KPRC 2 is proud to join tv stations across the country in airing this primetime special benefitting Feeding America. KPRC 2 will air a one hour special Saturday evening at 8pm to raise funds for Feeding America, an organization supporting food banks and food pantries in Texas and across the country. KPRC 2 is one of the TV stations across the country dedicating air time to this important program and cause. Feeding Texas is a member of the Feeding America organization. According to its website, the Feeding Texas network is the largest hunger-relief organization in Texas.

HOUSTON – The Houston Humane Society is in “desperate need” of water donations after one of its wells sustained damage during the winter storm last week. The non-profit animal shelter has been operating without water since the winter storm. The shelter, which houses hundreds of animals in need, said its well pump broke after the intermittent power surges, leaving the facilities without access to running water. “We’ve been without water since the disaster,” said Houston Humane Society spokesperson Katie Fine. AdThe Houston Humane Society said anyone can come and donate water during business hours at the shelter located at 14700 Almeda Road.

HOUSTON – H-E-B is going above and beyond to make sure Texans have food on their table by donating $1 million to food banks across Texas. According to a news release, working directly with food banks affiliated with Feeding Texas, H-E-B’s donation will support 18 food banks throughout the state. So far, the Texas grocery chain has donated 23 truckloads of food and $100,000 in Meal Simple meals to food banks, per the release. H-E-B also responded to the ongoing water crisis in Texas by partnering with Zen Water and Florida-based Publix, who each donated 10 truckloads of water to Texas food banks this week. All donations will support Texas food banks with Feeding Texas.

HOUSTON – Renters in Houston and Harris County who are struggling to make ends meet because of the COVID-19 pandemic can begin applying for assistance on Thursday. This latest round of rental assistance totals $159 million. “This program will bring much-needed relief for those tenants who are due to pay rent,” said Cristina Cave, community relations manager for BakerRipley. “We will be addressing first those tenants that need it the most,” Cave said. Stelly said her pension is barely enough to live on but is too much for her to receive public assistance.

SUGAR LAND, Texas – The Sugar Land City Council recently approved steps to help residents impacted by last week’s winter storm. “Residents of Sugar Land have endured conditions no one should have to experience during the past week,” said Sugar Land Mayor Joe Zimmerman in a release. AdCalculations for 2021 winter averages will be based on last year’s average to ensure excessive water usage related to the recent winter storm doesn’t create higher than normal winter averages, according to the city. AdThis will include the following items through May 1:Permit fees for repairs needed as a result of the winter storm will be temporarily waived. Contractors registering with the city to perform repairs related to the winter storm will have their annual registration fee waived.

The demand for resources is high and that is why KPRC 2 and our parent company Graham Media Group have donated $25,000 to help people across our community. Houston Food BankKPRC 2 General Manager Jerry Martin presented Houston Food Bank President and CEO Brian Greene with $12,500 from the television station and Graham Media Group to help feed families. AdYou can find a Houston Food Bank partner near you through the organization’s website or by calling its helpline at 832-369-9390. Houston Harris County Winter Storm Relief FundThe Houston Harris County Winter Storm Relief Fund, established by the City of Houston and Harris County, also received $12,500 from KPRC 2 and Graham Media Group. If you would like to contribute to the Winter Storm Relief Fund, you can do that HERE or by texting HOUSTONFREEZE to 51555.

Texans in certain counties whose property was damaged by this month’s deadly winter storm can apply for federal assistance for things not covered by insurance. That is in addition to the 77 counties President Joe Biden’s administration included in a major disaster declaration this weekend. Texans without insurance in counties under Biden’s major disaster declaration can go ahead and apply for federal aid. AdEarl Armstrong, a FEMA spokesperson, said that eligible Texans should file their insurance claim first then shortly after apply for disaster assistance. You can also visit a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center in person by looking for the nearest location here.

