Austin Street Shelter
Dallas’ Office of Homeless Solutions (OHS) is considering a new four-track program to address homelessness and will host a series of meetings to seek public feedback, including one tonight at 6:30 p.m. at the Willie B. Johnson Recreation Center in Hamilton Park. After Councilman Adam McGough hears from his Lake Highlands constituents, and other council persons hear from residents in their districts, the council will vote on the proposal in August.
Overall homelessness in Dallas has increased by 9 percent in the past year and unsheltered homeless rose by 23 percent.
The plan calls for boosting shelter capacity, increasing incentives to private landlords, using $20 million from the 2017 bond to construct 1,000 new housing units and opening temporary shelters around the city during these construction phases.
The idea of opening temporary shelters in neighborhoods, including in City of Dallas recreation centers, has met resistance by residents.
You may view an OHS presentation here.
Willie B. Johnson is at 12225 Willowdell.
To learn more about helping the homeless in Dallas, visit Austin Street Shelter’s website here. The nonprofit is led by Lake Highlands High grad Daniel Roby.
