Tuesday marks World Homeless Day — a day observed worldwide to advocate for preventing and ending homelessness.
“This international day serves as a platform to advocate for improved policies and funding that can help prevent and end homelessness,” the World Homeless Day (WHD) website reads. “World Homeless Day also aims to raise awareness about the needs of people who currently experience homelessness and promote work in local communities to alleviate suffering and prevent death.”
WHD is observed annually on October 10. The first WHD was held in 2010, making Tuesday the 14th observance. More information about WHD can be found here.
Homelessness and vagrancy have proven to be significant issues for the people of Dallas. Recent polling conducted by The Dallas Express found that more than 80% of city residents are frustrated with homelessness, vagrancy, and panhandling in their neighborhoods and elsewhere in Dallas.
Mayor Eric Johnson has recognized the “scourge of homelessness” in previous statements.
“Too often, local tax dollars are spent on policies that exacerbate homelessness, coddle criminals, and make it harder for ordinary people to make a living,” he said in an op-ed published by The Wall Street Journal.
The City has pursued several initiatives to address the crisis, including setting a goal of establishing at least one housing or homeless services project in every Dallas County Commissioner Court district, among other locations around the city, as previously reported by The Dallas Express.
One strategy that has proven successful is the “one-stop-shop” model for homeless services, in which one campus serves as a hub where people experiencing homelessness throughout the city can find assistance. This is the approach taken by Haven for Hope in San Antonio, and it has been credited with a 77% reduction in homelessness in the city.
The “one-stop-shop” strategy has also polled favorably among Dallasites. Mayor Eric Johnson visited Haven for Hope in August, but it remains to be seen whether the mayor or the City Council will pursue such a policy change.
