by media | Apr 30, 2020 | Featured News, Media Releases
Pharr, Texas – Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez M.D. and the Pharr City Commission have partnered with The Hispanic Star and Love Soldiers in their campaign, One United RGV, to distribute 1,000 baskets of groceries to Pharr families, which will feed approximately 4,000 people! The One United RGV Donation Curbside Drive will take place simultaneously at two locations in North and South Pharr on FRIDAY, May 1st, 2020, from 4 pm to 6 pm.
North Pharr Distribution Location
- Pharr Events Center (3000 N. Cage Blvd.) from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
South Pharr Distribution Location
- Pharr Development & Research Center (850 W. Dicker Rd.) from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
*Each location is limited to 500 baskets and will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis. Valid ID or proof of address is required (light/phone bill).
“Many families in our communities across the Rio Grande Valley are struggling during this COVID-19 pandemic and we hope to be able to provide groceries to those most in need in Pharr,” said Mayor Hernandez, who also serves as the One United RGV Alliance Chair. “The City of Pharr is proud to have matched the 500 grocery basket donation, allowing us to distribute a total of 1,000 baskets to our residents which will feed about 4,000 people,” he continued. “We have partnered with over 18 cities in Hidalgo County during this campaign to provide groceries to families all over the county in a ten-day period,” he added.
City of Pharr Census staff will be on-site to provide information and answer any questions residents may have about the Census.
The One United RGV campaign is a collective effort compromised of 18 cities across the Rio Grande Valley to assist individuals in our communities by donating 10,000 baskets of groceries over a period of 10 days. This is a national campaign, kicking off in South Texas, that will occur in over 15 states through a joint venture between Love Soldiers, a non-for profit 501 C3, and the Hispanic Star a national organization serving Hispanic communities. For more information, please call (956) 402-4311.All media and the public are invited to attend.
DETAILS
WHAT: City of Pharr Drive-Up Grocery Basket Distribution
WHEN: Friday, May 1, 2020, from 4 pm to 6 pm
WHERE: North Pharr
Pharr Events Center (3000 N. Cage Blvd.)
South Pharr
Pharr Development & Research Center (850 W. Dicker Rd.)
by media | Apr 28, 2020 | Information, Media Releases
Pharr Launches Census Headquarters, Announces New Census Initiatives
(Pictured l-r) Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., Pharr City Commissioner Daniel Chavez, Hidalgo County Precinct 2 Commissioner Eddie Cantu, Texas State Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr., Pharr City Commissioner Itza Flores, and Pharr City Commissioner Ricardo Medina attend a press conference to announce Census Initiatives.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2020
Pharr, Texas – At a virtual press conference held Tuesday, Pharr City leaders and local school district leaders announced the launch of the 2020 Census Complete Count Initiative which includes the opening of Pharr’s new Community Census Headquarters and a new partnership with school districts. The City of Pharr continues its efforts to collaborate with local school districts to ensure that all families in the community are counted in the 2020 Census, especially now as the city and schools, like others around the nation, are facing the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
City leaders announced via the virtual press conference that the city has created a Census Headquarters, located at 114 W. Cherokee, Pharr, Texas 78577, to ramp up Census efforts amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Maintaining all social distancing guidelines issued by the CDC, Pharr Census Team Members will work out of the building to phone bank, conduct online assistance, and continue outreach efforts to encourage Pharr families to complete their 2020 Census questionnaire.
“We are proud to continue our Census initiatives and keep our Census workers employed as we take new approaches to educate our community and remind them to complete the Census,” stated Mayor Hernandez. “An accurate Census count is important to ensuring we have fair representation in Congress and at the state level, and that we are distributed federal funds to our communities’ vital programs over the next decade – impacting housing, education, transportation, employment, health care, public policy, and more,” said Hernandez. “It is especially important for our local communities in times like this, such as the coronavirus pandemic we are all currently living, where resources, grants, and other federal funding and programs are vital to ensure that our families, economies, educational institutions, and governments continue to thrive,” he added.
Pharr also announced new Census initiatives in collaboration with all five local school districts. The city has been proactive in providing outreach, educational workshops, and marketing materials in partnerships with all local school districts over the last year in preparation for the launch of the Census on April 1, 2020.
Mayor Hernandez and city leaders have partnered with local school districts including PSJA ISD, Hidalgo ISD, Valley View ISD, and Vanguard Academy Charter School to stress the important role that parents and families play in being counted in the Census and participating in the process.
Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., speaks at a press conference to announce the opening of Pharr’s Census Community Headquarters and the launch of Census initiatives, including partnerships with local school districts.
