Restoring Dignity
Housing is much more than just a roof over someone’s head. It gives people independence, dignity, warmth, comfort, and stability. The number of people experiencing homelessness in Dallas is growing at a faster rate than ever before. In Texas, on any given night, over 8,000 men, women, and children sleep outside, in their cars, under bridges, and in tents. Many people find themselves without a home as a result of mental illness, diminished opportunity, unfortunate life choices, or violence and trauma in their past.
Long-time partner, Austin Street Center, focuses on a caring, customized, collaborative approach to overcoming homelessness that involves a variety of services and special programs to remove barriers to permanent housing. Within the past year, they were able to house 551 people and successfully placed another 415 people in jobs. Jesus taught us to share God’s love with people in tangible ways and Galatians 5:13-14 reminds us “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Every 2nd Wednesday or 3rd Tuesday, you can volunteer alongside Austin Street to serve a meal to people experiencing homelessness. We are excited to spend several weeks we our finger on the pulse of challenges in our city during Transform Month, but we know that the struggles people face do not end when this month does. Join us in praying that the outreach opportunities this month will be a catalyst for people to make serving others a part of their daily lives.
Learn how you can make a lasting difference in our city during Transform Month at hppres.org/transform.