At 11:30 a.m. on Christmas Day, a small corner of Ervay Street in Dallas, off Canton Street, transformed into a scene that felt like Santa’s own alley. People in Santa hats served warm meals, Christmas music floated through the air, and from time to time a car would drive past, its driver handing out coins and bills to anyone in need.
A Community-Driven Celebration
The sight of volunteers and church members moving through the narrow street with trays of food and smiles was a stark contrast to the quiet, almost deserted streets of a decade ago. The atmosphere was festive yet compassionate, with the scent of freshly cooked meals mingling with the crisp winter air. Those who paused to listen could hear the gentle hum of holiday songs, a soundtrack that seemed to underscore the generosity happening in front of them.
LeTitia Owens and Where Are You? Homeless Outreach
LeTitia Owens, the founder of the nonprofit Where Are You? Homeless Outreach, stepped forward to hand out snacks, soda, water, and flashlights to anyone who approached. She had been serving the Dallas homeless community for years, and this Christmas was no exception. Owens explained how the scene now looked compared to when she first began:
> “No one was hardly out there at the time, and so, to see all these people here all these years, serving-it’s sad, because the need is greater, but it is so amazing that so many people find it in their hearts, on Christmas Day, to come and be a blessing and to be answered prayers,” said Owens.
Her words reflected both the ongoing challenge of homelessness and the hopeful spirit that drives volunteers to keep coming back.
Myron Jones and The Abundant Life Worship Center DFW
Just a few feet away, Myron Jones, Senior Pastor at The Abundant Life Worship Center DFW, had set up a small camp with his team from Mesquite. Their mission was clear: to provide hot meals, cooked from scratch, and cold-weather gear to those who needed it most. Jones reminded everyone of the importance of gratitude and giving back:
> “It’s just a reminder how fortunate that we are and not to take anything for granted, because, truth be told, many of us are one paycheck away from being in this same line. And so, I don’t want that to be lost on your viewers: To be grateful for how God has blessed them mightily, and to remember to give back,” Jones said.
The Tradition of Feeding
Jones shared that his church has been conducting feedings on the first Saturday of each month for the last four years. A few years ago, the tradition was expanded to include Thanksgiving and Christmas mornings. “When you are living amongst this population, you feel as though society has forgotten about you, that God has thrown you away and that He no longer loves you, but that’s the farthest thing from the truth,” Jones said. His words underscored the church’s commitment to continuous outreach.
A Personal Journey of Hope
Owens’ own experience of homelessness gave her a unique perspective on the need for compassion. She recalled living in her car in 2012:
> “I lived in my car back in 2012,” she said. “It felt lonely. It felt like, ‘Where is the help that I need?’ But the Lord provided people with blessings and gifts, which taught me the same thing that I wanted to do.”
Her story is a testament to the power of faith and community support in turning despair into action.
A Call to Touch Hearts
When the day’s activities wrapped up, Owens urged volunteers to keep the spirit alive beyond the street’s borders:
> “Put our hands on them, touch them, have a short conversation, and just remind them that they are loved,” she said.
Her invitation emphasized personal connection as a vital component of effective outreach.
Key Takeaways
- A quiet corner of Dallas’s Ervay Street became a festive hub of generosity on Christmas Day.
- LeTitia Owens and Myron Jones led efforts to distribute food, gear, and emotional support to the homeless.
- The outreach programs are part of a long-standing tradition that extends to holidays and monthly feedings.
The day’s events highlighted how community members, guided by faith and compassion, can transform a simple street into a beacon of hope and holiday spirit.
