This is a time of uncertainty for all of us. We are compiling a list of community resources for LGBTQ+ folks to use during this health and financial crisis. The list will continue to evolve, and if you know of additional resources that should be included, please send them to info@equalitytexas.org.

If you are in a position to donate in addition to your generous support of our work, the local food pantries could really use your support!

In partnership with Borderland Rainbow Center (BRC) and the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), Equality Texas is collaborating on an important, statewide survey to better understand the needs and experiences related to COVID-19 of LGBTQ+ people and allies living in Texas. Will you participate?

Physical Health Resources

• CDC – How to Protect Yourself
• Texas Health Departments by County
• Community Health Centers — Call first to find out the availability of COVID-19 screening and testing.
• COVID-19 information for people living with HIV and recommendations for staying safe
• Trans Needle Exchange

Chest binding WILL NOT increase your odds of contracting COVID-19, but binding so tightly that it reduces chest capacity is dangerous if you get any respiratory illness.

Mental Health Resources

Self-Care Resources

• Online support groups for many needs and communities
• YouTube channels with exercise videos to maintain that important mind-body connections
• 60 Online Mental Health Resources geared to the specific needs of diverse populations, including LGBTQ youth, minorities, women, and veterans
• The Austin Center for Grief & Loss offers telehealth therapy resources and support for those grieving the death of a loved one, or dealing with depression, anxiety, or trauma.
• 55 mental health resources for people of color have been collected on one resource page by Online MSW Programs

Crisis Hotlines

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: (800)273-8255 or online chat available at suicidepreventionlifeline.org
• Crisis Text Line: Text START to 741-741
• The Trevor Project: (866) 488-7386 or www.thetrevorproject.org
• Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860
• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233

Recovery Resources

• Alcoholics Anonymous Online Groups
• Alcoholics Anonymous Online LGBT Support Groups
• In the Rooms — Global Recovery Community

Food Resources

• Foundation Communities serves 23 communities in Austin and North Texas. Email health@foundcom.org to ask about one near you. Las despensas de comida en sitios residenciales permanecerá disponible a los residentes al tiempo normal, pero con procedimientos modificados. Puede enviar las preguntas a health@foundcom.org.
• Meals on Wheels in Austin for those who are 60+
• FoodPantries.org has a listing of the almost 700 pantries across the state, but many are currently stretched thin. Find one in your area and contact them directly about services.
• Central Texas Food Bank has a listing of places offering groceries as well as those serving hot meals
• School Meal Finder lists sites that are distributing meals for students while schools are closed

Housing Resources

• The Montrose Center in Houston can help navigate resources for Houstonians.
• Organizacion Latina de Trans en Tejas located in Houston is one of the only LGBTQ affirming housing in the country.
• In San Antonio, Haven for Hope for adults and Thrive for youth up to 24.
• In El Paso, The Borderland Rainbow Center can assist with food and housing insecurity and the name change process.
• Greater Houston Area residents needing legal assistance regarding an eviction are invited to visit HBA.org/Evictions for information on free legal representation for low-income persons, a self-representation tool kit, mediation, lawyer referrals and more.

Financial Resources

• Texas Unemployment Benefits Services
• H-E-B is ramping up staff to meet recent demand (offering jobs up to $15 an hour)
• United Way 211 Services — Contact the United Way to be connected with a local agency that might be able to help with bills, rent, food, and childcare expenses.
• Bartender Emergency Assistance Program
• Texas Restaurant Association
• Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) from the SBA

Family and Youth Resources

• Talking to kids about COVID-19
• Q Chat Space for LGBTQ+ teens ages 13 to 19
• Family Equality – The Neighborhood: A Virtual Hub for LGBTQ+ Families offers parents, prospective parents, and children of all ages digital events, classes, and get-togethers. Sessions are varied and include Drag Queen Story Hour, LGBTQ+ history lessons, hair cutting workshops, fertility support groups, and more.
• Free online library books, after signing in with an email address
• Khan Academy — a long-time favorite of homeschoolers, Khan Academy is offering daily schedules for students ages 4-18 as well as online webinars and resources to get you started.
• Education companies offering FREE subscriptions for your kids

LGBTQ+ Specific Resources

• GLMA’s Directory of LGBTQ-friendly medical providers
• LGBT National Help Center Hotlines and Talklines, including ones for youth and seniors (50+)
• Q Chat Space for LGBTQ+ teens ages 13 to 19
• SAGE’s National LGBT Elder Hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can request to speak with someone in English or Spanish by calling 877-360-LGBT.
• Alcoholics Anonymous Online LGBT Support Groups
• A Know Your Rights Guide for Transgender People Navigating COVID-19 (PDF)
• Una guía para que las personas transgénero navegando la COVID-19 conozcan sus derechos (PDF)
• Believe Out Loud, a faith organization that advocates for LGBTQ+ inclusion, is currently compiling a list of LGBTQ-inclusive places of worship that live streams services online. Check out their Twitter thread to find an online service.

Resources for Undocumented People

• If you’re undocumented and need financial help right now, apply for assistance here
• National resources for undocumented folks can be found here
• Dallas resources for undocumented folks
• Healthcare access for undocumented folks resource list