Help for Businesses and Workers 

Texas Workforce Commission
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) recently introduced new staggered call times for those seeking to file unemployment. Effective immediately, TWC asks that Texans use their area code to find their proposed call and access times. Staggering claims will provide better access to needed services.

See below chart for recommended call and access times:

Business Assistance Resources Available
The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce lists a variety of resources available to local businesses affected by the pandemic, including CARES Act Funding Options. Complete details can be found at
https://www.woodlandschamber.org/coronavirus-resources.

Beware of Stimulus Check Scams
As you may know, the government is preparing to distribute stimulus checks to help provide relief to households due to the COVID 19 crises. Scammers use public health emergencies as opportunities for new fraud schemes. In fact, The Federal Trade Commission has already received complaints about stimulus checks scams. Learn how to protect yourself from these scams.

YMCA Operating as an Essential Personnel Child Care Site 
Located at 6145 Shadowbend Place, The Y is providing a full day of programming, snack and meals for the children of "essential personnel," including medical workers; first responders; select government staff; and grocery store, pharmacy and food distributor employees.

Children, ages 1 - 12 years old are eligible to register. The program runs Monday-Friday, 6:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. and features games, arts and crafts, STEAM and literacy activities.
Register online. Financial assistance is available.

Food Banks—How You Can Help
Local food banks are inventorying their resources to ascertain what will be needed in the days to come. Many Township residents have expressed a desire to volunteer or donate; please see the information below regarding those needs.

• Interfaith of The Woodlands remains open to meet the basic needs in South Montgomery County, including Senior Grocery Delivery, Crisis Assistance Services and Food Pantry Assistance. Hours are Tuesday and Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Curbside services are by phone at 281-367-1230. Donations are being accepted. Please read on to learn how you can lend support to Interfaith.
• Montgomery County Food Bank is conducting a virtual food drive. Please read on to learn how you can help.
• Meals on Wheels has coordinated a food drive to stock the shelves. A system in place to deliver supplies to the most at-risk neighbors, but they need your help to provide the food… because no one deserves to have an empty pantry, especially at times like this. During these times of uncertainty, food insecurity is at an all-time high. An increasing number of seniors are becoming homebound, as the fear of going out and being exposed to COVID-19 continues. Join the virtual food drive.
• Community Assistance Center Serving Montgomery County 
  The Montgomery County Community Assistance Center is seeking help through monetary and in-kind donations and through volunteers. View the flyer to learn more. flyer.
• The St. Anthony’s Bread Food Pantry serves all those who ask for and need food regardless of creed or background. The St. Anthony’s Bread Food Pantry is open to the public on Mondays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon, and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and operates on a drive-thru/curbside model. Donations are greatly needed. Rice, beans, pasta, peanut butter, jelly, soup and SpaghettiOs™ are especially in demand. Bins are available for donation drop-offs. There’s also an option to donate directly financially for those who are not able to drop off food. Please call 832-482-4210 or email fmarsan@ap.church for more information.
• St. Vincent De Paul helps tackle poverty and disadvantage by providing direct practical assistance to anyone in need. This is usually provided as short-term assistance to those in crisis in the form of rent assistance, utility bills or other emergency funding. For questions about St. Vincent DePaul’s outreach, please call 281-466-1920. Donations are accepted online.

  
  

  
  

Grocery Store Special Hours
Many grocery stores have special hours either for re-stocking or for seniors and others to have a quieter shopping experience. Hours are listed here as a convenience and are subject to change.

• ALDI: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  
  
• Costco: Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  
  
• Fiesta Mart: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.  
       
• H-E-B: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Delivery to seniors (60+) is available through partner, Favor Delivery. Phone orders are accepted 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., seven days a week by calling 1-833-3970080. This service is free until April 19, 2020 but will include a $10 tip to the Favor Runner who will shop for and deliver the items.     
• Kroger: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
  
  
• Sam’s Club: Monday-Saturday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Open Tuesday and Thursday 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. for seniors 65+.
  • Concierge curbside service available for seniors 65+. 
• Target: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Tuesday and Wednesday 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. priority is given to 65+, pregnant and those in at-risk conditions. 
• Trader Joe’s: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. 
• Wal-Mart: 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
  • Open Tuesdays from 6 to 7 a.m. for seniors 65+. 
• Whole Foods: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Shoppers 60+ can begin shopping at 7 a.m.

Staying Safe While Grocery Shopping
Whether you are grocery shopping for your family in person or utilizing curbside pick-up/delivery options, there are still important safety practices that can help to limit your risk of exposure to COVID-19.

