Housing Forward

Did you know that the Flex Fund assisted 1,977 individuals and families in 2023? This is a critical resource that covers minor but life-changing expenses such as a security deposit, access to critical documents, rental arrears and more. These seemingly small expenses are often the final barriers between homelessness and stable housing. When neighbors move into housing, many lack basic furniture or kitchen supplies. Housing Forward provides move-in kits, and case managers can use the Flex Fund to ensure they have the furniture they need. Your donation this North Texas Giving Day season will directly fuel that fund. Take part in ending homelessness in your community today: https://lnkd.in/eqwKahXF

SAVE THE DATE - Monday, September 16, 2024 at 11AM - 2PM Join us downtown at the AT&T Discovery District for the Downtown Dallas Day of Giving! There is a great opportunity for you to DOUBLE your impact. Online donations made to Housing Forward during the 11am – 2pm timeframe will be matched by the Communities Foundation of Texas, up to $10,000! 🤩 For your gift to be match, visit the Group Giving Page then click on Housing Forward to make your donation. Set those reminders and give! We will share a link to the Group Giving Page that morning, #EndHomelessness #FlexFund #HousingForward #NTxGivingDay

In a recent Dallas Observer article, reporter Jacob Vaughn wrote: "If you ask City Council member Chad West, a member of Dallas’ Housing and Homelessness Solutions Committee, it’s very likely local unsheltered homelessness will be cut in half in two years because Housing Forward is leading the charge." 'Their data-proven techniques have actually not only reversed the trend, but have shown a significant increase in the amount of people over time that are able to be housed and stay housed,' West said." In partnership with the All Neighbors Coalition, we have reduced unsheltered homelessness by 24% since 2021. We are making progress on reducing homelessness and must continue investing in these proven strategies.

The Flex Fund is a critical resource, covering minor but impactful expenses that make all the difference in the lives of our neighbors. Meet Evelyn 👋 For most, moving into a new home symbolizes an exciting new chapter in their life. But for Evelyn, a 66-year-old woman living on a fixed income, it came with unexpected challenges. While she was grateful to finally have a roof over her head, her new apartment was completely bare. No bed to rest on, no sheets to keep her warm, no dishes to prepare a simple meal. Evelyn couldn’t afford the basic furnishings that would make her apartment feel like a true home. That’s when Housing Forward stepped in. Through the Flex Fund, we were able to provide Evelyn with essential items like a bed, sheets, and kitchenware—small things that made a world of difference. Now, her apartment isn't just four walls and a door. It's a warm, welcoming place where she can relax, cook, and feel safe. This North Texas Giving Day, you have the opportunity to help more individuals like Evelyn. Donate to Housing Forward today to help us reach our goal of raising $45,000 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 gift here: https://lnkd.in/eqwKahXF #endhomelessness #flexfund #housingforward

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