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Companion to Official Resources

New in
Dallas?
Start with this.

A task first guide for newcomers, refugees, SIV holders, and new Americans in Dallas and across the DFW area. This site does not replace official guides. It helps you use them.

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› Start Here Get Help Now
◆ Informational only. Not legal advice. Services, phone numbers, and links may be outdated. Verify directly with the agency before relying on any resource. Last reviewed: April 2026.
First 30 Days

Your First 30 Days in Dallas

Do these in order. Each item links to the official source. If you need help in your language, call 211, free and available 24/7 in many languages.

◈ Day 1: Arrive and Connect
  • 1
    Save these numbers now: 911 (emergency), 211 (benefits and referrals), 311 (Dallas city services). Details in the Get Help Now section below.
  • 2
    If you are a refugee, SIV holder, or humanitarian parolee, contact your resettlement agency: IRC Dallas or Catholic Charities Dallas. They are your first point of contact for almost everything in the first 90 days.
  • 3
    No phone yet? Go to Vickery Park Library at 8333 Park Lane. Free wifi, free computers, multilingual staff, no ID required to use wifi. → dallaslibrary.org
◈ Days 2 to 3: Documents and Benefits
  • 4
    Apply for SNAP (food), Medicaid, CHIP, and WIC at yourtexasbenefits.com. One application covers most Texas benefits. SNAP processing takes 30 days standard, or 7 days expedited for qualifying cases. Back paid to the day you applied.
  • 5
    Schedule a refugee health screening at Parkland Vickery Health Center, 8224 Park Lane Suite 130, Dallas. Call 214-266-0350 or visit parklandhealth.org. VERIFY that refugee screenings happen at this specific location before going.
  • 6
    If you have children, start school enrollment at the Margaret and Gilbert Herrera International Welcome Center (Dallas ISD). Call 972-749-5760. 9400 N. Central Expressway, Suite 200, Dallas, TX 75231. Interpreters are provided. See the enrollment guide below.
◈ Days 4 to 7: Get Settled
  • 7
    Learn how to ride DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit). Download the GoPass app to plan trips, buy fares, and find stops. DART updated fares on March 1, 2026. Check current prices at dart.org/fare. Full guide below.
  • 8
    Get free or low cost internet. PCs for People serves income qualifying households. Xfinity Internet Essentials is about $9.95 a month for eligible households. Free wifi at any Dallas Public Library.
  • 9
    Start English classes. Dallas College WorkReadyU offers free ESL plus job training at multiple campuses. Dallas Public Library runs free community ESL at select branches.
  • 10
    Register with Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas for job search, resume help, and childcare support while you train. Multiple offices. Call 214-290-1000 or visit wfsdallas.com.
◈ Week 2: Build Stability
  • 11
    Open a bank account. Some banks accept an ITIN or foreign passport. Wells Fargo, Bank of America, and Chase all have Dallas branches. Ask your caseworker for the current refugee friendly option.
  • 12
    If you are a refugee, SIV holder, or Cuban or Haitian entrant, confirm enrollment in Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA), generally available for up to 12 months from arrival. Your caseworker files this. VERIFY current RMA duration, as federal H.R.1/OBBBA changes may have affected refugee medical coverage length. For everyone else, apply for Medicaid and CHIP at yourtexasbenefits.com.
  • 13
    Confirm your children are registered and attending school. Follow up if you have not received a start date. Contact the school main office or your caseworker.
  • 14
    Get a Dallas Public Library card, free with any photo ID and proof of address. No SSN required. Card unlocks free ebooks, language apps, and free computer time across all branches. → dallaslibrary.org
◈ Weeks 3 to 4: Move Forward
  • 15
    If you have a foreign degree, start a credential evaluation through WES or ECE. Required for most skilled jobs. Ask your resettlement agency if professional re entry funds cover the cost.
  • 16
    Confirm your 90 day plan with your caseworker. Most resettlement contracts cover employment goals, housing stability, and benefit enrollment during this period. Know what yours covers before it ends.
  • 17
    Connect with a community or cultural organization. For Afghan newcomers, the Islamic Association of North Texas in Richardson, East Plano Islamic Center, and Makkah Masjid in Garland all serve communities with Afghan members. See directory below for more.
  • 18
    If you need legal help with your immigration status, contact Human Rights Initiative of North Texas or Catholic Charities Dallas immigration services. Free for eligible newcomers. Intake can be competitive, apply early.

