Housing Forward

Early Giving for North Texas Giving Day is here! 🎉At Housing Forward, we believe that small acts of kindness can make a big difference in someone’s life. That’s why our goal this year is to raise $45,000 for our Flex Fund! The Flex Fund is a critical resource, covering minor but impactful expenses that can be the difference between continued homelessness and a new beginning in stable housing. 🔑 Help us reach our goal and give our neighbors the chance to start fresh. Your support can change lives—one deposit, one piece of furniture, one fee at a time. Make your donation today: https://lnkd.in/eqwKahXF. #Endhomelessness #FlexFund

"If you want something done, make it a priority and put resources behind it." The Dallas Morning News Editorial Board highlights the progress being made in Dallas, as recent efforts to clear downtown encampments and provide permanent housing demonstrate that real change happens when it is prioritized and the right resources are in place. We know the work is far from over. To make a lasting impact, consistent and compassionate action is needed, which requires ongoing commitment from our entire community. Everyone deserves a safe and stable place to call home! 🏘️ ➡️Read all about it: https://lnkd.in/gyDGNmPs

As The Bridge Homeless Recovery Center says, "no one should have to choose between getting help and keeping their best friend." For many of our unhoused neighbors, their pets are their closest companions which means many are reluctant to seek shelter because they can’t bring their pets with them. That’s why shelters with kennels or those that allow pets are important to our homeless response system. By removing barriers, we can ensure that more people get the help they need. Take a second to learn more about The Bridge's kennel, https://lnkd.in/gWkSKPSU. 🐕

It's International Dog Day! 🐶 That bond between people and their pets tend to be unbreakable, no matter the circumstances. For many experiencing homelessness, their dogs are not just pets—they are family, protectors, and companions in a world that can often feel isolating. Wendy Rojo, in the June edition of STREETZine, wrote, "I do not know whether our pets will ever know the significance their presence has in our lives or whether they’ll know that in fact they are the ones that save us. Regardless, the benefits of having a pet are immense for those who are unhoused." Read STREETZine, a paper published by The Stewpot, and discover how these loyal companions make a world of difference. https://lnkd.in/gTNiJAzY #endhomelessness #TheStewpot #HousingForward #DogDay

In the news 📢 'Dallas Wants To Cut Unsheltered Homelessness in Half by 2026. Reducing homelessness take a lot of money, but maybe not as much time as you might think.' The Dallas Observer covered the City of Dallas' 2024–25 proposed budget and the goal to reduce unsheltered homelessness in the city. Jacob Vaughn wrote, "The proposed budget calls for an investment of $1.4 million in street outreach workers partnered with Housing Forward to help cut unsheltered homelessness in half by 2026. These workers are meant to connect homeless individuals with the programs and services they need, like the R.E.A.L. Time Rehousing program. Street to Home is a new initiative that’s part of the rehousing program, which makes long-term housing a priority for chronically unsheltered homeless people." Read all about it! https://lnkd.in/g_jkPzaN #Endhomelessness #unshelteredhomelessness #cityofdallas

During these hotter days, we are mindful of our unhoused neighbors, specifically our neighbors who are unsheltered. This intense heat poses a serious threat to our neighbors. Several cooling stations are open throughout Dallas and Collin counties to provide relief. - The Salvation Army, The City of Dallas’ and the City of Plano’s libraries and recreation centers are open to the public during normal business hours. - Austin Street Center's lobby is open from 8am – 6pm every day. - OurCalling is open from 8:30am – 8pm when the heat index is 105 degrees. Find a list of these locations on the 'Need Help' page here: https://lnkd.in/gDjTJMsv. Stay safe and spread the word! ☀️💧 #BeatTheHeat #HousingForward #Endhomelessness

Dallas and Collin counties are recognized as one of the top-performing Continuums of Care in the nation! 🌟 While national homelessness rates reached record highs last year, we were one of just 27% of communities that saw reductions. Our success has led to an invitation from the White House to join the “All INside” initiative in 2023, allowing us to break down barriers in addressing unsheltered homelessness and reach even more people in need. And there’s more good news—our hard work has been recognized with a 44% increase in federal funding since 2021. We need to continue investing in the strategies that are making a difference. Thank you to the All Neighbors Coalition for staying committed to solving homelessness. Together, we’re making a difference. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/e4F86iE6. #Housingforward #endhomelessness

Happy International Youth Day! 🌍 Last week, Dallas County Commissioner Garcia presented a resolution emphasizing the significance of this day. Elevate North Texas and After8toEducate were invited to accept the resolution and shed light on the critical need for resources for youth experiencing housing insecurity and homelessness. The shortage of truly affordable housing in Dallas and Collin counties has profound impact for young adults. Many youth in our community face these challenges, often unaware of the resources available to them. Today, we reaffirm our commitment to building a stronger, more effective homeless response system and ensuring our community’s youth have access to the support they need. We also want to give a special shoutout to the incredible organizations within the All Neighbors Coalition, like Elevate North Texas and After8toEducate, for their unwavering dedication to serving our youth every day! 💙👏 If you or someone you know is in need of help, please visit https://lnkd.in/gDjTJMsv. Together, we can make a difference! #Endhomelessness #allneighborscoalition #YouthDay

Housing Forward hosted a CEO Roundtable with leaders from the All Neighbors Coalition! 🤩 The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development recently announced changes to the CoC competition, making this an important opportunity for our system to come together and discuss the coalition's project portfolio. The insights shared today will be instrumental as we shape the future of our community’s efforts to house our neighbors and provide wraparound support. Thank you to everyone who participated! 👏

Today, Black households make up only 19% of our general population in Dallas and Collin counties yet represent a staggering 57% of our unhoused population. Our ongoing fight for racial equity is front of mind for all of us at Housing Forward and the All Neighbors Coalition. To combat systemic inequities, we have committed to create a system where all individuals and families have equitable access to homeless response system services. Everyone deserves a safe and stable place to call home. Read the All Neighbors Coalition Equity Statement: https://lnkd.in/g4_Mui-d