Champion Great Neighborhoods August 2020 | Page 2

HIGHLIGHTS INTERIM CHIEF AYALA HOSTS VIRTUAL TOWN HALLS As part of their continuing efforts to have an open and honest dialogue with the community, the Arlington Police Department invited citizens to join them for a series of Virtual Town Hall & Listening Sessions. Over 100 participants were able to submit questions electronically during the events and Interim Chief Jaime Ayala answered as many questions live as time allowed. “We have to be open to listening,” said Interim Police Chief Ayala. “We’re a great department. We’re accredited. We’ve won a number of awards. We’re way at the top. But we can’t stop. We have to continue to sharpen our wheel and listen, so that we can get constructive feedback from our citizens. What are the challenges we face? What do we need to focus on? We have to respond to them and listen to them.” ARLINGTON FIRE DEPARTMENT CONTINUES TO ASSIST AT COVID-19 TESTING SITE The Arlington Fire Department continues to provide full-time assistance at the drive-through COVID-19 testing site located in the parking lot of the East Branch Library on New York Avenue. Thanks to the tireless work of the Arlington Fire Department and Tarrant County Public Health officials, residents experiencing coronavirus symptoms are still able to receive no-cost testing at this site. Arlington Water Utilities Expands Access to Care and Share Fund Arlington Water Utilities has added two more local charities to administer the Care and Share Fund, which uses donations from the public to provide aid with water bills for customers who are facing temporary financial problems and crises. In June, the Arlington City Council approved agreements with Mission Metroplex Inc. and Arlington Urban Ministries with the goal of expanding access to the aid. Those agencies, as well as Catholic Charities of Fort Worth, are now responsible for administering the Care and Share Fund. To find out if you meet income guidelines and other requirements for assistance, contact one of the following agencies. • Catholic Charities of Fort Worth or call 817-534-0814 • Mission Arlington/Mission Metroplex or call 817-277-6620 • Arlington Urban Ministries 2