Dallas HERO, an organization committed to holding city leadership accountable and prioritizing public safety, has issued a formal 60-day notice to the City of Dallas.
The notice demands enforcement of state laws prohibiting public camping, specifically Texas Penal Code §48.05, which bans camping in public spaces without permission.
The notice, delivered by attorney Art Martinez de Vara, highlights concerns that the city’s non-enforcement of these laws has led to the proliferation of homeless encampments.
Dallas HERO argues that this inaction compromises public safety and hinders efforts to provide individuals experiencing homelessness with access to necessary services.
Under the notice, the city has 60 days to address the identified issues or face potential legal action.
This follows the recent passage of Proposition S, which allows residents to sue the city for failing to enforce local or state laws.
The attorney representing Dallas HERO has also called on residents to help document the locations of homeless encampments and submit photographs to support the initiative.
Contact details for submissions are available on the Dallas HERO website.
Dallas HERO has emphasized that its goal is not to rush into litigation but to encourage the city to adopt a clear and effective plan to address encampments.
The group has pointed to models like San Antonio’s Haven for Hope, which integrates services and housing to transition people out of homelessness, as a potential blueprint for Dallas.
The City of Dallas acknowledged receipt of the notice and said it would be reviewed and responded to appropriately. The Dallas Express will continue to provide updates as the story unfolds.