Sources: Texas Office for Refugees, Texas Health and Human Services, Parkland Health, Dallas ISD, Dallas College. Last verified April 2026.

Decision Tree

Who Do I Call?

Not sure which number to use? Use this chart. Translation is available for all of these. Just say "interpreter" or the name of your language when someone answers.

911

Emergency Services

Police, fire, or medical emergency. Use when there is immediate danger to life or safety.

Call when:
  • Someone is hurt or in danger
  • There is a fire
  • A crime is happening right now
  • Medical emergency
211

Help and Referrals

Free, 24/7, available in many languages. Your first call for most newcomer needs. → 211texas.org

Call when:
  • You need food, housing, or health help
  • You do not know where to start
  • Benefits navigation
  • Mental health crisis support
311

Dallas City Services

Non emergency city issues and service requests. Also available at dallascityhall.com.

Call when:
  • Trash or bulky item pickup
  • Streetlight, pothole, or water leak
  • Code enforcement issues
  • Noise complaints
✦

School Enrollment

For Dallas ISD, contact the International Welcome Center. Other districts have their own enrollment offices.

Contact when:
  • Enrolling a child in school
  • Need language support for enrollment
  • Questions about ESL or bilingual placement
🔒 Know Your Rights: If ICE Contacts You

You do not have to open your door unless ICE has a judicial warrant signed by a judge. ICE administrative warrants (forms I-200 or I-205) are not the same as a judicial warrant, and you are not required to open the door for one. You have the right to remain silent. You have the right to speak to a lawyer before signing anything. VERIFY this is a contested and evolving legal area: a May 2025 DHS memo reportedly asserts ICE can use an I-205 to justify home entry, and this is under litigation. If ICE attempts entry, do not physically resist, ask to see a warrant signed by a judge, and contact a lawyer immediately. Save the RAICES line for scheduling a consultation: 1-833-372-4237, or contact the Human Rights Initiative of North Texas at 214-855-0520. More at raicestexas.org.

How To Guides

Step by Step for Common Tasks

Click any guide to expand the steps. Every step links to an official source. Items marked VERIFY should be confirmed directly with the agency before you go.

›

How to Ride DART

Plan trips, buy GoPass fares, and ride buses or light rail.
  1. Plan your trip with the DART Trip Planner. Enter a start and end address. The tool shows bus, rail, and walking options.
  2. Pay with GoPass. Download the GoPass app on iPhone or Android. DART offers a 3-Hour Pass, Day Pass, and Monthly Pass at both local and regional levels. VERIFY current fare prices at dart.org/fare. DART updated its fare structure effective March 1, 2026.
  3. Reduced fares are available for seniors (65+), students, people with disabilities, and Medicare card holders. Apply through DART directly.
  4. If you cannot use regular DART because of a disability, apply for DART Paratransit. Call 214-515-7272. Medical verification required.
  5. If you have Medicaid and need a ride to a doctor appointment, use Non Emergency Medical Transportation. The transportation line is on your Medicaid card. Book 2 business days ahead.
✦

Enroll a Child in Dallas ISD

Contact the International Welcome Center, bring documents, complete placement.
  1. Contact the Margaret and Gilbert Herrera International Welcome Center (Dallas ISD). Call 972-749-5760 Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Interpreters are available. Location: 9400 N. Central Expressway, Suite 200, Dallas, TX 75231. → dallasisd.org (Welcome Center page)
  2. Bring if you have them: proof of address, proof of age (birth certificate or passport), immunization records, prior school records. VERIFY full document list when you call.
  3. No shot records? The school nurse works with you to catch up. Do not delay enrollment waiting for paperwork.
  4. Your child will receive an English language assessment if English is not their first language. This determines ESL or bilingual placement.
  5. Kids have a right to public school enrollment regardless of immigration status. If you are asked about status in a way that feels wrong, stop and call HRI for advice.
✦

