April 2020 Newsletter

Dear RAISE Texas Network,

We hope you are all healthy and safe as you read this email. Despite the uncertainty around the COVID-19 pandemic, we need to be prepared to assist low- and moderate-income Texans now and in the future.

Below we have provided a link to our Crisis Response Survey, and a list of other resources and opportunities sent to us from a variety of organizations in our network.

Complete the Crisis Response Survey Now!

Please, take 3-4 minutes to quickly complete our Crisis Response Survey, if you haven’t already completed it. As the Coronavirus pandemic impacts all of our Texas communities, we know that local nonprofits and other key providers, just like YOU, are facing significant challenges on the front lines like providing direct services virtually. Federal Regulators and funders have reached out to RAISE Texas because they also want to understand the current reality of Texas nonprofits so we can all best respond.

We want to hear from YOU! Please take our brief survey to tell us about your organization’s current services and any needs you have heard about in your community. Please complete it as soon as possible or no later than 5:00pm on Friday, April 3. And, thank you!

Network Resources for Immediate Needs:

• If your employment has been affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19), apply for benefits either online using Unemployment Benefits Services (available 24 hours a day but due to high demand it is recommended to visit the website between 1am-6am) or by calling TWC’s Tele-Center at 800-939-6631 from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Central Time Mondays through Fridays.

• COVID-19 TX Food Resources: www.covid19txfoodresources.org/home

• FTC: How to Spot, Avoid and Report Coronavirus Scams
• Governor Abbott’s Coronavirus Resource Page
• The Social Care Network: www.auntbertha.com/

• CDC: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): How to Protect Yourself

• CDC: Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19

Organizational and Employer Resources:

• Prosperity Now's Alternative Tax Prep Options
• The Foundation for Financial Planning (FFP) has accelerated the launch of CFP® Volunteer Match. This is an online platform to facilitate the connection between financial planners and nonprofits that provide in-kind services for financially vulnerable individuals and families. Nonprofits can post volunteer opportunities for Certified Financial Planner® professionals to virtually engage via one-on-one sessions; or through interactive, small group sessions with people in need. You can sign-up or learn more here.
• COVID-19: What Nonprofits Need to Know About Coronavirus
• “8 Things You Can Do for Your Employees During the Coronavirus Crisis”

Are Texas Families Ready to Receive Stimulus Checks?

We want Texas families to be able to receive and utilize their full stimulus payments safely and securely. One way we can do this is to provide information to clients to help them connect to safe, affordable bank or credit union accounts.

Some of our clients will receive their funds via direct deposit into the account on file with the IRS. For those that have not setup direct deposit through tax filing, they will receive a check or prepaid card. We want them to have a safe, affordable option to go to cash or deposit their check.

There is no perfect financial product out there to meet the needs of every Texas family. But as direct service providers, RAISE Texas recommends that you take the time to research all available options to make sure you are providing the best choices to your clients. Below are some examples of resources or banking products you might want to explore.

Click here to find credit unions in your area. Or, the Bank On Community has shared the following list of accounts below that are certified as meeting the Bank On National Account Standards and can be opened online while social distancing!

• Bank of America, Advantage SafeBalance Banking Account
• Chase, Secure Banking Account
• Citi, Access Account
• First Commonwealth Bank, SmartPay Card
• KeyBank, Hassle-Free Account
• Northwest Bank, Compass Digital Account
• Truist Bank, Money Account (available at BB&T online and branches)
• Wells Fargo, EasyPay Card

If you have other resources to share with our network, please email them to us at lgates@raisetexas.org.