Dallas City Council Approves $10 Million to Expand Street‑To‑Home Homelessness Initiative

In a decisive move on Wednesday, the Dallas City Council gave the green light to a $10 million budget item that will extend the city’s Street‑To‑Home program, a key effort aimed at ending unsheltered homelessness in downtown Dallas.

The Street‑To‑Home Initiative

Launched in September 2024, Street‑To‑Home seeks to eliminate the number of people living outside of shelters in Dallas’s downtown core. Housing Forward, the nonprofit coordinating the county’s homeless response, has been steering the project. The initiative’s first phase already secured a $28 million commitment, of which the new $10 million will be a direct addition.

Funding Details and Support

City Manager Kimberly Tolbert explained that the $10 million is part of the overall $28 million pledge for the current phase and that private donors are contributing to the effort. She emphasized that the program “is working” and that continuous support and funding are essential. The council’s 14‑1 vote reflects broad agreement, with only District 12 City Councilwoman Cara Mendelsohn casting a lone “no”.

Council Debate and Opposition

During the discussion, Mendelsohn argued that the money could be better spent on alternative solutions, such as tiny homes for those living outside the city’s immediate downtown area. She stated, “When these dollars are spent, we’ll have nothing to show for it,” adding, “Nothing.” Her critique highlighted concerns about the effectiveness of the current strategy.

Housing Forward’s Vision

Housing Forward CEO Sarah Kahn announced that phase two of the project will expand the effort into targeted areas outside the immediate downtown district. “We really need to encourage people to come inside and we have to make sure there’s always a shelter bed available,” Kahn said, underscoring the organization’s focus on permanent supportive housing.

City Manager’s Perspective

Tolbert reiterated that Dallas is a partner with Housing Forward, which coordinates the homeless response in both Dallas County and Collin County. She stressed that the city’s commitment is “partially funded by private donors” and that the initiative requires ongoing investment.

Key Takeaways

• Dallas City Council approved a $10 million expansion of the Street‑To‑Home program.
• The $10 million is part of a larger $28 million commitment for the current phase.
• Housing Forward CEO Sarah Kahn plans to extend the project beyond downtown Dallas.
• City Manager Kimberly Tolbert confirmed the program is working and needs continuous funding.
• The vote passed 14‑1, with Cara Mendelsohn the sole opponent.

The approval marks a significant step in Dallas’s effort to provide permanent supportive housing for the city’s unsheltered population. With the new funding, the city will move closer to its goal of eliminating unsheltered homelessness in the downtown area and expanding services to other high‑need neighborhoods.