As the coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to spread across Texas, Governor Abbott announced late last week that public and private school classrooms will remain closed for the remainder of the school year to avoid quickening the spread of COVID-19. As such, the City of Pharr has made adjustments to critical Census 2020 outreach efforts.
“Since our circumstances have changed, we want to be mindful of the health of our families, while also taking advantage of this time that our students and their families are sheltering at home to ensure that they complete the Census questionnaire either online, mail, or by phone,” Hernandez said.
The City of Pharr has created a Census Flyer to outline how families can fill out the Census questionnaire at home and in addition, they have collaborated with local school leaders to provide a Social Studies credit for students who submit a screenshot or photo of their families submitted questionnaire to their teacher.
“In a truly collaborative effort, the City of Pharr has gone above and beyond to partner up with school districts with this innovative initiative to tie the social studies curriculum to our residents’ civic duty of participating in the census,” added Rolando Ramirez, Superintendent of Valley View ISD. “In this time of uncertainty, such measures strengthen the city’s partnership with the community and assists in ensuring that much-needed funds are allocated to the Rio Grande Valley,” he said.
All school district leaders have been working alongside the city to ensure a complete Census count.
“I want to thank Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, the City of Pharr, and local leaders for partnering with us on this Census initiative,” said Xavier Salinas, Hidalgo ISD Superintendent. “We have worked very closely with the City of Pharr, which we feel is leading the pack in Census numbers,” added Salinas. “Mayor Hernandez helped train a lot of our community parent leaders and it’s evident with the numbers we have seen in our area,” Salinas continued. “One of our certified parent leaders even held a Zoom Meeting this week to train parents on how to fill out their Census, and we credit his vision and proactive approach of the City of Pharr,” he said. “Together, we are moving forward in the right direction!”
“IDEA Public Schools is proud to partner with the City of Pharr to support 100 percent participation in the 2020 census,” said JoAnn Gama, CEO & Superintendent, IDEA Public Schools. “We are passing out flyers with meal bundles, hosting Census 101 webinars, sharing information on-campus social media accounts, and training our school counselors to help answer questions families might have about the census,” she added. “The census is crucial to our democracy, and we’re committed to doing our part to ensure everyone counts.”
PSJA ISD will be hosting PSJA Census Week from April 27-May 1 to encourage the entire PSJA family to complete their Census. Throughout this week, activities will also be incorporated into the district’s distance learning modules to educate students about the significance of this task.
“PSJA ISD continues to create awareness of the importance of our families completing the Census,” PSJA Superintendent Dr. Jorge L. Arredondo said. “It is imperative that we continue to work together as a region to ensure every single one of our residents is counted, so we can secure adequate representation and funding for our area.”
School districts will also be assisting the City of Pharr in Census Completion Efforts by providing parents with information on how they can complete the census by distributing a Census Flyer on how to complete the Census questionnaire through social media, emails, texts, and by also attaching the flyer to coursework or meals picked up by students or families.
“An accurate count in the 2020 Census will help determine future funding for special education, teacher training, technology, school lunch assistance, Head Start, after-school programs, and more,” Hernandez said. “We encourage all our Pharr families and those throughout the region to take this opportunity while at home to fill out the Census online, by mail, or via phone as outlined in the flyer,” Hernandez continued. “Our Pharr media team has also produced two Public Service Announcement videos in English and Spanish to guide and explain to families how to successfully fill out the census questionnaire.
English PSA video: https://youtu.be/B8HF2DyzudQ
Spanish PSA video: https://youtu.be/KS8II3kU_zs
City leaders acknowledge that there has been tremendous growth in Pharr over the last decade and are continuing to work with all partners, businesses, community leaders, organizations, and schools to ensure everyone completes the Census and helps “Make Pharr’s Future.”
Families can access and fill out the Census questionnaire online at www.2020census.gov.
by media | Apr 23, 2020 | Information, Media Releases
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2020
Pharr, Texas – Amid the rapidly-evolving situation regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19), the City of Pharr and Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., will be providing regular updates to keep the media and the public informed as information develops. City officials urge media outlets to please share with their respective reading, viewing and listening audiences.
City Commission Approves Order Continuing Emergency Declaration
At its regular meeting of the Pharr City Commission held on Monday, April 20, 2020, members of the Pharr City Commission approved an order continuing the declaration of disaster and public health emergency for the City of Pharr.