Enroll in Other DFW Districts

Richardson, Garland, Irving, and Plano each have their own process.
  1. Richardson ISD (serves Vickery Meadow area). Has a dedicated Newcomer Center: call 469-593-9135. General Student Services: 469-593-0390. → risd.org/enrollonline
  2. Garland ISD. Enroll at garlandisd.net. Has dedicated newcomer centers for older students.
  3. Irving ISD. Enroll at irvingisd.net.
  4. Plano ISD. Enroll at pisd.edu.
  5. Every district has a central enrollment office. Ask specifically about ESL, bilingual, and newcomer programs. Interpreters are free and required by federal law.
＋

Get a Refugee Health Screening

Free health assessment for eligible newcomers. Do this early.
  1. Who is eligible: Refugees, asylees, SIV holders, Afghan and Ukrainian humanitarian parolees, Cuban and Haitian entrants, and others. Check eligibility at Texas Office for Refugees.
  2. Go to Parkland Vickery Health Center, 8224 Park Lane Suite 130, Dallas, TX 75231.
  3. Call ahead: 214-266-0350. More info at parklandhealth.org. VERIFY that refugee screenings happen at this specific location before you go.
  4. Bring your immigration documents, any medical records you have, and anything you want checked out.
  5. First visit usually covers: TB test, vaccine catch up, basic bloodwork, and a mental health screening. Interpreters are available.
  6. After your screening, the clinic connects you to ongoing primary care through Parkland's sliding scale program if you do not have insurance.
Aa

Start English Classes (ESL)

Options for adults, job seekers, and families across DFW.
  1. If newly arrived refugee, ask your caseworker first. They can enroll you in state funded English Language Training at no cost.
  2. Dallas College WorkReadyU combines ESL with job training in healthcare, HVAC, IT, logistics, and more. Free for Dallas County residents. Call 214-860-5902 or visit dallascollege.edu/workreadyu.
  3. Dallas Public Library runs free ESL at select branches. No agency required. → dallaslibrary.org
  4. Heart House Dallas offers ESL and youth programs for refugee families in Vickery Meadow. → hearthousedallas.org
  5. Literacy Instruction for Texas (LIFT) offers adult literacy and ESL across DFW. → lift-texas.org
⌁

Get a Phone and Internet

Free and low cost options in Dallas.
  1. Low cost home internet: Xfinity Internet Essentials is about $9.95 a month for eligible households.
  2. Low cost computers and internet: PCs for People serves income qualifying households nationwide. VERIFY current Texas distribution options.
  3. Free wifi right now: any Dallas Public Library branch. No ID required for wifi. → dallaslibrary.org
  4. Free or low cost phone service: the federal Lifeline program provides discounted phones and service for income qualifying households. Ask your resettlement agency for current carrier partners.
⚠

Avoid Job and Housing Scams

Protect yourself from scams that target newcomers.
  1. Job scam red flags: jobs that ask you to pay money upfront, ask for bank info before hiring, or promise very high pay for easy work. → FTC job scam guide
  2. Rental scam red flags: "landlord" only texts and never meets in person, price is far below market, deposit requested by Zelle or CashApp, keys "in a lockbox" so you can just move in. → FTC rental scam guide
  3. Never wire money for a job, apartment, or "immigration fee." Official agencies do not accept Zelle, Venmo, or gift cards.
  4. Report scams to the Texas Attorney General at texasattorneygeneral.gov or call 1-800-621-0508.
  5. Report hate crimes to Dallas Police at 214-671-3001, or the FBI Dallas field office at 972-559-5000.
⌂

Find Housing and Renter Help

Search tools, counseling, and renter protections in Texas.
  1. Important note: Texas has no state specific housing programs only for new arrivals. You use the same tools as everyone else.
  2. Search for housing: Texas Housing Search. Free search with filters for rent range, voucher acceptance, and bedrooms.
  3. Texas tenant rights are weaker than many states. Eviction can begin 3 days after missed rent. Court can move in 10 to 14 days. Read every lease slowly before you sign.
  4. Free legal help for tenants: Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas. Call 1-888-529-5277. They handle eviction defense and security deposit disputes.
  5. Rental assistance: contact your resettlement agency first. They often have emergency funds. Also call 211 for current Dallas area assistance programs.
  6. Warning: Family Gateway (Dallas's main family shelter) does not serve migrants, refugees, or asylum seekers. Do not be directed there. Call your resettlement agency or 211 for alternative shelter.
＄

