Austin Street Center and OurCalling, two homeless service organizations in Dallas, have reopened their Inclement Weather Shelter at Fair Park’s Grand Place Building
DALLAS, Texas — As North Texas braces for another round of winter weather this weekend, shelters within the city of Dallas are stepping up to provide life-saving warmth for the city’s homeless population.
Austin Street Center and OurCalling, two Dallas homeless service organizations, have reopened their Inclement Weather Shelter at Fair Park’s Grand Place Building. The shelter can hold more than 900 people.
The buildings at Fair Park opened at 3 p.m. on Saturday.
For people like Miqdad Essien, who is originally from Africa, the shelter is a blessing. “Homelessness is not easy,” Essien said. “The cost of living here is just too much now,” He said he lives outside of his car.
“All my stuff is in here, my bed’s right here. I made a bed out of a blanket,” said Essien.
Daniel Roby is the CEO of Austin Street Center. He said they want to make sure no one has to sleep in the cold temperatures. “It’s important for us to provide life-saving care,” Roby said.
Roby said the Grand Place Building and Towers Building will provide warm meals and a safe place to sleep. They also offer resources like mental and physical health care options. “We also help people get back on their feet,” he said.
Roby said OurCalling will use its proprietary Homeless Emergency Broadcast System to send text alerts.
They will also offer a Connector Bus, operated in partnership with other agencies, and will provide free transportation from designated pick-up points. Outreach teams also drive under bridges and into wooded areas to bring people to shelter.
“This place is a blessing,” said Essien. “Thank God for them,” he said with gratitude.
The shelters at Fair Park will remain open as long as temperatures stay dangerously low.