View the order >>
On March 13, 2020, Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. declared a local state of disaster pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 418.108(a) due to COVID-19 and subsequently renewed the declaration on March 16, 2020, for 45 days. According to the Order approved on Monday, the City of Pharr declares it in the best interests of the health, safety, and welfare of the public to adopt this extension. The state of disaster and public health emergency will continue to be extended until terminated by the Pharr Board of Commissioners.
Update on Plans to Safely Reopen Pharr’s Economy
At the same City Commission meeting, Mayor Hernandez announced to the public that the City of Pharr is exploring plans to safely re-open the economy of Pharr, based on guidance and recommendations provided by Texas Governor Greg Abbott and following guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control. The city will be identifying and obtaining feedback and input from businesses in a variety of industries, to see how they plan to safely open up their businesses in accordance with the health and safety guidelines provided by local, county, state, and federal authorities and to ensure the health and safety of all residents, especially those most vulnerable and at risk of contracting COVID-19. Physical distancing measures, work-safe measures, and sanitary measures are among the guidelines that must be adhered to in order to ensure the safety and welfare of all patrons.
Hernandez stated, “We will be working with our business community because we want to know how you plan to safely open up your business, following the COVID-19 and CDC guidelines.”
Hernandez continued, “Together, we will also determine consequences for those businesses that are not in compliance with the safety guidelines, which will be enforced by the city.”
Without giving a specific timeline, Hernandez wanted to assure the community that plans are in the works to safely and responsibly re-open Pharr’s economy, soon. “We’re being proactive, we’re going to do what’s right, and we are going to move forward in a smart and responsible manner,” he added.
Download the Work Safe Plan in English and Spanish.
by media | Apr 21, 2020 | Featured News, Media Releases
Fazoli’s Donates Free Meals to Pharr Families in Need Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., the Pharr City Commission, and PSJA ISD Culinary Arts program students accept a donation from Fazoli’s during their Grand Opening celebration in Pharr.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2020
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr is proud to announce a new initiative to help feed Pharr families in need in collaboration with Fazoli’s, and local school districts. The entities are working together to ensure that families most in need across the community have access to free meals, amid the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
“I’m happy to share that the City of Pharr has partnered with Fazoli’s restaurant, and plans are underway to provide free meals to our families most in need on a weekly basis,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez. “I wholeheartedly want to thank Jerry Maddox, Fazoli’s owner, for opening his doors and being so generous during these uncertain times,” added Hernandez. “This is certainly a difficult time for many families in our community as jobs have been lost and children are now learning full-time from home without access to the meals they would normally receive every day at school,” he continued.
The Pharr City Commission, Jerry Maddox, and his business partner during the Fazoli’s Grand Opening celebration in Pharr
Fazoli’s announced that they will be providing about 70-100 free meals to Pharr families in need each week. Families selected to receive meals have been identified by local school districts.
Fazoli’s owner Jerry Maddox remarked, “When times get tough, it’s up to business leaders in the community to step up to the plate and deliver the needs of our community. What we are all going through has not been easy, but we need to do what’s best to make this situation better for our families.”
“We are extremely proud of the great work being done throughout the City of Pharr by our businesses, community organizations, and partners as we aim to get through this pandemic together,” said Hernandez. “What Fazoli’s and Jerry Maddox are doing shows that although we are facing a tough time, we are all doing our part to work together and share in the generous spirit of giving and humanity,” he added.
According to Fazoli’s national website, the Pharr, Texas franchisee and his team have been proactive in helping during the coronavirus pandemic by providing over 600 kids meals to the children in their community in 48 hours. In addition to free kids meals, the team also provided meals to emergency room doctors and nurses at Doctors Hospital at Renaissance.
by media | Apr 14, 2020 | Featured News, Media Releases
Pharr Leading the Charge to Bridge Digital Divide During COVID-19 Crisis.
Efforts include urging federal legislators to expand broadband internet access for Pharr families.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2020
U. S. Senator John Cornyn and U. S. Congressman Henry Cuellar are among the federal legislators that Pharr is working with to improve access to broadband internet services for Pharr residents.
Pharr, Texas – The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have been felt around the world bringing economies to a halt, overwhelming the healthcare industry, revolutionizing the way we do business, and forcing schools to transition to e-learning. As we begin to grapple with the effects here in the Rio Grande Valley, we are bracing ourselves for a new normal. Now more than ever, we are reliant on the internet and technology to drive our governments, businesses, workforce, and education systems.