Apply for SNAP, Medicaid, WIC, CHIP

One application covers most Texas benefits.
  1. Apply at yourtexasbenefits.com. One application covers SNAP (food), Medicaid, CHIP (kids health), and TANF (cash).
  2. SNAP: 30 days standard to process, or 7 days expedited for qualifying cases. Back paid to application date. Single person can receive up to about $298 a month. Family of 4 up to about $994. VERIFY these FY2026 figures, as SNAP benefit amounts adjust annually.
  3. Medicaid for kids: usually eligible under 19 even with limited income. Medicaid for adults: Texas did not expand Medicaid. Most working age adults without kids do not qualify. Refugees receive RMA for 12 months instead. VERIFY RMA duration, as federal H.R.1/OBBBA changes may have affected refugee medical coverage length.
  4. WIC covers pregnant women, new mothers, and children under 5. Card buys milk, eggs, cereal, formula, fruit, and vegetables. Apply at texaswic.org or call 1-800-942-3678.
  5. For your interview, bring ID, immigration papers, proof of address, pay stubs, and rent receipts. Interpreters are free.
Verified Directory

Key Organizations in Dallas

Curated from official sources. Addresses and numbers verified where possible. Always call ahead. For a broader search, use 211texas.org.

IRC Dallas

Resettlement
International Rescue Committee, Dallas field office. Refugee resettlement and integration services.
🔗 rescue.org/united-states/dallas-tx

Catholic Charities Dallas

Resettlement
Refugee resettlement, immigration legal services, workforce programs, and emergency assistance.
📍 1421 W. Mockingbird Lane, Dallas, TX 75247 🔗 ccdallas.org/services/refugee-services 📞 866-223-7500

Texas Office for Refugees

State Office
State office coordinating refugee programs in Texas. Sets eligibility rules and oversees local resettlement partners.
🔗 hhs.texas.gov, refugee services

Human Rights Initiative of North Texas

Legal
Free immigration legal services for asylum seekers, refugees, SIV holders, and survivors of violence. Intake is competitive.
🔗 hrionline.org 📞 214-855-0520

RAICES Texas

Legal
Statewide immigration legal services. Represents people in detention and defends asylum claims. Dallas office at 1420 W Mockingbird Ln #840.
🔗 raicestexas.org 📞 1-833-372-4237 (consultation scheduling)

Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas

Legal
Free civil legal help for income eligible residents. Covers eviction, domestic violence, consumer fraud, and family law.
🔗 legalaidtx.org 📞 1-888-529-5277

Your Texas Benefits

Benefits
One portal for SNAP, Medicaid, CHIP, TANF, and other Texas Health and Human Services programs.
🔗 yourtexasbenefits.com 📞 Call 2-1-1 and press option 2

211 Texas

Referrals
24/7 statewide helpline. Translation in many languages. Connects to food, housing, health, legal, and education resources.
📞 Call or text 2-1-1 🔗 211texas.org

Parkland Vickery Health Center

Health
Parkland primary care location in Vickery Meadow. Physicals, preventive care, chronic disease management. Part of Parkland's sliding scale system for uninsured Dallas County residents. VERIFY whether refugee screenings happen at this specific location.
📍 8224 Park Lane Ste 130, Dallas, TX 75231 📞 214-266-0350 🕐 Mon-Thu 7:30am to 6pm, Fri 8am to 5pm 🔗 parklandhealth.org, Vickery

USCRI Afghan Behavioral Health Line

Health
24 hour phone support for Afghan newcomers in Dari and Pashto. Free, no insurance required.
📞 1-800-615-6514 (Dari and Pashto) 🔗 refugees.org

LBU Community Clinic (Los Barrios Unidos)

Health
Federally qualified health center with multiple locations across Dallas. Primary care, pediatrics, women's health, prenatal care, dental, and pharmacy. Sliding scale.
🔗 lbucommunityclinic.org 📞 214-651-8691

Margaret and Gilbert Herrera International Welcome Center

Education
Dallas ISD registration, orientation, and English language assessment for new international students K-12. Interpreters provided. No appointment needed but call ahead for questions.
📍 9400 N. Central Expressway, Suite 200, Dallas, TX 75231 📞 972-749-5760 (Mon-Fri 8am to 4pm) 🔗 dallasisd.org, Welcome Center