HOUSTON – Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo announced the Greater Houston 2021 Winter Storm Relief Fund on Monday during a news conference at 1 p.m.Turner said Hidalgo could not be at the news conference, but the relief fund is a joint effort between the city and the county. The fund will focus on relief and recovery efforts across the City of Houston and Harris County. The Greater Houston Community Foundation and United Way of Greater Houston will jointly oversee and administer the grant distribution process with the help of a grants committee. “...We learned after Hurricane Harvey that there were a lot of unmet needs. Here are other things you need to know about the fund:

Published: May 19, 2020, 6:53 am Updated: May 19, 2020, 10:20 amHOUSTON – The coronavirus pandemic has impacted our daily lives and the mental well-being of millions worldwide. In support of mental health awareness month, observed in May, we gathered a list of resources available to Houston-area residents as they face the COVID-19 era. For a free consultation, click hereHouston therapist Dr. Ronald Swatzyna, director and chief scientist at Houston Neuroscience Brain Center , is offering free mental health sessions to first responders. Fort Bend County has different behavioral health services available for those who may be experiencing excessive anxiety or other mental well-being concerns. The Texana Center is helping those who are having a mental health crisis through its crisis hotline at 1(800) 633-5686.

If your application was denied, you may need to resubmit it with additional information about yourself and your past employers. You may also have to file an appeal and back up your claim with documents if needed. You quit your job for non-COVID-19 reasonsFilers won’t be penalized if they had to quit due to COVID-19 concerns or exposure. You left important information out of your applicationMaybe you left out certain job history in your application, or miscounted the earnings you reported. This can conflict with unemployment benefits and will result in a denied application, The Motley Fool reported.

PEARLAND, Tx – The coronavirus pandemic is threatening to permanently shut down VFW Post 7109 in Pearland due to funding, six months after marking their 50th anniversary. The organization has turned to GoFundMe to raise $20,000 to keep the facility open not only to veterans of all military branches, but also to the community at large. Located at 4202 Walnut Street, VFW Post 7109 organized several notable events for the public such as cook-offs, parades and festivals. It became a place for veterans to call their second home after combat, they said. How to helpContribute to Pearland VFW Post 7109′s GoFundMe by clicking here.

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HOUSTON – With many parents returning to work as Texas businesses slowly reopen, many will be in need of child care services once again. We compiled a list of helpful resources to help you navigate child care as the state reopens:RELATED: What you need to know about sending your child back to day careFind regulated child careGov. Greg Abbott, in coordination with several state agencies, has created the Frontline Child Care initiative to provide different child care options for frontline workers, as well as financial assistance. CareLulu.com is helping Texas frontline workers find emergency child care programs that match their needs such as budget, ages, special needs and languages. Its professional child care team is available to provide one-on-one in-home child care for families.

HOUSTON – The coronavirus pandemic has left thousands of Houstonians struggling economically or dealing with legal issues that may have come up during the crisis. Below are ways to get free legal advice from attorneys in Houston and across Texas:Free legal advice for small businessesThe Houston Small Business Legal Consultations coalition has created a program to provide free legal consultations to small businesses in the Houston area affected by the coronavirus pandemic. To qualify for free legal advice a person must be self-employed or be an owner or representative of a small business or non-profit organization. Phone: (713) 759-1133Lone Star Legal Aid, the fourth largest provider of free legal assistance in the U.S., is currently assisting Harris County residents via telephone. Phone: (713) 652-0077Free civil legal advice in TexasTexasLawHelp.org provides free legal help to low-income Texans and can connect you to a legal service provider in your area for help with civil legal issues related to the coronavirus crisis.

To help those affected, we searched for ways they can get around for free or at a low-cost, as well as deals on oil changes for those with vehicles that require maintenance. Discounted transportation faresMETRO offers a 50 percent discount on all bus and light-rail services to students, seniors and disabled residents. Adults 65 and older and people with disabilities can also apply to Harris County’s non-emergency transportation program RIDES. The program offers a 50 percent discount on its two service options: Shared Ride and Taxi Service. Free oil change and enhanced cleaning serviceMazda is providing free oil changes and enhanced cleaning services to health care and frontline workers through its Essential Car Care program.

Many Texans are struggling to make ends meet to pay rent, bills and especially groceries during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Texas Supplemental Nutrition Assiatance Program (SNAP) provides monetary benefits to needy families to buy the food they need. Greg Abbott announced on April 8 that he will provide $168 million in emergency SNAP benefits to help Texans during the viral outbreak. More than 230,000 Texans applied for SNAP benefits since March, as many laid-off workers are quickly turning to government assistance. “The additional SNAP food benefits will give families who are facing economic uncertainty security in knowing that they will continue to have access to food,” said Health and Human Services’ Access and Eligibility Deputy Executive Commissioner Wayne Salter.

