I hope this message finds you and your loved ones safe and healthy. Unfortunately, our community is continuing to see a catastrophic surge in COVID-19 cases. We must continue to follow CDC guidance, stay home, and do our part in stopping the spread to protect our community. 

I want to share some important information on upcoming deadlines and the latest COVID-19 resources available to El Pasoans. It’s important everyone be aware of the available resources, so please feel free to forward this email to anyone you know.

To ensure you don’t miss any of my newsletters, click here.

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted everyone in El Paso. Our community has overcome and recovered in the face of hardship before, and this is no different. I want to share some resources that are available to El Pasoans with you.

Thanks to the CARES Act, El Paso received over $145 million that has worked its way through our local governments and organizations to assist you and your family.

The City of El Paso approved $10 million in federal funds for a Rental Assistance Program to help tenants who are at risk of eviction as a result of direct financial impact caused by COVID-19. For more information on how to apply, please click here. Individuals can also apply for General Assistance from El Paso County, which includes assistance with rent, mortgage, or utilities. To learn more, click here.

El Pasoans who need help paying for groceries or providing meals for their families can contact the El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank at (915) 298-0353 to learn more about their food pantry programs throughout the city. El Pasoans can also apply for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) if they meet certain eligibility requirements. Please dial 2-1-1 or 877-541-7905 or click here to learn more about SNAP.

Virtual Spring 2021 Congressional Internship

Congresswoman Escobar with the Fall 2020 Intern Class

Are you or someone you know considering learning more about our federal government?

I offer both virtual part-time and full-time internships in my Washington, D.C., and El Paso offices. These positions are a unique and exciting way to gain experience in a congressional office and a window into the federal government. Internships are open to high school, college, and graduate-level students.

Duties can include attending congressional committee hearings and legislative meetings, writing issue briefs, conducting research, drafting correspondence, performing administrative tasks, and assisting staff when needed. Responsibilities and projects are tailored to each individual’s interest over time and a concerted effort is made to ensure that students’ educational and professional goals are met.

The deadline to apply for a remote Spring internship is TODAY, November 16, 2020, at 11:59 pm MT. Don’t miss out on an opportunity to learn more about our federal government and serve our community! For more information, click here.

Service Academy Nominations

Are you or someone you know considering attending one of our nation's five Service Academies?

An appointment to the U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, or U.S. Merchant Marine Academy is a distinct and rare honor. Acceptance of an academy appointment requires at least a nine-year service obligation, including four years at an academy and five years of active duty service. The nomination process is very competitive.

The academies consider evidence of character, scholarship, leadership, physical aptitude, medical fitness, personal goals, and motivation in performing each nominee's "whole-person" evaluation. These are also the criteria I use to determine nominations.

To be considered for nomination, you will need to submit the following to my office to complete your nomination application:

• Nomination Application (Online or Paper Form)
• Official high school transcript with ranking and college transcript (if applicable)
• College Entrance Examination Board Scores (SAT or ACT); The SAT code for our office is 6078.
• Two letters of recommendation: from a teacher, principal, or guidance counselor and/or from an employer, coach, or extracurricular faculty advisor. Homeschooled applicants can get a letter from someone who is related to them and has been able to speak to the candidate’s academic and personal accomplishments.

The deadline to apply for a nomination is TODAY, November 16, 2020, at 5:00 pm MT. For more information and to apply, click here.

Testing and Additional Information

The fight against COVID-19 is far from over, and this is not the time to let our guard down. We have to do our part and stay home unless we absolutely need to leave for an essential activity. We all have a role to play in slowing the spread and protecting ourselves, our family, and our community.

New information about COVID-19 is coming out daily, please visit my resource page on my website for the latest updates, recommendations from the CDC, and a Frequently Asked Questions section to know the latest. Additionally, visit the sites below to stay up to date.

The CDC provides updates on the virus and safety information for the public and healthcare professionals, as well as Frequently Asked Questions available here.

The City of El Paso has a hotline for residents to call for more information regarding COVID-19. The number is 915-21-COVID, or 915-212-6843.

If you need to get tested because you believe you’ve been exposed to COVID-19 or are experiencing symptoms, please get tested. The City of El Paso also offers mobile testing centers throughout the city that are now open and are free of charge for any symptomatic or asymptomatic person. So, whether you are exhibiting symptoms or not, you can get tested! For more information on locations and operating hours, please click here.

The Texas Department of State Health Services provides updates on the disease's spread within the state.

Sincerely,

Veronica Escobar
Member of Congress