Thanks to the City Council, area homeless are one step closer to getting long-term assistance.
“Homelessness is one of our city’s most pressing issues,” Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson said. “But the City of Dallas cannot and should not try to solve this complex problem alone.”
On Wednesday, City Council did just that by approving the Dallas R.E.A.L. Time Rapid Rehousing (DRTRR) Initiative strives to house more than 2,700 unsheltered individuals and reduce homeless encampments.
The initiative is a governmental and civic partnership — known as the Homeless Collaborative of Dallas and Collin Counties — between the city, Dallas County, Dallas Housing Authority (DHA), Cities of Mesquite and Plano, Metro Dallas Homeless Alliance (MDHA), and the local Continuum of Care (CoC).
“This plan and this partnership provide us with an incredible opportunity to ensure greater equity and provide pathways to better lives for thousands of people in our city….” added Johnson.
According to the city, funding will come from an array of sources, including:
- EHV provided by the American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA), with Dallas and Dallas County contributing $25 million each
- DHA, Dallas County, and Mesquite contributing 100% of the vouchers they receive under ARPA
- 103 EHVs donated by other cities, worth an estimated $12 million
- $10 million in funds raised by MDHA
“If you want to see a city’s priorities, look at its budget. The overwhelming support of the Dallas City Council for this initiative sends a clear message to people experiencing homelessness in our community: you are a priority,” said Peter Brodsky, Interim CEO for MDHA.
In addition, agencies in the Homeless Collaborative of Dallas and Collin Counties’ will provide direct services to people experiencing homelessness.
Final approval for the initiative will be decided on Sept. 7, when the interlocal agreement is presented at Dallas County Commissioners Court.