• Follow federal guidelines regarding social distancing and prevention. Maintain 6 feet of distance between yourself and other shoppers/grocery store employees. Pay particular attention when standing in line and continue to observe the 6-foot rule at all times.
• Disinfect high-touch surfaces such as grocery carts handles with a disinfectant wipe, if possible.
• If you use a debit or credit card, keep in mind that those machines are high-touch surfaces. Wash your hands after touching those surfaces and wipe down your cards with disinfectant wipes or an alcohol-based sanitizer. The EPA has created a list of known disinfectants that are effective against COVID-19 on surfaces.
• If possible, go to the store during off-peak hours when the store is less crowded. If you are a senior, try to shop during the Senior Hours that are offered at grocery stores in the community.
• Discard any disposable grocery bags upon unpacking your groceries and disinfect counters and surfaces where bags may have been placed for unpacking.
• Always wash your hands after handling food packaging and before eating.

Please keep in mind, the FDA has stated that there is no evidence that COVID-19 is transmitted via food. It is a respiratory-borne virus and therefore the risk of contracting it through food or food packaging is extremely low. The main risk to an individual is thought to be from exposure to another person with COVID-19, who is symptomatic or asymptomatic, and touching one’s face or mouth after coming into contact with an infected surface. Social distancing and washing your hands frequently remains the most effective way to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Hotels Open in The Woodlands
Many of The Woodlands hotel properties are open and ready to welcome you to their location. Below is a list of all open hotels in The Woodlands at this time. Be sure to stay up to date by viewing Visit The Woodlands online.

• Best Western Plus
• Candlewood Suites
• Drury Inn The Woodlands
• Hilton Garden Inn
• Hyatt Place
• Residence Inn Lakefront Drive
• Residence Inn Market Street
• The Woodlands Resort

Make Your Own Mask
With the CDC now encouraging people to wear masks for essential errands/grocery trips without buying up any of the remaining PPEs in the free market, a helpful video has been created to make your own at home. Watch the video here.

Need some help thinking about all of this? COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has launched a statewide mental health support line to help Texans experiencing anxiety, stress or other emotional challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This resource offers support for all Texans and can be reached any time day or night at 833-986-1919.

The line is operated by the Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD, and offers trauma-informed support and psychological first aid to those experiencing mental health symptoms related to COVID-19. Counseling services are confidential and free of charge. More information on mental health resources and your local mental health authority can be found on HHSC’s website. 

View additional state and national mental health resources and contact information.

American Red Cross
The American Red Cross has launched a Virtual Family Assistance Center (VFAC) to support families struggling with loss and grief due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The Red Cross is here to provide compassion and support to families as they grieve.

To help, the Red Cross has set up a virtual team of specially trained mental health, spiritual care and health services volunteers who are:

• Connecting with families over the phone to offer condolences, support and access to resources that may be available
• Providing support for virtual memorial services for families, including connecting with local faith-based community partners
• Hosting online classes to foster resilience and facilitate coping skills (Coping in Today’s World and Psychological First Aid)
• Sharing information and referrals to state and local agencies as well as other community organizations including legal resources for estate, custody, immigration or other issues
• Front-line responders, such as healthcare workers, workers at long-term care facilities, and other essential personnel dealing with families of COVID-19 patients, are welcome to call as well.

All Family Assistance Center support will be provided virtually and is completely confidential and free.

Please visit www.redcross.org/vfac to access a support hub with special virtual programs, information, referrals and services to support families in need. The hub will also connect people to other community resources provided by partners. People without internet access can call 833-492-0094 for help.

Mosaics of Mercy
Mosaics of Mercy is a non-profit that serves as a hub for resources for mental well-being. The organization stays current on the available mental health resources for our community, including the status of treatment programs, counselors seeing clients through telehealth, and virtual support groups.

More information can be found at www.mosaicsofmercy.com. Help is available Monday - Friday from 9 am - 5 pm at 346-703-0051 for personal assistance navigating resources. There are current resources listed at https://mosaicsofmercy.com/coronavirus/. New episodes of the Hope Pieced Together podcast are released weekly, interviewing local professionals on topics related to mental well-being for this period. https://mosaicsofmercy.com/hope-pieced-together/.

Suicide Awareness and Prevention Podcast

Mosaics of Mercy has released a podcast on suicide that covers how warning signs might be different right now due to COVID-19 and what to look for, how to open up the conversation with someone, virtual training, what to do if someone shares they are suicidal, resources available now, walking through the grief of suicide and much more. Listen to the podcast. This is also available on iTunes, Stitcher, Apple Play, and all of the other major podcast platforms. The podcast is hosted by Whitcomb Terpening, LCSW. She is a counselor in the area that has one of the only practices in the US that specializes in suicide. She was recently written up in a USA Today article and she is part of the leadership of the local Suicide Prevention Task Force.

