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May 29, 2020
Dear Neighbors,
You're Invited to a Weekly Facebook Live every Wednesday

Thanks for joining us on Facebook Live this past month! We'll continue these sessions through the end of June. Join us next Wednesday, June 3 at 7 p.m. when we will have Commissioner Justin Rodriguez as our first guest!

To view our latest Facebook update click here. Hope you'll join us next week!
City Manager Announces City Openings Beginning June 16

The first phase of reopening includes contact-free pickup of reserved library materials at 29 library locations with limited hours; in addition, nine library branches will offer access to public computers. Time limits to use public computers will apply to allow access to other users and to allow for sanitization after each use. Book drops at all library locations will be reopened. For more information, visit www.mysapl.org.

Additionally, Municipal Court, Parks and Recreation Centers, the City Clerk's Vital Records Office and the Neighborhood and Housing Services Department will open at 25% capacity.

To get the full details on the city openings, see the news release here.

City Council Gets First Look at Community Recovery & Resiliency Plan

Thanks to the federal CARES Act, San Antonio has $270 million to cover costs related to the COVID-19 response and for community support. Council will vote on how to use the funds next week. The current proposal directs $75 million to cover costs related to COVID-19 health and safety response, such as testing, education and emergency response. The remaining balance is recommended for use in workforce development, digital inclusiveness, housing security, and small business support. You can view the presentation on this proposal here. Council will vote on this proposal at its regular meeting on Thursday, June 4, 2020.

One item I feel is missing in the plan is investing in improving the long term health of our community. Before COVID-19 turned into an economic crisis, it was, and will remain, a health crisis that is more likely to hurt those with underlying health conditions. To improve the long term health of our community, we could start chipping away at our high rate of uninsured people by expanding programs that connect residents to affordable health insurance. This could put families in a better position to improve their overall health and capacity to flourish.

Ultimately, I want to make sure that the progress we make with our federal CARES money is enjoyed by a healthy San Antonio.

Share the Streets Project Kicks Off on Monday, June 8

Beginning on Monday, June 8, Cincinnati Avenue will temporarily close to vehicle through traffic in order to make more room for walking, running, and biking. In case you haven't seen, Woodlawn Lake Park is bursting at the seams! The project will last until July 5, when the street will reopen to regular traffic.

People who live along Cincinnati Ave. will still be able to use their cars to get in and out on the street. Other cars will be directed to nearby streets.

This temporary street closure is the first part of the “Share the Streets” project. The project temporarily turns low traffic streets into safe streets for pedestrians, joggers, and cyclists.

I plan on taking my bike to Cincinnati Ave. next Monday to celebrate its first day as a shared street. Hope you’ll make it out, too.
We will get through this, together, San Antonio.
Yours in public service,
District 7 Initiatives
Join Councilwoman Sandoval on Facebook Live every Wednesdays at 7 p.m. as she updates you on the latest City Council news and takes your questions. You can watch at Facebook.com/AnaSandovalD7
Local and State Updates
COVID-19 Updates

  • As of May 28th, there are 2,583 cases of COVID-19 in Bexar County. Of these, 1,368 individuals have made a full recovery. Unfortunately, we have had 71 deaths attributed to the virus in San Antonio.

  • Metro Health launched a COVID-19 Community Survey to gather information on symptoms, testing, and social distancing behavior in the San Antonio community. The survey can be taken by calling the Metro Health hotline at 210-207-5779 or clicking here. 

  • Governor Abbott has allowed additional services and activities to resume operations. Driver education programs and food courts (in malls) can resume immediately. Today, June 29, zoos and water parks can open at 25% capacity. And as of Sunday, May 31, the following can open as well:
  • Day youth camps
  • Overnight youth camps
  • Youth sports
  • Professional sports (without in-person spectators)
  • Recreational sports programs

  • The City of San Antonio’s Planning Commission Technical Advisory Committee (PCTAC) is looking for applicants. The deadline to submit is May 31. Click here for more information.
Community Updates
Community and Non-Profit Updates

  • VIA will resume regular fare services beginning June 1. Click here for more information.

  • CPS Energy is working with the community to provide assistance and resources during this time. Customers are encouraged to call 210-353-2222 or visit cpsenergy.com/assistance if needing assistance with their monthly bill.

  • Have you heard of SAWS Uplift? It is a program to assist with water bills for those who qualify. Reach out by clicking the link above or by calling 210-233-2273.