At the onset of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the City of Pharr acted quickly in efforts to flatten the curve and mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., issued one of the area’s first Emergency Orders, opened up a call center, and has pushed for resources and support for all residents and businesses. Unfortunately, one of the hardest-hit sectors has been our education system, which has completely transitioned to distance learning. Mayor Hernandez met with local area educational leaders to discuss needs and address solutions that would help support this new reality, and one of the major obstacles for students and families to access educational resources and support has been the lack of widespread, reliable broadband internet access.
The City of Pharr has a total of five different school districts within its jurisdiction – Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District, Valley View Independent School District, Hidalgo Independent School District, Vanguard Academy, and IDEA Public Schools. This brings a combined total of close to 30,000 students enrolled within the city limits. Moving from traditional classroom instruction to online, virtual delivery of instruction from one week to the next proves to be a tough feat, given the lack of technological connectivity.
Mayor Hernandez met with local area education leaders to discuss needs.
For many years, Pharr has been leading the effort to bridge the digital divide for families in areas of South Pharr. In 2017, the City of Pharr, in collaboration with Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District, the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, and private entities such as BBVA Compass bank, announced a pilot project, Pharr Life Net, that brought free internet access to 50 families in their homes. The City of Pharr invested $90,000 in the household study on external devices and equipment for each home, and $100,000 was invested through the Federal Reserve Partnership with BBVA Compass used for a financial impact feasibility study. Through the pilot project, and with the increase in connectivity among students and families, the plight of traditionally-underserved families along the Texas-Mexico border can be significantly improved.
Since then, Pharr leaders have worked diligently to identify other funding sources to expand broadband internet access to further close the digital divide. have been pressing federal legislators about the need for programs and resources to help even more families that lack access to affordable internet. Specifically, Pharr has been pushing federal agencies such as the U. S. Department of Agriculture to allow for waivers for eligibility requirements for areas such as Pharr, which is considered an urban community but remains among the most digitally-disconnected areas, to be allowed to compete for funding for programs that would expand broadband internet access to residents. Pharr does not currently qualify as “rural” due to population, but it remains too small to compete with metropolitan areas. Now, in the midst of COVID-19, with Shelter-At-Home orders in place, and with families working and learning from their homes, it is even more imperative to increase access to broadband internet to support distance learning and keep students learning and thriving in this new educational environment.
The City of Pharr, PSJA ISD, The Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, and other project partners launch PharrLifeNET in 2017 to bring free internet access to 50 families in South Pharr.
“For the Rio Grande Valley, the digital divide is a stark reality,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “Now, more than ever, it is time that our congressional and state leaders take action to provide grant eligibility waivers for communities with glaring digital divides,” he added. “It is clear that egregious inequities exist concerning broadband access and connectivity for our students,” he stated. “This is a reality prevalent in underserved and underprivileged rural communities and communities of color, such as ours,” he continued.
According to the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, the three metro areas on the South Texas border are among the most digitally-unconnected areas in the nation. Statistics from the U.S. Census American Community Survey suggests that the percentage of residents in the Pharr-McAllen-Edinburg-Mission with broadband access is only at a dismal fifty-five percent.
“The toll this pandemic is taking on families, relative to the digital divide that exists in our community, is apparent in all aspects of their daily lives, especially for our students who do not have access to the internet at home and cannot complete their school work,” he said. “They are most at risk of falling behind compared to their peers who do not have to worry about finding access to the internet,” continued Hernandez. “We must act now to provide relief for not only our students, but also for working families who may also be adjusting to working from home,” Hernandez said.
Most of these students and families relied heavily on libraries, restaurants, or coffee shops for free internet connectivity, but now, they have nowhere to turn to. By connecting Pharr with broadband internet access for all households, schools, and public buildings, Pharr continues to work toward bridging the digital divide.
“These types of programs exist and they work; we know that because our pilot project with PSJA ISD, Pharr Life Net was a huge success,” Hernandez said. “We hope to continue working aggressively with our congressional leaders and state legislators to make them aware of this issue, and urge them to develop solutions that will enable us to provide relief for our students and families,” continued Hernandez. “As we expect a peak to occur in the coming weeks, there seems to be no timeframe or answer as to when this pandemic will end and until then, our education system and society will continue to rely on the internet to function,” added Hernandez.
The City of Pharr remains committed to bridging the digital divide and understands the burden placed on students, families, educators, and school districts during this transition. Mayor Hernandez and city leaders are committed to exploring all possibilities for funding for this critical infrastructure, including imploring congressional and state leaders to consider providing more resources, connectivity, and technology options for our community through existing programs or possible future COVID-19 infrastructure recovery funding, especially now in this critical time.
“Bridging the digital divide is one of our highest priorities, and is critical to our infrastructure, our community’s development, and our future,” Hernandez ended.
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