Metro: COVID-19 RESPONSE

Providing Essential Service for
Essential People
METRO is committed to the safety of
our customers and employees during
this challenging time as we respond
to COVID-19.

Moving People
Providing Essential Service for
Essential People
METRO is committed to the safety of
our customers and employees during
this challenging time as we respond
to COVID-19.
• Transportation is vital as it relates to
essential employees and others who
depend on METRO
• Adding buses to our most traveled routes
including those in the Texas Medical Center
• Adding a TMC Shuttle route to move
essential employees in the Texas Medical
Center

Keeping the System
Clean
• Continued emphasis on disinfecting
surfaces touched by the public
• Ongoing dedication to thorough, daily
cleaning of bus and rail vehicles as well
as additional midday cleaning
• Frequent cleaning of bus shelters and rail
platforms

Encouraging Social
Distancing
• Installing seat tags on bus and rail vehicles
to encourage social distancing
• Monitoring boardings per vehicle to enable
a safe passenger capacity of 50 percent
• Instituting rear boarding to reduce bus
operator and customer interaction
• Adding buses to routes with more riders to
enable social distancing
• Installing orange mesh barriers to keep
more distance between bus operators and
customers

Focusing on People
• Encouraging people to wear a face mask,
providing information on how to make a
face mask, and working to make masks
available to people as requested
• Offering free fares to limit unnecessary
exposure for customers and employees
• Requiring temperature checks for all
employees at METRO facilities
• Providing masks and hand sanitizer to all
bus and rail operator

Going the Extra Mile
• Using METROLift vehicles to deliver
groceries to those in need in conjunction
with the Mayor’s Office for People with
Disabilities
• Providing relief buses at testing sites
• Acting as a leader in the industry by
sharing best practices and educational
materials with other transit agencies
• Working to show ongoing appreciation for
frontline employees

METRO continues to monitor service needs throughout the region. We
remain dedicated to being the transportation provider for our region.

For additional information please visit RIDEMETRO.ORG

 

cIA Scholars Program

Thurgood Marshal College Fund

Exposure to senior leadership and immersion experience at the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) headquarters

 

 

TMCF: McDonald’s Black and Positively Golden Scholarship

 

Thurgood Marshall College Fund

Eligibility requirements:

• Must be 18 years old or older.
• Be enrolled full-time as a freshman, sophomore, junior or senior at TMCF Member-Schools during the 2020-2021 academic school year.
• For Incoming Freshman – Provide proof of acceptance into or enrollment at a TMCF member-schools as an incoming freshman during the 2020-2021 academic school year.
• Current cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
• Able to demonstrate leadership abilities.
• Able to demonstrate a financial need.
• Be a U.S. Citizen or legal permanent resident with a valid permanent resident card or passport stamped I-551.

Click here to apply!

 

 

Greetings Future University of Houston-Downtown Gators!   At the University of Houston-Downtown (UHD), we understand the challenges minority males face growing up in our ever-changing world. To support you and your transition to UHD, we want to invite you to a special webinar to introduce you to a support network that can take your college experience to the next level! The Ascending To Men Project (Houston Independent School District) is partnering with the Call Me MISTER Program (UHD) to bring in the first Fall 2020 Class. If you are an African American or Hispanic male graduating from a HISD school and are interested in becoming a *future teacher, principal or coach in HISD you may be eligible. Program participants will have opportunities for future *scholarships, teacher job placement (salaries starting between $54,000 – $64,000), mentorship, brotherhood and be a part of the Nationally Ranked Clemson University – UHD Call Me MISTER Chapter.   This program is limited to 25 male students, to learn more attend an upcoming webinar session. Select a date below to RSVP. UHD Call Me Mister Webinar Series
_
Friday, May 15 1pm – 2pm	Tuesday, May 19 1:30pm – 2:30pm	Friday, May 22 1:30pm – 2:30pm
If you can’t make it to one of the webinar sessions, don’t hesitate to contact me for more information!Respectfully, Dr. Jerry L. Wallace, Jr., Assistant Dean Director of Advising, Recruitment & Retention College of Public Service Email: WallaceJ@uhd.edu University of Houston-Downtown

 

 

Houston Community College – Virtual Information Sessions

 

 

 

 

Thurgood Marshall College Fund: Walmart Foundation First Generation Scholarship

 

 

Emergency Funds

UHD has announced the Gator Emergency Fund for students impacted by COVID-19. Learn more about how you can help our students. If you’re a student who needs assistance, you can read more about the Emergency funds and application.

 

 

SER jobs: Young Adult Reentry online application (houston hire youth INCENTIVE)

Have you been involved with the juvenile or adult justice system? Do you believe your background is holding you back from attending school, getting a job, or obtaining valuable training?
If you are between the ages of 18-24, involved with the juvenile or adult justice system, reside in the city of Houston, Harris County, and interested in making a change in your life, this program is for you!
The Department of Labor funded program will provide education (GED classes), training (Occupational Skills Training), Paid Work Experience (paid internships), and employment support (job search, job readiness, and placement) all at no cost to you. If you are interested in any of these services or in all of them, complete your application now!

Please click link below to begin the application process.

DOL Young Adult Reentry Application

SER Jobs: Summer & Beyond

As summer quickly approaches we want to share the status of our upcoming summer job opportunities for young adults ages 16-24. We have two exciting opportunities available for young adults outlined below.

Bank of America: Summer Youth Internship Program

Bank of America Summer Jobs program is a partnership between SERJobs and Bank of America to provide summer work experience for young professionals (ages 16-24) residing in the Houston Area. SERJobs is able to operate this awesome program for the eigth year in a row thanks to Bank of America’s generous support!

