A new operation plan is desperately needed before our beloved city becomes Austin, Portland, or Los Angeles. The plan should provide the outreach, options and enforcement needed.
For outreach, the contact should be made in a friendly, helpful manner, explaining that staying isn’t possible, and presenting the available options, with assistance to make the option chosen happen immediately and with compassion. The first option available to people experiencing homelessness is an emergency shelter. Dallas should provide emergency shelter to anyone willing to come inside, away from the elements, drug dealers and crime that plague homeless communities.
The cries of criminalization of the homeless have already begun as the council sought to protect the safety of people standing or sitting in the median. Nobody wants to criminalize poverty. But how is it compassionate to leave the homeless outside? Some animal groups won’t even allow you to adopt a pet that will live outside. All emergency shelters in Dallas provide meals, showers, clothing and daily support services.