  • The San Antonio River Authority will be hosting its 7th Annual Environmental Film Fest to help commemorate National Rivers Month in June. The event will run from June 3-21 and is completely free. Click the link to register.


  • St. Paul's Catholic Church is hosting a Facebook Live with Chef Anita Centeno Thursday nights at 7:30 P.M. Click here to learn more.

  • If you are in need of food assistance, the San Antonio Food Bank is h offering daily food distribution at multiple locations as well as home delivery services for seniors.

As a reminder, please be mindful of where you receive your information. Trust only reliable news sources that provide the latest and most accurate information.
Greater. SAfer. Together
Supply Pickup Day

On Wednesday morning, Councilwoman Sandoval joined hundreds of volunteers from the San Antonio Public Library, the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, the West San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and many other organizations for the Greater. Safer. Together. Supply Pickup Day to help distribute supplies to small businesses and nonprofits in need of personal protective equipment for their employees.

Thank you to the City of San Antonio Economic Development Department for hosting the event and providing these needed resources to our community. Through efforts like these, our workers will be able to safely get back to work while keeping customers and each other safe.
Engage Online
Public Health Reminders
Stay Informed
Click any of the following buttons for reliable information about COVID-19. Additionally, you can text COSAGOV to 55000 to receive SMS text message updates.
Community Resources
The following buttons link to community resources should you need any assistance. If you need a service that is not listed below, please contact our office at 210-207-0870 or by email at District7@SanAntonio.gov.
Additionally, please note the following resources:

COUNSELING/ SUPPORT SERVICES
  • Hearts Need Art, a community non-profit, is offering digital support for caregivers and patients in the medical community in an effort to reduce social isolation. If interested, you can schedule one-on-one zoom sessions with artists free of charge without the need for prior experience.

  • Texas Health and Human Services has launched a 24/7 statewide mental health support line to help Texans experiencing anxiety, stress or emotional challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This new resource offers COVID-19-related mental health support for all Texans. People can call the Statewide COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week toll-free at 833-986-1919.

  • Crisis Text Line - Are you feeling anxious about COVID-19? To get free confidential, 24/7 support for anxiety, text “HOME” to 741741. 

  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA’s) Disaster Distress Hotline: 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746. 


  • San Antonio Clubhouse - provide community, opportunity and hope for adults diagnosed with mental illness.


FAMILY RESOURCES
  • Childcare Assistance - The United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County are providing emergency childcare assistance for residents who qualify.

  • United Way Helpline -2-1-1 is a social service hotline that helps people in the region find information about local resources in their community.

  • School Meal Finder - Find locations where free meals are distributed to students in the San Antonio area.








FOOD RESOURCES
  • San Antonio Food Bank - Network of food pantries and mobile food distributions remains fully operational and open to the public for help.

  • School Meals Map - shows students where they can find breakfast and lunch near them for free. Please check with your school district for regular updates.

  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program - provides money for food, and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children provides resources for pregnant women and people with children younger than 5.

  • Meals on Wheels - is providing meals to at-risk senior’s in the community.

  • Little Free Pantry - is a grassroots, crowd sourced solution that facilitates feeding neighbors and bringing attention to food insecurity.


  • Career in Focus - UTSA has launched workforce initiatives for San Antonio citizens. Programs such as Job Jumpstart and Career Builder Badges are being offered online and many are completely free of charge.

HOUSING / SMALL BUSINESS
  • Rental Assistance - The Salvation Army assists individuals and families who are struggling to pay their rent. We are often able to assist those facing eviction.

  • SAMMinistries - Offers rental assistance, utility support and long-term housing assistance.


  • Request for Utility Assistance - This program assists with utility assistance for CPS Energy and assists with an Affordability Discount Program Application. Seniors, families with young children, individuals with disabilities, and individuals using critical medical care equipment are eligible to apply.

  • Fair Housing Council - The Council’s programs and services, such as complaint investigation, advocacy, and education & outreach are available to consumers living in this South Texas service area.

  • Endeavors - is offering immediate financial assistance for qualifying veterans. If you are a veteran in need of assistance can call (210) 469-9664 or email SSVF-SA@endeavors.org.


  • LiftFund - Small, minority, and women-owned businesses may qualify for 0% interest loans from between $500 to $100,000.




  • To see which local properties are subject to the federal CARES Act protection for tenants, review the best available data here. For more information on tenant protections during COVID-19, click here.

