DALLAS (WBAP/KLIF) – The City of Dallas will be addressing homelessness in a new four step plan and wants public opinion on the matter. Monica Hardman with the Office of Homeless Solutions said the strategy will provide habitable living for the unsheltered while increasing the supply of affordable housing.
“Overall homelessness and unsheltered homelessness has increased 9% and 23% respectively since 2017. These specific four tracks are dealing with addressing that issue,” said Hardman.
Hardman also stated that the first step is to increase shelter capacity by expanding existing shelters through contracted pay-to-stay beds. This will lead to the second step of establishing more shelters and support services throughout the city.
“We are looking to contract out an operator who would manage the temporary center, as well as for them to take care of the support services that would be needed,” said Hardman.
She said that the city will pay $12 per night for up to 90 days for any of the homeless citizens to stay at the temporary center. The third step will provide security deposits, rent, utilities, and incentives to tenants as well as incentives and risk mitigation services to participating landlords. The final step will utilize a $20 million bond for permanent supportive housing for the elderly, disabled and families with children and young adults.
Public meetings will take place at various locations through July and early August. For more information and the full meeting schedule go to www.dallascitynews.net/homelesssolutionsstrategy.
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