doesn’t require appointments and offers testing from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. or until reaching its daily capacity of 250 tests.
 
Other UMMC sites opening weekdays are:UMMC Tidwell, 510 W Tidwell Rd., 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.Forest Brook Middle School, 7525 Tidwell Rd, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.Cullen Middle School, 6900 Scott St., 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., andGriggs School, 801 Regional Park Dr., 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.People needing information about UMMC testing sites can call 1-866-333-COVID or visit ummcscreening.com.

Houston Health Department and Community-Based Sites
The department operates two free drive-thru COVID-19 community-based testing sites open to anyone, regardless of symptoms. Each site has capacity for 650 tests per day.

Days of operation for the sites are Monday through Saturday.

People can call the department’s COVID-19 Call Center at 832-393-4220 between 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. to receive an access code and directions to the nearest community-based site.

Federally Qualified Health Centers
The health department is providing test kits, lab access and equipment to four local Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) so they can expand their COVID-19 testing capacity. The centers and phone numbers people can call to set up testing appointments are:Spring Branch Community Health Center, 713-462-6565El Centro de Corazon, 713-660-1880Avenue 360 Health and Wellness, 713-426-0027Lone Star Circle of Care at the University of Houston, 346-348-1200 andCommunity Health Network, 281-816-3317.FQHC patients pay what they can afford, based on income and family size, and are not denied services due to inability to pay or lack of insurance.
 
The department and its agency partners may shift locations and schedules of test sites to better meet community needs. Houstonians can visit HoustonEmergency.org/covid19 for current Houston test sites and information about stopping the spread of the virus.
 
Information obtained through testing, treatment or services will not be used against immigrants in their public charge evaluation.

Reuniones al Aire Libre en el Condado Harris de 10 o más Personas Están Prohibidas, Con Excepción de Algunas Actividades del Día de la Independencia

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La juez del Condado Harris, Lina Hidalgo, emitió una nueva orden que establece que las reuniones al aire libre que se estima que exceden las 10 personas en el Condado Harris están prohibidas. Esta orden está vigente hasta las 11:59 p.m. del miércoles 26 de agosto.

El texto completo del edicto está disponible aquí: https://www.readyharris.org/county-orders

Entendiendo el Edicto

  • No se permiten reuniones y actividades al aire libre donde estarán presentes más de 10 personas.
  • La orden de cubiertas faciales locales y estatales aún permanecen vigentes y deben cumplirse.
  • Las reuniones para ventas de bienes raíces en el Centro de Eventos de Bayou City están PROHIBIDAS.
  • Para el fin de semana del Día de la Independencia
    • Están aprobadas las exhibiciones de fuegos artificiales dentro del Condado Harris no incorporado Y que se ven desde el interior de un vehículo motorizado.
    • Las exhibiciones / reuniones de fuegos artificiales con más de 100 personas vistas desde FUERA de un vehículo motorizado están PROHIBIDAS.

Excepciones del Edicto 

  • Todavía se permiten ciertas reuniones al aire libre de más de 10 personas, que incluyen:
    • Servicios religiosos
    • Operaciones del gobierno local.
    • Servicios de cuidado de niños
    • Campamentos juveniles
    • Programas deportivos recreativos para jóvenes y adultos.
    • Eventos deportivos profesionales, universitarios o similares.
    • Piscinas
    • Parques acuáticos
    • Museos y bibliotecas
    • Zoológicos, acuarios, cavernas naturales e instalaciones similares.
    • Rodeos y eventos ecuestres.
    • Parques de atracciones, cada uno como se describe en y con todas las limitaciones impuestas por la Orden Ejecutiva GA-28

Continúe con Buenos Hábitos de Salud

  • Use cubiertas faciales, mantenga un distanciamiento social de 6 pies y lavase las manos. Estos siguen siendo pasos importantes para frenar la propagación del virus.

Cumplimiento 

  • Para reportar violaciones de esta orden, haga clic aquí o llame al 832-839-6941.

