In her 100-Day Transition Playbook, Kim Tolbert highlighted homelessness as a critical focus, touting the Street-To-Home initiative as a key accomplishment.
However, this program, launched in July by The All Neighbors Coalition, led by Housing Forward, in partnership with Downtown Dallas Inc. (DDI) and the business community, reflects a broader issue with Tolbert’s approach—it leans heavily on existing resources and partnerships rather than spearheading bold, new efforts.
Street-To-Home focused on immediate housing solutions for unsheltered residents in downtown zones, aiming to improve neighborhood quality of life.
While the initiative showed promise in addressing urgent needs, it was Housing Forward that led the charge, not Tolbert. Meanwhile, the city’s budget for homelessness saw a notable decline from $17.8 million in the 2023-2024 fiscal year to $14.5 million for 2024-2025.
This reduction signals a troubling lack of financial prioritization for one of Dallas’s most pressing challenges.
Tolbert’s homelessness strategy hinges on meetings with stakeholders and utilizing existing resources, with little evidence of a push for transformative action or increased funding.
Without advocating for additional capital or systemic solutions, such as expanded affordable housing or enhanced mental health services, her approach falls short of addressing the root causes of homelessness.
Dallas needs proactive leadership willing to push boundaries, not simply maintain the status quo. Tolbert’s approach risks leaving the city stuck in a cycle of temporary fixes without lasting solutions.