HOUSTON – During these uncertain times, many Houstonians -- including those in the restaurant, bar and hotel industry -- are facing hunger, but many restaurants and nonprofits want to alleviate that stress. #houstonstrong Posted by State Fare on Thursday, April 23, 2020State Fare HTX is offering a 50% off discount lunch to all frontline workers and laid-off workers, such as hospitality workers and bartenders every Thursday. Houston Shift MealHouston Shift Meal is committed to provide free meals to laid-off or furloughed hospitality workers by partnering with area restaurants. Riel RestaurantAddress: 1927 Fairview, HoustonIn partnership with Lee’s Initiative and Maker Mark’s, Riel Restaurant will not only supply food to hospitality workers but will provide essential supplies to those who need most. Do you know about more ways to get free and discounted meals?

Since 1989, Target Hunger serves more than 11,000 people who are food-insecure, according to its website. Operating a system of eight food pantries,12 educational and community gardens, Target Hunger provides a holistic approach to hunger relief. It also provides hunger relief for senior citizens who are unable to leave their home due to mobility issues or COVID-19 concerns. Target Hunger will be holding several drive-thru distributions throughout the month of May. Its next event will be in Kashmere Gardens, at the Kashmere Multi-Service Center, 4802 Lockwood Drive.

HOUSTON – As Houstonians are hunkering down, working from home and going online more, people are turning to social media to help those affected by the coronavirus pandemic. From fundraisers to live video to small business promotions, social media has helped many connect with people while being apart. Promote small businesses, including small online shopsSmall businesses need all the help they can get, especially those online retail businesses who rely on profits from you, the customer. If you know a friend or family member who also has an online shop, social media is a great way to spread their word. Teachers and administrators took advantage of social media to keep in touch with students and fellow staff members.

HOUSTON – Joel and Victoria Osteen made a six-figure contribution to Houston Astros’ Alex Bregman’s mission to help raise funds for the Houston Food Bank. “We talked with them about what we’re trying to do and how we are trying to help people,” Bregman said. Every $1 donated to the Houston Food Bank can help provide three meals to people in need. If you are healthy and want to make an impact, the Houston Food Bank is taking volunteers to help with the added demand caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Volunteer safety is a priority and appropriate safety measures will be taken, including social distancing.

HOUSTON There are ways for you to help kids help those in need during the coronavirus pandemic. As hunger continues to be one of the issues to tackle during the pandemic, you can teach kids to help donate to pantries all over the Houston area. And when full, you can have your kids bring the jar to donate to the local food pantry. Talk to your kids about volunteering at a local food bank, such as the Houston Food Bank. How to helpHere are some of the following food banks and food pantries where you can find more information on how to donate/give to those in need:Houston Food Bank - 713.223.3700Pearland Neighborhood Center - 281.485.1987Galveston County Food Bank - 409-945-4232East Spring Branch Food Pantry - (713) 464-0852Heights Interfaith Ministries - (713) 861-6155

HOUSTON – Mayor Sylvester Turner updated Houstonians on the city’s relief efforts, testing sites, the number of new positive cases and other coronavirus-related issues. Among other issues, Turner asked Houstonians to support local restaurants by ordering pickup or delivery when possible, to help decrease unemployment. Coronavirus cases in HoustonTurner announced 125 more positive cases and three more deaths, bringing to city’s death toll to 29. Houston positive cases now stand at 2,456. TestingTurner also thanked Hyundai for choosing to grant $100,000 to Houston and Houston Health Foundation and also donate 10,000 testing kits.

With kids out of school, you can encourage them to help Houston-area seniors in need while practicing social distancing as a way to volunteer their time and to relieve their boredom at home. Here are five ways you can encourage your kids to help out:Create a gift basket. Kids can help out by picking up trash from the grass, picking out weeds, and planting beautiful flowers to keep seniors’ yards clean and pretty for the spring season. Seniors and parents should ensure that the yardwork is okay to be performed by the kids before starting. Kids can interview a senior by asking questions about their youth, and about any events they may have lived through.

As cases increase in and around Houston, countless healthcare workers and first responders are working tirelessly on the front lines in the fight against COVID-19. Donate personal protective equipmentAs coronavirus cases increase in and around Houston, healthcare workers and first responders could face a shortage of masks and other personal protective equipment. Follow the advice of healthcare experts, officialsListen to and follow the advice of healthcare workers and officials and do your part to flatten the curve. Show your gratitudeAcknowledge the risk first responders and healthcare workers are taking and offer your gratitude. Do you know an individual, nonprofit, charity group or organization supporting Houston-area healthcare workers and first responders during the coronavirus outbreak?