As winter approaches with inclement weather and freezing temperatures, the City of Dallas is asking local churches and businesses to help shelter the homeless.
In 2020, the city received federal funds for providing hotel accommodations for the homeless. However, as hotel prices have gotten higher, officials say the funding is not available this year.
Officials are hoping that the city’s new inclement weather policy will help the homeless get accommodation assistance all around the city rather than the concentrated services downtown.
According to a report by FOX 4 News, the city fined a church that sheltered the homeless in 2018. However, Our Calling hired a lawyer to take the case to court in a bid to reverse the city’s order that stops the church from helping people.
“For us, the issue is not about a civil liberty to keep our doors open,” Our Calling pastor Wayne Walker said, according to the report. “It is about human dignity. How do we protect life?”
Per FOX 4 News, the city reversed its decision, saying in a letter that the church has the right to shelter the homeless.
Now, as the homeless population grows, the city needs the help of Our Calling and other organizations in housing the homeless.
“We know there are people experiencing homelessness in every area of our city. It is why we are asking organizations in every corner that have space to apply before the weather gets cold,” Catherine Cuellar said in a statement.
Organizations interested in becoming temporary emergency shelters can download an application from the City of Dallas website or contact [email protected] for more information.