Harris County Outdoor Gatherings of 10 or More People Prohibited, Exception for Some Independence Day Activities

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Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo issued a new Order stating that outdoor gatherings estimated to be in excess of 10 people in Harris County are prohibited. This order is in effect until at least 11:59 PM on Wednesday, August 26th. 

Full text of the order will be made available here: https://www.readyharris.org/county-orders

Understanding the Order

  • Outdoor gatherings and activities where more than 10 people will be present are not allowed.
  • The local and state face covering orders still remain in effect and should be adhered to.
  • Gatherings for real estate sales at the Bayou City Event Center are PROHIBITED.
  • For Independence Day Weekend
    • Fireworks displays that were permitted in Unincorporated Harris County AND are viewed from inside a motor vehicle are permitted.
    • Fireworks displays/gathering with more than 100 people being viewed from OUTSIDE a motor vehicle are PROHIBITED.  

Exceptions to the Order

  • Certain outdoor gatherings of more than 10 people are still allowed, including:
    • Religious services
    • Local government operations
    • Child-care services
    • Youth camps
    • Recreational sports programs for youths and adults 
    • Professional, collegiate, or similar sporting events 
    • Swimming pools
    • Water parks
    • Museums and libraries 
    • Zoos, aquariums, natural caverns, and similar facilities
    • Rodeos and equestrian events
    • Amusement parks, each as described in and with all limitations imposed by Executive Order GA-28

Continue Good Health Habits

  • Wearing a face covering, maintaining 6-feet social distancing and hand washing remain important steps to slowing the spread of the virus.

Enforcement

  • To report violations of this order, click here or call 832-839-6941.  

Mayor Turner announces new mask policy for city facilities and urges Houstonians to follow additional safety recommendations as statewide mask order takes effect.

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Mayor Turner discussed the statewide mask order at a news conference on Thursday. The mayor also encouraged Houstonians to voluntarily comply with additional safety recommendations. HOUSTON – Before the statewide order requiring Texans to wear face coverings takes effect at noon today, Mayor Sylvester Turner announced a new COVID-19 policy for city facilities. 
  All people who meet, work, or visit a city facility will be required to wear a face mask or covering. The policy applies to all city facilities, including the George R. Brown Convention Center. “I am taking this step for the health and safety of employees, visitors, and all people of Houston,” Mayor Turner said when he first announced the new policy in a Tweet Thursday evening.  
 While the mayor applauds the governor’s decision to require face coverings, he also encouraged Houstonians to voluntarily comply with additional safety recommendations over the next three weeks to help blunt progression of the coronavirus. 
On Thursday, the Houston Health Department reported 763 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the city’s total to 21,886. There were also two additional COVID-19 related deaths, bringing the city’s total to 230.

“This is a forest fire, and we are going to need all the tools at our disposal to put the fire out,” Turner said about the rising COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. 

2019 COMMUNITY REPORT

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The annual Community Report highlights the Astros’ dedication to the community outside of the diamond through the tireless efforts of the Astros Foundation. The Astros Foundation is committed to serving the community through: Unmatched Volunteer Efforts – over 4,500 volunteers served over 17,800 hoursBaseball and Softball – 34 Astros Youth Academy members received opportunities/scholarships to play ball in college and over 8,200 uniforms were provided to Houston-area youthInvesting in the Community – over 16,300 books were distributed through the Phillips 66 Literacy Bus and 25 $5,000 scholarships were awarded to local students through the Minute Maid Grand Slam for Youth Baseball programIncreasing Awareness – Nearly $2 million was raised to fight childhood cancer, combat homelessness and support domestic violence education and awareness effortsProductive Conversations – The MVP Coffee Series (Many Voices Participate) brought together experts and community members to discuss relevant topics and highlight the work of the foundation and local non-profitsHonoring Military and Veterans – 163 service men and women were honored at games with 2,500 tickets distributed during military days at Minute Maid ParkGolf in the Community – over $600,000 donated to local programsTo view the full 2019 Community Report, visit us at astros.com/foundation or click the link below.
The Astros Foundation could not do what it does without the support of people like you. To learn how you can get involved, visit astros.com/foundation today!

