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.

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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.

Author

  • Carol Toler

    Blogger CAROL TOLER and her husband, Toby, are the parents of four LHHS graduates. She has an MBA from SMU and is the proud recipient of the Exchange Club of LH's Unsung Hero Award and Councilman McGough's Blake Anderson Public Service Award. She received LHHS PTA's Extended Service Award, FMJH PTA's Charger Award and a Life Membership from the LHFC PTA. She has moderated candidate debates for Dallas Mayor, Dallas City Council and RISD Trustee races and taught seminars on garnering publicity for nonprofits. She completed training with Dallas Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation and Inside RISD, and she's a sustaining member of LH Women's League. She has served on the boards of After8 to Educate, Dallas Free Press, Healing Hands Ministries and Camp Sweeney and chaired fundraisers for multiple Dallas nonprofits. Email ctoler@advocatemag.com.