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 Welcome to the Office of Homeless Solutions:
A Seat at the Table Newsletter
I am thrilled to welcome you to the inaugural, quarterly newsletter from the City of Dallas’ Office of Homeless Solutions (OHS). As the Director, I am excited to share with you the incredible work our dedicated staff is doing to address homelessness in our city.
OHS is a multifaceted department with various moving parts, all working towards the common goal of helping our unsheltered residents. I am pleased to introduce you to a few key members of our team, who play a pivotal role in ensuring our continued forward momentum.
I’d like to highlight our Budget and Finance, Contracts and Internal Controls, and Business Administration divisions led by Assistant Director, Wanda Moreland. The Budget and Finance division diligently manages the grants and funds that support various projects and partnerships in the homeless sector of our city. Our Contracts and Internal Controls division is responsible for implementing and keeping track of the contracts and agreements that govern how the funds that Budget and Finance oversee are used. The Business Administration division may be considered as the glue that holds the pieces of OHS together, by focusing on the overall goals and policies that are City Manager and Council led. Many of these projects are carried out in partnership with local homelessness service providers, whose relationships and partnering events are overseen by our Program Administrator, Gloria Sandoval. Gloria leads the OHS Partnerships, Property Management, Special Projects: Fundraising/Development, and Volunteer Services division. You may know her from a volunteer event in which you've participated!
We have several projects we partner with the local Continuum of Care’s lead agency Housing Forward, such as the Dallas R.E.A.L. Time Rapid Rehousing (DRTRR) Initiative, which housed 2,700+ individuals over 3 years and has now been rebranded as the R.E.A.L. Time Rehousing (RTR) Initiative, with a goal of housing 6,000+ people by 2025. As well as, the activation of Inclement Weather Sheltering the city’s hot/cold inclement weather response program, which provides shelter to the unhoused population when we hit freezing temperatures or triple digits, through our partnership with Austin Street Center, their collaboration with OurCalling, Park & Recreation and Library Departments, and countless other partners.
OHS is different because we not only commit to providing funding assistance for partner projects but also because we engage directly with the unsheltered community through street outreach. Led by Street Outreach General Manager, Shannon Browning, the Street Outreach North and South teams, the Homeless Action Response Team (HART), and the R.E.A.L. Time Rehousing team work tirelessly to connect with individuals experiencing homelessness on a daily basis and direct them to services tailored to meet their specific needs. Street Outreach responds to 311 service requests; staff attends City Council, Committee, and community-led meetings; and we collaborate with local homeless service providers to offer support where it is needed most. Our goals are to be accessible to the community by providing a direct connection to our staff and the services they offer; and to educate on how we work with the local homelessness system to provide housing and support to a significant number of unsheltered individuals.
As we continue to grow and expand, our focus remains on operating with transparency and efficiency to better serve our community. I encourage you all to join us on this journey, stay connected, and learn more about the vital work of the Office of Homeless Solutions. Together, with your continued support, we are making homelessness rare, brief, and non-recurring.
Thank you for your support and dedication to making a positive impact in our city.
Warm Regards,
Christine Crossley
Director, Dallas Office of Homeless Solutions
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 Our Clergy C.O.N.N.E.C.T Summit Flyer showcaseing our panel line up for the October 2023 luncheon
C.O.N.N.E.C.T CLERGY SUMMIT
In the heart of our bustling city, a bond was reinforced this past October, as clergy from diverse faith backgrounds came together for an unprecedented gathering. The "Homeless Solution Clergy Summit," under the inspiring C.O.N.N.E.C.T. banner (Clergy Optimizing Networks to Navigate, Engage, and Build Community Trust), marked a pivotal moment in our collective journey towards a more compassionate and inclusive society. This event wasn't just a meeting; it was a clarion call to action, inviting religious leaders and city officials to unite their efforts in addressing the pressing issue of homelessness with empathy, innovation, and unwavering commitment.
The objectives of the summit were as multifaceted as the issue at hand, ranging from fostering collaboration between faith-based organizations and city agencies, to empowering clergy leaders with the tools and knowledge to advocate for and directly impact the lives of individuals experiencing homelessness. The air was charged with a shared sense of purpose, as participants engaged in meaningful discussions, shared success stories, and laid down the groundwork for sustainable homeless solutions. The emphasis was on building bridges—literally and metaphorically—between the faith community and the city, enhancing understanding, and mobilizing resources to not just address, but actively work towards eradicating homelessness.
As we look forward to the 2024 Homeless Solution Clergy Summit this coming October, we extend a heartfelt invitation to leaders and members of all faith communities to join us in this noble endeavor. This is more than just an event; it's a movement towards fostering a society where every individual has a place to call home, supported by the strength of our collective compassion and action.
Save the date, and be part of shaping a future where together, we can make a profound difference in the lives of our most vulnerable citizens. Your presence and participation are not just welcome—they're essential. Together, let's continue to build on the momentum, inspire action, and forge long-term partnerships that will not only address but also transcend the issue of homelessness in our city.