Notificación de imágenes: Inter Miami CF y Chicago Fire FC llegan al Torneo Especial MLS is Back

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NUEVA YORK (1 de julio, 2020) – Imágenes disponibles ya del último entrenamiento en casa de Inter Miami CF, la despedida de los aficionados, el viaje y la llegada a Orlando, FL para el Torneo Especial MLS is Back. Chicago Fire FC también viajó hoy y los medios podrán acceder más tarde a las imágenes de su llegada. 

La MLS proporcionará material para los medios a medida que los clubes continúen aterrizando en Orlando y comiencen la concentración de cara al Torneo Especial MLS is Back, en el ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Tenga en cuenta que no se permitirá la entrada a los medios a ninguna sesión de entrenamiento de los clubes.

Todas las imágenes del Torneo Especial MLS is Back se pueden encontrar en el Centro de Medios de la MLS, donde podrán acceder a declaraciones, videos, fotos, estadísticas y más. 

Centro de Medios de la MLS 
Nota: a lo largo de la noche se subirán más imágenes tras las sesiones de entrenamiento de los clubes

Videos
Declaraciones de Inter Miami CF: DT Diego Alonso y arquero Luis RoblesVideo de los aficionados despidiendo a Inter Miami CFVideo del viaje y llegada a Orlando de Inter Miami CFVideo del último entreno de Inter Miami CF en casa antes de viajarVideo del viaje y llegada de Chicago Fire FC Video de las sesiones de entrenamiento de FC Cincinnati, Minnesota United FC y Orlando City SCVideo general de los hoteles Swan y Dolphin 
Fotos:
Fotos de los aficionados despidiendo a Inter Miami CFFotos del viaje y llegada a Orlando de Inter Miami CFFotos del último entreno de Inter Miami CF en casa antes de viajarFotos del viaje y llegada de Chicago Fire FC Fotos de las sesiones de entrenamiento de FC Cincinnati, Minnesota United FC y Orlando City SCFotos de las demás sesiones de los clubes que ya entrenan en Orlando de cara al arranque del torneoFotografía general de los hoteles Swan y Dolphin

City of Houston, Harris County and Coalition for the Homeless Announce Joint $65M Plan to House 5,000 People Experiencing Homelessness

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Coordinated permanent housing initiative will limit the spread of COVID-19 HOUSTON – The City of Houston, Harris County, and the Coalition for the Homeless today announced a joint, $65-million plan to house 5,000 people experiencing homelessness over the next two years to limit the spread of COVID-19. The Community-wide COVID-19 Housing Program (CCHP) represents an unprecedented coordinated effort on the part of the City and the County to address homelessness in the region.
 
Due to underlying health conditions and a lack of access to facilities, people experiencing homelessness are more susceptible to the novel coronavirus and are at higher risk of experiencing severe symptoms.
 
The CCHP will permanently house people who are currently experiencing literal homelessness (e.g., living in shelters, encampments or on the streets) as well as those who may fall into homelessness as a result of the economic effects of the coronavirus.
 
“This program is vital to protect the health of at-risk, homeless individuals, prevent potential communal spread to other populations, and assist those forced into homelessness by COVID-19,” said Mayor Sylvester Turner. “This crisis response program will also have a major long-term impact, permanently housing 5,000 individuals experiencing homelessness and significantly reducing our homeless population to record lows. Homelessness knows no geographical boundaries. I am grateful for the County’s partnership, for this is truly a watershed opportunity that will benefit all who call Houston and Harris County home.”
 
The City of Houston has dedicated $29 million and Harris County has allocated $18 million to this groundbreaking endeavor. The City and County are utilizing a variety of federal funds, including significant funding from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
 


“Together, we are making the single largest investment in addressing chronic homelessness in our region’s history,” said Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo. “Meaningful change happens when we work together to think outside the box, shift paradigms and invest in innovative solutions. This is the beginning of a new approach here in Harris County and it’s going to take continued effort from all of us. I look forward to applying solutions that are compassionate, that work, and that save taxpayer dollars in the long term.”
 