  • The Federal Housing Finance Agency has released two tools that help renters check if their properties are financed by federally backed mortgages. To learn if your property is covered, visit KnowYourOptions.com or Freddie Mac's website.


  • City of San Antonio and Bexar County remind renters of their protections amidst the COVID-19 pandemic:

  • Federal Tenant Protections: A 120-day moratorium on evictions for any residential property that receives federal housing funds, including both public housing and mixed income housing beginning March 27, 2020 and ending on July 24, 2020.

EVICTIONS / NOTICES


  • Neighborhood and Housing Services is offering emergency rent and housing assistance during this time. Click the link to access the application or call 210-207-5910 for further assistance.

  • Tenants who have experienced harassment in the form of illegal lockouts from their home can find self-help packets here. Frequently asked questions on your rights as a tenant or landlord can be found here.

  • The Federal Housing Finance Agency has released two tools that help renters check if their properties are financed by federally backed mortgages. To learn if your property is covered, visit KnowYourOptions.com or Freddie Mac's website.

  • Beware of price gouging. It is illegal to raise the cost of necessary supplies at any point during a declared disaster. Call the Office of the Attorney General’s toll-free complaint line at (800) 621-0508 or file a complaint online.

  • The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is issuing guidance to unemployment claimants concerning their continued eligibility for unemployment benefits should they refuse rehire.

  • Tenants who have experienced harassment in the form of illegal lockouts from their home can find self-help packets here. Frequently asked questions on your rights as a tenant or landlord can be found here.


Digital Resources
Federally Qualified Clinics
for Uninsured Persons
Local Job Listings
How You Can Help Your Neighbors
Looking for a way to help your neighbors during this time? Here are a few ideas:
The City has identified the following community volunteer opportunities:

  • Consider checking in on your neighbors, especially if they are elderly or have pre-existing medical conditions. Give them a call or send them a text message to let them know you're willing to help if they need it. If you're getting ready to go to the grocery store, consider offering to pick up items they might need.

  • Prepare hygiene kits for outreach to homeless persons. Individuals and families experiencing unsheltered homelessness may not have access to COVID-19 information or hygiene supplies. City of San Antonio Homeless Street Outreach Teams will deliver hygiene kits, assess needs, and connect people to services.
  • Hygiene kits for the street homeless population are needed. Hygiene kits will include, but are not limited to, the following: hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, soap, bottle of water, socks, and snacks. Items may be packaged in plastic grocery bags.
  • Hygiene kits can be delivered to your nearest SAPD SAFFE substation. Additional information at: https://www.sanantonio.gov/SAPD/SAFFE

  • Deliver food to seniors with Meals on Wheels. Many seniors in our community depend on home food delivery while self-distancing. Volunteers are needed to deliver perishable and non-perishable food items to their homes.
  • Contact Meals on Wheels at samanthaf@mowsatx.org or call (210) 599-7405 ext. 309.

  • Volunteer as an Elder Friend with Meals on Wheels. Homebound elderly individuals are in need of socialization and friendship.
  • Elder Friend volunteers typically serve three hours per week with a home-bound senior and do things such as play games, take a walk, run small errands or go out to eat as advisable.
  • Contact Meals on Wheels at samanthaf@mowsatx.org or call 210-599-7405 ext. 309.

  • Volunteer with homeless service providers. Volunteers are needed to provide services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Volunteers assist with serving meals, sorting clothes, engaging with clients (arts/crafts, singing, etc.) and helping with everyday program operations.
  • Contact SARAH Volunteer Registration here.
  • Contact Haven for Hope Volunteer Opportunities at volunteers@havenforhope.org or 210-220-2549 or here.
Updates from Local Universities
District 7 Office
Work Arrangements
During this time, the District 7 Office is continuing to work for you. We are taking the following precautions to protect your health and ours:

  • We will remain accessible for your phone calls and emails.

  • We will begin calling into neighborhood association and HOA meetings, should you choose to host them. If you would like help hosting a video or conference call for your NA/HOA meeting, we can assist!

  • We are postponing office events for the time being.

We appreciate your understanding.
Our Offices
Brass Professional Center
4414 Centerview Dr, Ste #160

Monday - Friday:
9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Closed for Lunch:
12:00 pm- 1:00 pm
Plaza de Armas
100 Military Plaza

Monday - Friday:
8:30 am - 4:30 pm