Resources: San Antonio and Bexar County Food, Water, Recovery and Giving Information

Updated at 8 p.m. Feb. 28:

San Antonio launched a Community Pipe Repair Fund to help fix broken pipes for more SAWS customers. Learn more here.
Bexar County launched a Plumbing Assistance Program for residents in unincorporated areas and suburban cities regardless of who their water supplier is. Residents who are on a private well are also eligible.
President Biden approved a major disaster declaration for Texas which means individuals can apply for federal help for their home and business. Go to this link at FEMA to apply. You can call the FEMA Disaster Assistance Helpline at 1-800-621-3362.
The Internal Revenue Service extended the April 15 filing deadline to June 15 for Texas Residents. Learn more here.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced resources for storm victims. Learn more here.
Texas RioGrande Legal Aid is providing legal assistance and resources to help low-income Texans cope with the storm's complicated aftermath. Learn more on their resource page here.
How to get reimbursed for spoiled food, hotel stays and cleanup costs.
San Antonio increased staffing on the 311 lines, so try again.
Two Texas Legislative committees are launching investigations into the disastrous power outages. Submit your comments here.

Water

Click here for a MAP of Free Water Sites
Free Drinking Water: The San Antonio Water System converted its five bulk water distribution sites to self-service as of noon, Feb. 22. The faucets will remain available 24/7 at these locations until further notice. Customers will need to bring their own clean containers.
The City of San Antonio, Bexar County and the San Antonio Food Bank closed their bottled water distribution sites on March 4.
Water Bills: SAWS CEO Robert Puente said customers will not be asked to pay for water that flowed out from a weather-caused leaks. The San Antonio Water System has announced that customers will be charged either their current month's charges or last month's current current charges, whichever is lower.

Food

The San Antonio Food Bank hosts on-site food distributions. Learn more and register on their website here.
Get help to sign up for SNAP benefits. Call 210.431.8326 to speak with someone about all the ways to get help in your area.
SNAP users can buy hot meals and ready to eat foods through March. Learn more in this News4 story.
San Antonio Police Department is partnering with the San Antonio Food Bank to deliver food. Call 311 to request a delivery.
If you or a neighbor are need help obtaining groceries, contact 211 (United Way Helpline) or 311 (San Antonio Customer Service Office).
San Antonio Community Fridge: Free, fresh food provided of vegan and plant based pantry.
IG: @communityfridge_satx. Learn more on their website.

Broken Pipes and Leaks:

Plumbing Tips From Southwest Pipe Trades Association
If you have a broken pipe, watch this video to see how to turn your water off at the meter.
You may qualify for help under San Antonio's Community Pipe Repair Program.
Bexar County launched a Plumbing Assistance Program for residents in unincorporated areas and suburban cities regardless of who their water supplier is. Residents who are on a private well are also eligible. Residents can visit www.bexar.org/Plumbing to determine eligibility, complete and submit an application.
Texas Department of Insurance has these tips for making an insurance claim following the winter storm.

Donating and Volunteering

Volunteers are needed to help staff the bottled water distribution sites. Volunteers will assist with loading cases of water into vehicles and provide instructions at the distribution sites. To volunteer, please register here.
SA Stands, a volunteer coalition for immigrant rights, started the San Antonio Emergency Fund to help our undocumented workers and families. You can donate here.
San Antonio is in a blood emergency. You can donate at the South Texas Blood and Tissue Center.
Donate to Local Community Fridge in San Antonio
The San Antonio Food Bank needs volunteers and donations. Go here to learn more.
San Antonio DSA’s Puro Mutual Aid Network is raising funds for households struggling during this outbreak of COVID-19. Find them on IG: @sanantoniodsa Their website here and go here to Donate.
Buy a special during Black Restaurant Week in San Antonio and $1 will go to the Food Bank. Go here to learn more.

Raise Hell

MOVE Texas asks you to share your story, video, photos, or anything else on social using the #AbbottBlackout or submit to the link provided. Your lived experience of this crisis matters. Our elected officials need to hear from you. Use their online form here.
Two Texas Legislative committees are launching investigations into the disastrous power outages. Submit your comments here.
Texas Impact is asking for your suggestions for a resilience plan. Submit your comments here.

COVID-19

COVID-19 Vaccines: COVID-19 vaccine appointments are back on schedule.
COVID-19 Testing: For the latest information visit the website.

Department of Human Services

Shelter for people experiencing homelessness: The Department of Human Services (DHS), in coordination with providers, has continued to conduct on the ground outreach to those experiencing homeless to encourage people experiencing unsheltered homelessness to access available shelter options. The City and partner outreach efforts resulted in approximately 400 individuals receiving shelter Saturday night and 400 on Sunday night above the normal emergency shelter capacity. This is for Haven for Hope overflow plus churches.
Haven for Hope is open to anyone seeking shelter from the cold.

DHS and over a dozen homeless services providers, ministries, and street medicine partners have worked hard over the last week to reach those who are unsheltered and direct them to a safe and warm shelter.
DHS has been in regular communication with outreach teams from SAMMinistries, Haven for Hope, Centro, Christian Assistance Ministries, and Corazon Ministries to update unsheltered homeless citywide about the weather forecast and shelter options and to provide transportation assistance or bus passes, cold weather gear.
In addition, several churches opened socially distanced temporary shelters including Corazon Ministries at Travis Park Church, Church Under the Bridge, City Church, Last Chance Ministries, Life Restored Church, and First Baptist Church. There is adequate capacity to shelter, especially in the downtown area and most facilities are providing a warm place to stay and meals during the day.
The DHS Homeless Resource Hub at 319 W. Travis St. is open daily for warming from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., when temporary shelters begin opening.
The City’s Homeless Connections Hotline, 210-207-1799, is available 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. for information and connection to shelter resources.
If you see a homeless person sleeping on the ground in severe weather, please call 911.
Shelter information is available here: https://www.sanantonio.gov/gpa/News/ArtMID/24373/ArticleID/20111/City-of-San-Antonio-encourages-residents-to-limit-unnecessary-travel-and-conserve-energy-as-severe-winter-weather-enters-the-region