“I made a commitment early in my administration to address the issue of homelessness in Harris County, and for that reason I am grateful to the Coalition for the Homeless, the partner agencies of The Way Home, my fellow members of Commissioners Court who voted in favor of the funding, and the City of Houston for their financial commitment,” said Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia, who brought the funding request before the county court on June 30, where it was approved unanimously. “Our combined investment will dramatically reduce chronic homelessness in the City of Houston and throughout Harris County, and I am confident it will become a model for others to emulate. Now more than ever, with the current COVID-19 crisis putting so many people’s living situations at an increased risk, having access to stable housing options is vital for the entire community’s health.”
 
“During this unprecedented time, taking care of the most vulnerable among us must be a priority,” said Harris County Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis. “The continuing economic crisis could push even more people who were already struggling before the pandemic deeper into poverty and possibly homelessness. I am proud that this collaboration will help us address this challenge by providing stable housing for 5,000 individuals and families over the next two years. Caring for those most in need makes our entire community healthier and safer.”
 
The Coalition for the Homeless helped to coordinate the planning efforts and will lead the implementation of the CCHP, expected to begin in August. The nonprofit Coalition for the Homeless is the lead agency to the local homeless response system The Way Home.
 
“We are so appreciative that the City and the County have decided to join forces in this effort,” said Mike Nichols, president & CEO of the Coalition. “We will continue to work with them on implementation and to secure the remaining funds. Together with the service providers of The Way Home, we will build a healthier, more resilient community and make tangible progress toward our goal of making homelessness in our region rare, brief, and non-recurring.”
 
The CCHP will include several forms of intervention depending on individuals’ level of need, including the following: Diversion: A program to help approximately 2,000 people maintain or regain housing so that they do not have to enter emergency shelter. Assistance may be financial (i.e., up to three months’ rent) or may include family mediation or creative problem-solving.Rapid rehousing: Short-term (up to 12 months’) rental assistance and light services for those who do not require intensive case management, for approximately 1,700 newly homeless people.A “bridge” to permanent supportive housing (PSH): Housing for approximately 1,000 people currently experiencing chronic homelessness — including those living unsheltered and/or in encampments — while they await a PSH unit. 
The CCHP also involves expanding homeless outreach to those living unsheltered outside of Houston’s urban core; mental health case management for high-risk individuals; and additional support for emergency shelters, including those for survivors of domestic violence, to help them implement CDC health and safety recommendations.
 
This ambitious program will also require private philanthropic support in strategic areas where public funding cannot be used and that will keep people successful in housing over the long term. Local property managers will also have a key role to play in solving homelessness.
 
The 2020 Point-in-Time Homeless Count & Survey, the results of which the Coalition released June 23, found approximately 3,700 people experiencing literal homelessness in Harris County, including approximately 2,200 sheltered and 1,500 unsheltered. The night of record for the 2020 Homeless Count was January 27, 2020; the Count represents the number of people experiencing homelessness on a single day in the region.
 
It is not known how many people in the region will fall into homelessness as a result of the coronavirus. The CCHP proposes to quickly and permanently house as many people as possible, as soon as possible, so that the local homeless response system will be prepared to meet the needs of the newly homeless in the coming months.

Publicación 1171 – Revista Digital 2 de julio – 8 de julio / 2020

Gracias por visitarnos, este artículo contiene la revista digital de ¡Que Onda Magazine! de fecha 2 de julio hasta el 8 de julio del 2020.

Precinct One Continues to Advocate for Housing for all Harris County Residents

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Commissioners Court approves $15 million Emergency Rental Assistance Program to serve low-income residents in Harris County 

HOUSTON, TX – Since the moratorium on evictions was lifted in May, almost 3,000 eviction cases have been filed in Harris County. In order to address the urgent eviction crisis in the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Commissioners Court on Tuesday approved a $15 million Emergency Rental Assistance Program to serve low-income residents in Harris County.

Researchers estimate that, were it not for the federal relief in this pandemic, the poverty rate would increase from 12.8% to 16.3% this year. Local governments, including Harris County, have continued to provide support where others can’t or won’t. 

