
The City of Dallas has announced a series of community-focused updates for the last week of January, addressing various areas such as homelessness solutions, public health, and civic engagement. The Office of Homeless Solutions (OHS) is maintaining the Temporary Inclement Weather Shelter (TIWS) as cold weather persists, adhering to Chapter 45 of the City Code, to protect the unhoused. According to the City of Dallas, the TIWS will remain operational until overnight temperatures are forecasted to be above freezing. Locations at Fair Park Grand Place and Austin Street II will offer intake hours from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., with the Fair Park Tower Building opening on January 8, from 3:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
To support these initiatives, OHS is also recruiting volunteers aged 18 and over to help operate the shelters. Offering cold weather packs and seeking donations to the Office of Homeless Solutions Fund, the city aims to improve survival chances for those who may refuse assistance during inclement weather.
As part of their community wellness advocacy, the City of Dallas is also promoting mental health support with Texas Refugee Wellness hosting a Mental Health First Aid event on January 31. Additionally, residents seeking free or reduced-cost services can utilize the Community Resource Hub, an online dashboard divided into various assistance categories.
The city's commitment to equitable access includes the 211 Texas/United Way HELPLINE, providing confidential information and referral services. In efforts to engage and inform the public, the Police Department will hold a Human Trafficking Awareness Program on February 1, focusing on educating parents to prevent child trafficking.
In the sphere of civic engagement, Housing Forward needs volunteers for the 2025 Point-in-Time (PIT) count, an annual census of unhoused individuals, expected to take place on January 30. This count helps inform community efforts to address homelessness. Volunteer information and registration can be found in the City of Dallas bulletin. Finally, Dallas residents can celebrate the city's arts and culture on 214 Day, with details on the event also included in the city's updates.