Dallas launches new volunteer group to serve people experiencing homelessness

Officials with Dallas’ Office of Homeless Solutions are planning to launch a new volunteer group to serve people experiencing homelessness.

The new initiative, known as the OHS Friends Group, will be managed by the department and help with various “special projects” relating to homelessness, according to a Nov. 17 memo from Deputy City Manager Kimberly Tolbert.

The overview

The OHS Friends Group is expected to help with projects, such as supporting the city’s temporary inclement weather shelters, volunteering at The Bridge Homeless Recovery Center, and assisting other local nonprofits that aid people experiencing homelessness. The group will also help identify projects relating to homelessness, according to the memo.

The group is slated for an official launch Dec. 11.

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Housing Forward, the lead agency in addressing local homelessness, counted more than 4,200 people as experiencing homelessness in Dallas and Collin counties in January. Homelessness in the two counties had dropped by 4% since 2022 and reached its lowest count in five years, according to Housing Forward data.

The organization will share updated information about the homeless population during its next federally mandated count in January. Those interested in participating in the count can find volunteer information through Housing Forward’s website.