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 Council Member Bazaldua with the Friends of OHS at the Febuary 24th Karaoke Event held at The Bridge Homeless Recovery Center
Join the OHS Friends Group!
Are you ready to make a difference in the lives of Dallas' homeless population? Join the OHS Friends Group today and be a part of something truly special!
In a recent announcement by the Office of Homeless Solutions, the brand-new OHS Friends Group was launched with District 9 Councilmember Paula C. Blackmon leading the charge as the Honorary Chair. This dynamic group offers volunteer opportunities for individuals of all ages, absolutely free of charge!
Whether you're an individual looking to give back, or part of a business or civic organization seeking a meaningful community service project, the OHS Friends Group has something for everyone. Plus, for our young changemakers, we have tailor-made projects that don't require visits to homeless shelters.
As a member, you'll receive a snazzy Friends Group t-shirt and regular updates on OHS initiatives and group activities. Ready to spread kindness and support those in need? Reach out to OHSVolunteer@dallas.gov and join us on this incredible journey today!
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Give Responsibly Has Gone 2.0
The Give Responsibly Campaign (GRC) is an campaign that encourages the community to work together with the city's homeless support system. Through education and strategic outreach, it aims to dismantle the isolated efforts of individual organizations and people who give to the homeless on the streets without considering the negative impacts this can have on broader initiatives. The ultimate goal is to help homeless individuals transition to a sustainable way of life. By designating specific locations for giving, the campaign provides an opportunity for collaboration with those who want to contribute, offering more sustainable support services and creating a strong community network.
It is by no means asking the community not to give; however, it is asking the community to reconsider and redirect how they give. To continue to give to the homeless who have no means of discarding their own waste and litter does a disservice to them as well as the community.
Did you know that in Dallas, the homeless support system has successfully housed over 3000 homeless individuals? Their goal is to increase this number to 6000 total by the end of the year 2025, thanks to a combination of public and private funding. When you take part in the Give Responsible campaign, you are not only supporting the homeless support system, but also directing your donations or service for maximum impact.
This can be achieved through activities such as participating in our Seat at the Table (SATT) sanctioned street charity events that bring together various organizations and individuals in a coordinated manner, streamlining resources to avoid duplication and wastage, and fostering networking opportunities among relevant agencies and organizations. Goto Dallashomelesssolutions.com to register for our monthly SATT events.
You can also choose to partner with any partner in the Continuum of Care that aligns with your values and either offer your time or resources there. Or give to the Office of Homeless Charities Foundation of Texas Fund (CFT) that supports the efforts of making homelessness rare, brief, and none reoccurring.
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Office of Homeless Solutions Develops a New Charitable Partnership with Hilton Anatole
Exciting News Alert! The Office of Homeless Solutions (OHS) has teamed up with the fabulous Hilton Anatole for a heartwarming charitable partnership!
Picture this: on November 15, 2023, the Hilton Anatole Hotel dazzled guests with its thrilling Wild Game Dinner, all in support of the OHS. The energy was electric as the Hilton Anatole staff proudly handed over a generous $1K donation to the OHS Fund at the Communities Foundation of Texas.
Huge shoutout to Hilton Anatole Dallas and the amazing General Manager Bruce Roy for their incredible support! But wait, there's more - the Hilton Anatole has committed to making a difference by hosting this fantastic dinner every Hunger and Homeless Awareness Week in the fall, and a portion of ticket sales will go straight to the OHS Fund at CFT.
If you're as pumped about partnership opportunities as we are, reach out to ohsvolunteer@dallas.gov and let's make magic happen together!
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OHS Keeping up with the Community
Founded in 2001, Harmony CDC was birthed out of Concord Church and is located in South Oak Cliff. With a mission to strengthen families and revitalize neighborhoods, the agency offers hope and relief to the residents of Dallas.
Unique in its growth, Harmony CDC has thrived over the last few years, expanding its staff by 50% to better serve the community. The nonprofit is known as a "One Stop" shop and provides a range of services, including a Food Pantry open three days a week, a Counseling Center offering free sessions to Dallas residents, and Educational Programs covering career, financial, health & wellness, and youth empowerment topics.
In 2023, Harmony CDC served a total of 360 clients through its housing team, offering preventative and rapid rehousing services. Additionally, in partnership with Housing Forward, Harmony CDC operates the only CAS Site in southern Dallas, streamlining assistance for unhoused neighbors with a dedicated CAS assessor and supportive case managers.
For more information, please visit www.harmonycdc.org.
If you would like to have your organization highlighted email OHSinfo@dallas.gov
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DID YOU KNOW THAT?
The Supreme Court heard oral arguments April 22, 2024 for the case of City of Grants Pass, Oregon v. Johnson, the most important Supreme Court case on homelessness in nearly 40 years. The case would determine if communities can ticket, fine, or arrest people for sleeping outdoors, even if no housing or shelter is available. Read more about the case here.
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