Dallas Office of Homeless Solutions encourages responsible giving this holiday season

While it’s true the holiday season is about spending time with family and friends, it’s also about giving to others, especially neighbors who are experiencing homelessness. The City’s Office of Homeless Solutions and its partner, the Metro Dallas Homeless Alliance (MDHA) are encouraging the public to forego street charity and instead donate to the shelters that serve the homeless. It is one of the most effective ways to alleviate the suffering of neighbors living outdoors.

“Though intentions are good, street charity encourages people experiencing homelessness to remain on the streets rather than seek help from a homeless service provider,” said Christine Crossley, Director of the Office of Homeless Solutions. “Volunteering and or donating to the shelters is much more sustainable and beneficial for our residents’ housing needs.”

With generous contributions from individuals, families, churches and businesses, the shelters can sustain and maintain a level of care and support particularly as the demand grows during the winter months. Shelters are safe havens that provide essentials such as food, blankets, pillows, towels and clothing, but other resources as well to address mental illness, domestic violence, joblessness and ultimately permanent housing.

It takes private and public donations and government assistance for shelters, like The Bridge to provide free meals three times per day, everyday of the year. The homeless service providers offer a myriad of free services that are costly.

There are a number of homeless service providers in need of volunteers and donations. To see how you can help MDHA’s Dallas Real-Time Rapid Rehousing Initiative assist our neighbors, click here and for a full list of local shelters, click on the link below.
https://www.dallascitynews.net/office-of-homeless-solutions-resources