Table of Contents
Covid-19 Updates
Austin Community College moves spring classes to online instruction beginning March 30. Employees transition to work remotely beginning March 23. There will be no classes/exams and campuses will be closed to students March 23-29.
ACC Community Support Resources
ACC Students can now apply for federal CARES financial aid
ACC received the first portion of federal financial support to help students impacted by the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Current and newly enrolled students who have been impacted financially by the COVID-19 pandemic are encouraged to apply
City of Austin — COVID-19: INFORMATION AND RESOURCES
Online // Wi-fi // Computer Resources
ACC Academic Coaching — Study Skills: Online Classes Booklet
Blackboard Help Resource Links
ACC Blackboard Support for Students
Blackboard Learn Help for Students
Blackboard Learn: For Students — YouTube Videos
Students, learn how to use the tools in your Blackboard courses. These short on demand video tutorials are targeted just for you, explaining how to be successful in your online learning course environment.
How to get Free Internet: Everything you need to know
Here’s a list of the internet providers offering free internet access in response to COVID-19.
Wireless Carriers Pledge Unlimited Data & Additional Hotspot Allowances in Response to COVID-19
How to boost your home’s Wi-Fi
As the world hunkers down, it’s important to get the wireless internet you need.
Discount Electronics
Discount Electronics sells Used Computers, Laptops and Monitors. We have been online and in Austin, Texas since 1997.
All of your computer needs in one place! Now located inside our Macfarlane Retail Store (8965 Research Blvd.), Goodwill Computer Works has everything you need. Whether you’re an IT enthusiast or a budget conscious shopper, you can find refurbished computers, and new and gently-used accessories in all brands at affordable prices.
Food Pantries // Meal Assistance
Searchable Emergency Food Map — This map is updated regularly with most of the Central Texas emergency food resources during COVID response.
Boys and Girls Club — ACC students and their families can pick-up multiple shelf-stable meals at any of the sites listed on Thursdays during this time when COVID is causing need. No ID is necessary, just mention ACC.
Good Apple — Stay Home, Stay Healthy is a temporary free food delivery service created by Good Apple in partnership with HOPE food pantry and the Austin Transportation Department to aid high risk Travis Country residents who are experiencing food insecurity due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
ConnectATX — Use ConnectATX to find up-to-date information regarding COVID-19 emergency food access (e.g., curbside meals, food delivery, food pantries, school meals, low-cost meals).
El Buen Samaritano Food Pantry
Hill Country Community Ministries — Mobile Food Pantry
Get a free meal from TSO Chinese Delivery
For SNAP recipients: Get reimbursed for up to $50 in groceries from Expensify
Food and Diaper Distribution Centers from Austin Diaper Bank
Free Sack Lunch from Crema Bakery
Free meal from Z’Tejas on 6th street (must pick up or use Uber or Lyft). Call 512-478-5355 and ask to speak to Brian Joseph.
Community Impact Drive is a team of churches and organizations formed to get food, toiletries, and other necessary items to people in need. To request assistance fill out this form.
Jobs // Financial Assistance
ACC Strategies for the Job Seeking Community
Austin Job Opportunities — do512
Rural Capital Area Job Openings — Bastrop, Blanco, Burnet, Caldwell, Fayette, Hays, Lee, Llano, and Williamson counties.
Findhelp.org — Find free or reduced cost programs for those affected by COVID-19
Southern Smoke Emergency Relief Program Application for Financial Assistance for employees of restaurants and bars who have been affected by financial hardship.. FYI, the application cannot be completed on a smartphone.
Restaurant Workers’ Community Foundation COVID19 Crisis Relief Fund – Anyone can use the covidhelp@restaurantworkerscf.org email address to express interest. They will respond to make sure you know how to formally apply.
ATX Hospitality Relief Fund Amid COVID-19 — For hospitality industry workers who lost their jobs due to COVID-19 closures.
National Restaurant Workers Relief Fund — For restaurant employees who lost jobs due to COVID-19 and other national financial assistance programs for restaurant workers
The IRS announced that the tax filing deadline has been extended to July 15, 2020.
Your Money: A Hub for Help During the Coronavirus Crisis — If your income has fallen or been cut off completely, we’re here to help. This guide will connect you to the basic information you’ll need to get through this, including on government benefits, free services and financial strategies.
Utilities // Bills Assistance // Housing
Phone Carrier Assistance During COVID-19
Keep America Connected Pledge — AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, and more have agreed to freeze service terminations, waive late fees, and open more Wifi hotspots in the country. See link for complete list.
The City of Austin has announced a freeze on evictions and utility disconnects at least until April. You can also request an energy reconnect and payment arrangements. Information in link. Update: Evictions hearings are now on hold until May.
The Neighborhood Housing and Community Development Department website has resources for those needing rental or utility assistance or help avoiding foreclosure.
Tenant-Based Rental Assistance Program is managed by the Housing Authority of the City of Austin (HACA) to help low-income families (at or below 50 percent of the Median Family Income) by providing rental subsidies and case management support services. For more information, visit the HACA website or call at (512) 477-1314. NOTE: HACA offices are closed to the public until further notice. All services provided through mail, email, or phone.
Tenant-Based Rental Assistance Program — Bastrop, Fayette, Lee, Colorado, Austin, Hays, Caldwell, or Travis Counties (but not including the city limits of Austin)
The following gas companies have suspended gas disconnections due to non-payment: Atmos Energy, CenterPoint Energy, and Texas Gas Service.
Operating under the philosophy that everyone has a right to safe, decent, and fair housing, the Austin Tenants Council fulfills thousands of requests each year for help with housing problems. Austin Tenants Council programs focus on housing discrimination; tenant-landlord education and information; and housing repair and rehabilitation. Our mission is to ensure housing stability by rectifying Fair Housing Act violations and empowering tenants to exercise their rights through mediation, advocacy, and education.
Online Mental Health Resources
List of online resources from NAMI Central Texas
Catholic Charities offers virtual counseling sessions. Sliding fee scale is available. Visit their home page for info about other services they offer.
Free online mental health resources from Talkspace
Free articles, meditations, and breathing exercises from Headspace. Scroll to the bottom for the complete list.
8 Tips to Make Working from Home Work for You
Meditative Playlist for Challenging Times
Resources for Students with Children
Managing Fear and Anxiety During a Health Pandemic from Parent Cue
Talking to Children about COVID-19: A Parent Resource
Free Resources for Keeping K-12 Students Academically Active
Telehealth options for AISD students and families
Thanks so much to Nicole Haynes, Career Pathways Coordinator, Ability to Benefit/Level Up // Adult Education Division, for the assistance with many of these resources. https://www.austincc.edu/academic-and-career-programs/adult-education/career-pathways