WITH BANK OF AMERICA’S GENEROUS SUPPORT, YOUNG PEOPLE CAN GAIN 7-10 WEEKS OF PAID WORK EXPERIENCE AT LOCAL NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS OR BANK OF AMERICA FINANCIAL CENTERS.

Program contact: BOA@serhouston.org or 713-773-6000 ext. 144.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: The program, its duration, start date, and format are subject to change based on local COVID-19 guidelines and/or restrictions. To apply click on link below.

Apply for the Bank of America Summer Youth Internship Program

Please visit website for more details: https://www.serhouston.org/summer

 

SER Jobs-This Way Ahead Program: Summer Jobs

Program Information

Our seventh annual This Way Ahead program has an exciting twist this year due to the impact that COVID-19 has had on the retail industry. The program is still scheduled to take place throughout this year, but instead of heading into an internship confined to the summer, interested young adults (ages 16 – 24) will receive job readiness training in order to join a pool of qualified applicants who will be able to interview for ongoing permanent employment at Gap, Banana Republic, or Old Navy.

We will be rolling out virtual job readiness training offered at multiple times throughout this year to coincide with Gap Inc.’s timeline of reopening of stores and their hiring needs. Participating stores will be assessed as the stores begin to reopen.

MPORTANT NOTICE: The This Way Ahead program, its duration, start date, timeline, and format are subject to change based on local COVID-19 guidelines and/or restrictions.

Apply to This Way Ahead (TWA) here! If you’re interested in ongoing employment after the summer is over, this is the program for you! TWA offers multiple job readiness training sites throughout the city.

Contact Emmanuel Escot or Imicuk Loyuk | TWA@serhouston.org | (713) 773-6000 ext. 144

 

HCC is offering GED classes virtually. There’s no testing right now because all campuses will be physically closed through the summer.

Below is a link to register.

 

Legacy Community Health

Is still open and taking appointments via telehealth or in clinic for OB, Pediatrics, Family Medicine and Behavioral Health.

For more information please click on link below

https://www.legacycommunityhealth.org/services/pediatrics/pediatric-telehealth/

 

 

Be Red Cross Ready

Coping with Sheltering at Home during COVID-19

For information on staying safe, see https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/coronavirus-safety.html

Local and state officials are using shelter-at-home (sometimes called shelter-in-place) orders to slow the
spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). By staying home, people can help minimize how many people are
getting sick at the same time, protect those at higher risk of severe illness and prevent our health care system
from getting overwhelmed.

Unfortunately, sheltering at home can disrupt your routines and make everyday activities, such as work and
caring for loved ones, challenging. These changes, on top of the general uncertainty around this pandemic,
can create feelings of stress, fear and nervousness. These feelings are normal, and people typically bounce
back after difficult times.

The following information can help you cope with stress and support others during this emergency

What is Sheltering at Home?
• Sheltering at home means that you remain at home,
and only go out to purchase essential supplies, visit
medical professionals or leave during an emergency.
• Following the instructions of local officials will
help keep you and your loved ones safe.

Coping Tips:
• Stay connected with loved ones through video calls,
phone calls, texts or social media.
• Remain informed with accurate, reliable
information. Avoid social media accounts and news
outlets that promote fear or rumors.
• Monitor your physical health needs and those of
your loved ones. Eat healthy food, and drink plenty
of water.
• Unless you are showing signs of illness or have
tested positive for COVID-19, going outside to
exercise and walk pets is ok. But don’t forget to
practice social distancing by keeping at least six feet
away from others.
• Hold an image in your mind of the best possible
outcome. Make a list of your personal strengths
and use these to help both yourself and others stay
emotionally strong.
• If you are religious or spiritual, follow practices
at home that provide you with comfort and
emotional strength.

It’s normal for people to have these
types of feelings right now:
• Fear about running out of essential supplies.
• Anxiety, particularly about being
separated from loved ones.
• Uncertainty about how long you will
need to shelter at home.
• Concerns for your physical safety and that of others.
• Fear of getting sick.
• Guilt about not being able to fulfill responsibilities,
such as work, parenting or caring for dependents.
• Boredom or isolation.
• Thoughts of blame, worry or fear.
• Worry about loss of income.
• Fear of being stigmatized or labeled by
this illness, if you become sick.

Helping Others:
• Reach out to older adults or people with chronic
health conditions and offer to help.

Talk to your children and explain why this is
happening and how long it might last. Use
language that is normal and consistent with
how you usually communicate. Be creative
and think of fun activities that will occupy their
time. Keep a schedule, set appropriate limits
and maintain usual rules when possible.

Take care of your pets, which can be an essential
part of your support system.

Show kindness to people who may not have a
support system or are isolated. There may be
limits to what you can do in reaching out, but a
little kindness may be just what someone needs.

 

 

Tax Filing and Payment Deadline Extended to July 15, 2020 

March 21, 2020

The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service are providing special tax filing and payment relief to individuals and businesses in response to the COVID-19 Outbreak. The filing deadline for tax returns has been extended from April 15 to July 15, 2020. The IRS urges taxpayers who are owed a refund to file as quickly as possible. For those who can’t file by the July 15, 2020 deadline, the IRS reminds individual taxpayers that everyone is eligible to request an extension to file their return.

Additional information can be found on the IRS website link below.

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/payment-deadline-extended-to-july-15-2020

 

Free File: Do Your Federal Taxes for Free through the IRS

Please visit the IRS website by clicking link below.

https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free

 

Food Distribution Program

“The City of Houston is operating a curbside meal program at 50 community centers around the city.