COVID-19: Call Centers & Help Lines

Tap on the sections below to learn more about ways you can get help.

For more ways to get help for COVID-19, visit the COVID-19 Resources page.

Houston Health Department

The Houston Health Department is operating a COVID-19 call center. Houstonians can call 832-393-4220 to speak to staff during the following times:

  • Mon-Fri: 9 AM-7 PM
  • Sat: 9 AM-3 PM

United Way

The United Way Community Resource Center will be closed until further notice beginning March 13, 2020. Please contact your event or meeting organizer for information about specific meetings and events.

211 Texas/United Way HELPLINE

The 211 Texas/United Way HELPLINE is answering the call from neighbors in need. 211 provides information about community resources and connects people to basic needs assistance and other social services, for which demand is likely to increase. You can also search the 211 database online at http://referral.unitedwayhouston.org/.

211 is not the number to call for emergencies or if someone suspects they have COVID-19. Those concerned about or affected by COVID-19 should follow CDC guidelines.

Harris County Mental Health Support Line

It is natural to feel stress, anxiety, grief, and worry during and after infectious disease outbreaks. Everyone reacts differently, and your own feelings will change over time. Notice and accept how you feel. Taking care of your emotional health during an emergency will help your long-term healing. If you or someone you know shows signs of stress for several days or weeks, get help by accessing Harris County’s COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line at 833-251-7544.

Disaster Distress Helpline

National Domestic Violence Helpline

Contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline

Call 1-800-799-7233 and TTY 1-800-787-3224

Texas Health and Human Services

The Texas Health and Human Services has launched a 24/7 statewide mental health support line to help Texans experiencing anxiety, stress, or emotional challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

This new resource offers COVID-19-related mental health support for all Texans. People can call the Statewide COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week toll-free at 833-986-1919.

Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA)

AFA’s Toll-Free Helpline (866-232-8484) is open seven days a week and staffed entirely by licensed social workers who are trained in dementia care.

AFA staff is able assist callers with topics/questions about combating isolation, keeping engaged, washing tips, caregiver stress, whether family members should visit during this time, items to have in the home, etc.

Families
can connect with the AFA Helpline in any of the following ways:

  • Via phone by calling: 866-232-8484
  • Web chat by visiting www.alzfdn.org and clicking on the blue and white chat icon on the lower right hand corner of the page
  • Sending a text message to 646-586-5283

The web and text chat features are available in more than
90 languages.

Vecino Health Centers

  • Telehealth: Vecino is offering telehealth services (adults & children). Telehealth is available for both medical and behavioral health concerns. For appointments, please call 713-674-3326 (Denver Harbor Family Clinic –adults & children) or 713-695-4013 (pediatric only at Airline Children’s Clinic).
  • COVID-19: Individuals with coronavirus concerns can make a telehealth appointment to triage their concerns and if need be we will give an appointment to collect the sample for the test. For Coronavirus related appointments, please call 713- 674-3326. https://vecinohealthcenters.org/
  • Prenatal Services: Prenatal care is ever so important. Vecino offers full prenatal care including ultrasound and delivery services. For appointments, please call 713-
  • 674- 3326. https://vecinohealthcenters.org/prenatal/

Catholic Charities

If you need assistance with food, rent or other essentials during this crisis, please call Catholic Charities COVID-19 Assistance Line at 713.874.6521.  You may also email us at: [email protected].  In either instance, a case manager will respond back to you within three business days for follow-up. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers always.

If you’re feeling overly-stressed and could benefit from time with one of our expert counselors, call 713.874.6590 to inquire about a phone counseling session.

American Diabetes Association

The American Diabetes Association is providing support and guidance to constituents impacted by diabetes, who are at higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19. You can access helpful resources, understand your risk, know your legal rights, and connect with community at diabetes.org/coronavirus. Make sure you know how to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19 and what to do if you or a loved one develops symptoms.

In addition, many people are now facing unexpected financial hardships. If you are struggling to pay for insulin, the ADA has resources to help – visit InsulinHelp.org. Questions? The American Diabetes Association is here to help during this challenging time: click here or call their Center for Information at 1-800-DIABETES (800-342-2383).

Legal Line

LegalLine operates a free and anonymous phone line to provide answers to any legal question, including legal issues related to COVID-19. Online sign-up is required.

Calls are available every Wednesday from 5 – 8 p.m. through May 2020. Visit www.HBA.org/LegalLine for more information.

Domestic Violence Hotlines

Houston Area Women’s Center: Call 713-528-2121.

Katy Christian Ministries: Its Crisis Center helps victims of domestic abuse and sexual abuse. Call 281-391-HELP (4357) for domestic violence emergencies (281-391-4504 for non-emergencies); or 281-693-RAPE (7273) for sexual abuse emergencies (281-391-5262 for non-emergencies.)

Bay Area Turning Point: Victims of domestic or sexual violence should call 281-286-2525 for help or free counseling.

The Montrose Center: Call the LGBT Switchboard Houston at 713-529-3211 for 24-hour help.

Family Violence Center: Call 281-885-4673 or 888-750-4673.