“We are facing an unprecedented public health and economic crisis. Harris County has been able to provide some direct relief, but it is apparent that there is still a great need for assistance to keep people in their homes and able to afford basic needs,” said Commissioner Ellis. “I am hoping my colleagues will join me to keep supporting financial assistance programs that will go directly to the people who need it most.”

The Emergency Rental Assistance Program will provide a one-time payment of $1,000 per household across all Harris County precincts to be used for rent and fee payments directly to landlords.  

The Harris County Commissioners Court also unanimously voted in support of the COVID-19 Permanent Housing Initiative, which will bring together local organizations to house 5,000 people over two years. The Initiative will be funded by Harris County, the City of Houston and private philanthropy.

“Our local governments are taking a big and bold step to prevent people from becoming homeless and to get people off the streets during this pandemic. I am proud to support this collaborative effort and grateful to Coalition for the Homeless, The Way Home Coalition and all of their partners for their vision and coordinated response to this urgent need,” said Commissioner Ellis. “Housing is always important and more crucial than ever during this public health crisis.”

Harris County Announces $30 Million Grant Program to Assist Small Businesses Impacted by COVID-19

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County Judge Lina Hidalgo and each of the Harris County commissioners voted unanimously to approve the Small Business Recovery Fund (SBRF) program, a $30 million grant program established to assist struggling small businesses who have been unable to obtain financial assistance from other COVID-19 relief programs. The program will provide eligible businesses a grant of up to $25,000 to help cover payroll costs, rent, accounts payable and other operating expenses. The SBRF targets businesses with 30 or fewer employees and is designed to assist the most vulnerable Harris County small- and micro-enterprises impacted by the pandemic with mounting financial burdens.   

“The impact of this crisis on small businesses has been devastating. We can’t afford to lose a source of jobs, innovation and the enterprising spirit our region is known for,” Judge Hidalgo said. “These grants will help business owners stay afloat as Harris County continues to fight the COVID-19 crisis.”

The Program will launch at 8 a.m. July 13 and will remain open for 10 days through July 22. More information regarding eligibility requirements, how to access the application online and over the phone, and what residents will need to prepare for the application will be released in 

“As the overwhelming demand for the forgivable loan program that I championed shows far too many of our small businesses are struggling in a big way right now. Small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy and have historically lifted up our community,” said Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia. “As we face some of the most difficult challenges in a generation, it’s time for county government to continue our support of local small businesses. I thank my fellow commissioners for voting in favor of the $30 million fund, and I have confidence that HBDI will do an excellent job with the expedient and efficient administration of these funds. Small businesses truly are the backbone of our economy, and this program shows that we have their backs!”

Earlier in March, Harris County provided $10 million under a small business relief program (LEAP), which was able to provide assistance to approximately 400 small businesses. With nearly 500,000 businesses in Harris County, the SBRF represents an effort to provide additional funding to a broader range of businesses suffering from the devastating impact of the novel coronavirus. Priority will be given to applicants that have not received prior assistance from the federally funded PPP Loan Program or other COVID-19 small business relief programs, including the Harris County LEAP program. 

“The effects of COVID-19 on our friends and neighbors throughout Harris County are immense and widespread – on our health, our families, our medical community and our economy,” said Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Jack Cagle. “Harris County’s response to this pandemic must recognize the need to address all these issues. With federal funding from the CARES Act, the Small Business Relief Fund is designed to help alleviate some of the stresses on small businesses throughout Harris County. I encourage those eligible to take advantage of this program.”

A local Community Development Financial Institution, Houston Business Development Inc., which specializes in administering government funded small business lending programs, will work closely with the county in launching and administering the SBRF program.

“Helping small businesses survive the economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic directly helps the working men and women employed by those small businesses,” said Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis. “The need in our region is immense, but we will support as many of our vulnerable businesses as possible, fairly and transparently, so that the thousands of families who rely on small businesses continue to have the ability to pay their rent, feed their families, and make ends meet.”

Those in need of immediate assistance are encouraged to call 211 Texas/United Way helpline to find an organization in their geographic region to serve them.