Children’s Safe Harbor
With the stay-at-home orders due to COVID-19, it has become one of the most dangerous times for children at risk for potential abuse given the financial and emotional stress that families are going through. Isolation is a huge risk. Children’s Safe Harbor serves children who have been sexually assaulted, severely physically abused, sexually trafficked or exploited or traumatized and advocates for their justice and healing.  The organization is in need of gift cards, tutors and food to give to the families they serve.  Please visit www.ChildrensSafeHarbor.org for more information and how to help.  

Community Assistance Center
The Montgomery County Community Assistance Center is seeking help through monetary and in-kind donations and through volunteers. View the flyer to learn more.

Interfaith Requesting Help
The following are needs for Interfaith of The Woodlands:

• Funding: Funding to be used for the following: 
  • To purchase bulk, specific and essential foods, toiletries and paper goods for food assistance for families and Seniors.
  • Provide financial assistance (i.e. rent, mortgage, utilities, gas cards and prescription assistance) to families and Seniors.
• Monetary Donations can be made here: https://interfaith-of-the-woodlands.snwbll.com/covid-19-community-response
  
  
• Food Donations: Interfaith is actively accepting food donations of: cereal, canned meat, dry pasta, vegetables and fruit, snacks for kids, peanut butter, jelly, meal starters, soups, crackers, toiletries, paper goods including toilet paper and cleaning supplies.  Donations will be accepted on Wednesdays from 9-11 am at Interfaith Central, 4242 Interfaith Way.
  
  
• Encouragement Cards for Seniors and Healthcare Workers: We are accepting cards for Seniors and Healthcare workers to help bring sunshine to their day!  All cards donated will be delivered to our Senior neighbors during grocery delivery and to local hospitals.  You can mail your cards or drive through and drop off at our office at 4242 Interfaith Way, The Woodlands, 77381.  

Dining in The Woodlands
Many restaurants in The Woodlands are open for business and offering carryout, curbside pick-up, and even delivery! Following Governor Abbott’s Executive Order to open Texas, some restaurants are now open for dine-in at limited capacity. In most cases, reservations are required so calling ahead is advised.  

To learn more, please visit the Visit The Woodlands Dining Guide.

Retail-To-Go
Visit The Woodlands, the official destination marketing organization for The Woodlands, has launched a Retail To Go Program promoting storefront retail businesses in The Woodlands Township following Governor Abbott’s Executive Order establishing a Strike Force to open Texas.
 
“Our local retailers and restaurants have all been proactive and managed to change their business models in response to this global pandemic,” said Visit The Woodlands Chairman Bruce Rieser. “Here at Visit The Woodlands, we’re committed to supporting and promoting those efforts. Our team continues to create new content that will bring the hospitality message to our residents on behalf of our partners and help ensure their success.”
 
Retail to-go with curbside pickup is now available in a growing number of stores in The Woodlands. For more information, click here: https://visitthewoodlands.com/blog/retail-to-go-in-the-woodlands/.

Shopping Guide: www.visitthewoodlands.com/shoplocal

Open Stores at Market Street
Several retailers at Market Street are currently open with more opening in the coming weeks. Market Street management notes that individual retailers may require a mask and additional safety requirements upon entry, so customers are encouraged to call ahead to verify hours and guidelines. Visit their website for the list of currently open stores, phone numbers and Market Street’s safety guidelines as it relates to common areas.

Open Stores in The Woodlands Mall
The Woodlands Mall reopened on Tuesday, May 5, 2020. The mall will be open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and on Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. Visit their website for the list of currently open stores, safety measures and curbside pickup options.

For more information, including minimum recommended health protocols, follow this link to the Governor’s Report to Open Texas: https://bit.ly/3eWmjCm.

Hotlines for health questions and COVID-19
Montgomery County: 936-523-5040 
Harris County: 713-634-1110
Statewide Mental Health Support Line: 833-986-1919 

Free Self-Screening Tool for COVID-19
Visit the self-screening tool on the CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.

Tracking COVID-19: Local, Regionally, Nationally, Internationally
Below are the widgets for tracking COVID19.

Montgomery County
Texas Counties Statewide
Texas Department of Health and Human Services Case Counts
Global Cases

United Way of Greater Houston Helpline and COVID-19 Recovery Fund
United Way of Greater Houston’s 211 Texas/United Way HELPLINE is our community’s go-to resource in times of disaster and every day. The 211 Texas/United Way HELPLINE is available 24/7 to connect people with food, childcare, transportation, and other critical information and resources. If you or someone you know needs help, dial 211.

United Way of Greater Houston and the Greater Houston Community Foundation have launched the Greater Houston COVID-19 Recovery Fund to serve our region’s most vulnerable neighbors impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more and donate to the fund at greaterhoustonrecovery.org.