Dallas College WorkReadyU

ESL
Free English language training combined with job skills. Healthcare, HVAC, IT, logistics, welding. Campuses across Dallas.
🔗 dallascollege.edu 📞 972-860-7400

Dallas Public Library

ESL and Access
Free ESL at select branches, free wifi, free computers, free printing (first 10 pages). No SSN required for library card.
🔗 dallaslibrary.org

Heart House Dallas

Youth + ESL
ESL, after school, and summer programs for refugee children and families. Vickery Meadow based.
🔗 hearthousedallas.org

Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas

Employment
Regional workforce board. Resume writing, job matching, interview practice, and childcare subsidy while training.
🔗 wfsdallas.com 📞 214-290-1000

American Job Centers (DFW)

Employment
Walk in career centers for job search, training referrals, and employer events. Multiple DFW locations.
🔗 careeronestop.org

Texas Housing Search

Housing
Free statewide rental search. Filter by voucher acceptance, price range, and accessibility features.
🔗 socialserve.com, Texas

Genesis Women's Shelter

Safety
Emergency shelter, counseling, and legal support for women and children escaping domestic violence. Free and confidential. Services in English and Spanish.
📞 214-946-4357 (24-hour helpline, call or text) 🔗 genesisshelter.org

Mosaic Family Services

Safety
Serves survivors of human trafficking, domestic violence, and other crimes. Refugee case management including services for Afghan newcomers. Services in 25+ languages.
📞 214-823-4434 (helpline, 24 hours) 🔗 mosaicservices.org

PCs for People

Internet
Low cost internet and refurbished computers for income qualifying households nationwide.
🔗 pcsforpeople.org

Xfinity Internet Essentials

Internet
Low cost home internet for eligible households. Includes option to buy a low cost computer.
🔗 internetessentials.com
✦ Featured

EPIC (East Plano Islamic Center)

Mosque
Large DFW mosque in Plano with a free medical clinic, a structured newcomer program (Ansar), a food pantry, and financial aid for rent, utilities, medical bills, and food. Services open to members of the community. Area served includes Plano, Garland, Murphy, Richardson, Sachse, Rowlett, and Wylie.
📍 4700 14th Street, Plano, TX 75074 📞 (214) 396-1943 ✉ operations@epicmasjid.org 🔗 epicmasjid.org ＋ Clinic: epicmedicalclinic.org (Saturdays by appointment) ＋ Newcomer program: epicmasjid.org/newcomer-ansar

IANT (Islamic Association of North Texas)

Mosque
Long established mosque in Richardson, operating a free medical clinic since 2000 for uninsured patients, plus a clothes closet, food pantry, and limited financial aid. Clinic is open to Muslims and non Muslims. Proof of uninsured status and income required for the clinic.
📍 840 Abrams Road, Richardson, TX 75081 📞 Clinic: (972) 231-5698 ext. 106 🔗 iant.com

World Relief Texas (Dallas Office)

Faith Based Resettlement
Christian resettlement agency under federal contract. Services include refugee resettlement, case management, cash assistance, employment support, and ESL. Federally funded, serves all faiths.
🔗 worldrelief.org/texas

Church World Service (CWS) Dallas

Faith Based Resettlement
Christian interfaith resettlement agency. Direct services, advocacy, and leadership development for refugees, immigrants, and asylum seekers. One of Dallas's designated welcoming agencies.
🔗 cwsdallas.org

Note: VERIFY addresses and hours before visiting. They change. When in doubt, call ahead or check the official website.

Official Sources

Official Guides and Resources

This site is a companion, not a replacement. These are the authoritative sources. Go here for full information.

GOV

Texas Office for Refugees, HHS

Official state page for refugee services in Texas. Covers eligibility, enrolled programs, and state partners. Best for checking if you qualify for state funded benefits.
GOV

Your Texas Benefits

One portal to apply for SNAP, Medicaid, CHIP, and TANF. Also the place to manage ongoing benefits and upload documents. Available in English and Spanish.
211

211 Texas, Statewide Help Line

Web version of 211 resources. Food, housing, health, legal, and more. 24/7 phone support in many languages.
USCIS

USCIS Refugees and Asylum

Federal source for immigration status information. Forms, fees, processing times, and official policy. Best for any question about your federal case.
CITY

City of Dallas 311

Report city service needs (trash, streetlights, code issues). Available by phone and online. Interpretation available at no cost.