Homeless encampments in Dallas have become a growing concern, and Dallas HERO, a local advocacy group, is calling on residents to help address the issue.
By encouraging the public to document and report encampments, Dallas HERO aims to shed light on the widespread challenges posed by these unauthorized settlements.
According to a recent article from The Dallas Express, Dallas HERO has created a streamlined process for residents to photograph and submit details about encampments they encounter.
“Citizen involvement is crucial to this movement,” said Pete Maracco, executive director of Dallas HERO. “When residents document these encampments, they’re not only bringing attention to the issue but also empowering city leaders to take meaningful action. It’s about turning concern into impact.”
The response to this campaign has been strong. So far, dozens of photos with encampment locations have been contributed, highlighting the scale of the problem across neighborhoods.
Some of the submitted images reveal encampments in parks, under bridges, and near residential areas, emphasizing their proximity to everyday life in Dallas.
Dallas HERO’s approach not only raises awareness but also fosters community collaboration in seeking sustainable solutions.
The organization believes that by documenting encampments, residents can amplify their voices and ensure their concerns are addressed at City Hall.
Last month, Dallas HERO attorney Art Martinez de Vera filed a notice of claim with the city secretary’s office, stating, “I am writing on its (Dallas HERO) behalf to provide 60-day notice of claim under Dallas City Charter Chapter XXV, Sec. 1(C), for the City of Dallas’s non-enforcement of Texas Penal Code Section 48.05, which prohibits camping in a public place without the effective consent of the officer or agency having the legal duty or authority to manage the public place.”
With homelessness and public safety remaining key issues for Dallas, this initiative underscores the importance of collective action.
As more residents participate in documenting encampments, the hope is that city leaders will respond with concrete measures to improve conditions for those experiencing homelessness and the broader community.
Photos can be submitted by visiting the Dallas HERO website here.