Engaging Homelessness
On a single night in the US in 2020 there were 580,466 people experiencing homelessness.
In Dallas County that number is 4,471 people and in Irving that number is in the hundreds. These people, our homeless neighbors, represent a cross-section of America. They are associated with every region of the country, family status, gender category, and racial/ethnic group.
At Christ Church people are important to us, wherever they are in life. Families and individuals are struggling more than ever during this age of Covid-19 and difficult economic times. We want, where we can, to help people through the tough times in their life. With that in mind, we have multiple opportunities to reach out and help those homeless neighbors in our community.
REAL PEOPLE, REAL SOLUTIONS
For those with a heart for our homeless neighbors in Irving but who aren’t sure how to help. This was a study presented via Zoom in October 2020 led by Dustin Perkins, Director of Programing at Austin Street Center for the homeless in Dallas as well as Chairman of the Dallas Homeless Continuum of Care Assembly and Vice Chairman of the Metro Dallas Homeless Alliance (MDHA) Board of Directors.
What is Homelessness?
Engaging Homelessness: Real People, Real Solutions | Session 1
Homelessness is a Housing Problem
Engaging Homelessness: Real People, Real Solutions | Session 2
10 Ways to End Homelessness
Engaging Homelessness: Real People, Real Solutions | Session 3
What Can I Do?
Engaging Homelessness: Real People, Real Solutions | Session 4
ENGAGING TEEN HOMELESSNESS | Hope for Tomorrow
Each year, in our country, an estimated 4.2 million youth and young adults experience homelessness. 700,000 are unaccompanied minors, meaning they are not a part of a family or in the company of a parent or adult. 1 in 10 young adults ages 18 to 25 and at least 1 in 30 adolescents ages 13 to 17 experience some form of homelessness over the course of a year. In our own city of Irving, TX hundreds of teenagers will be forced to live without a place to call home.
Brought to you by Level Pathways and the Irving Community Action Network, this roundtable explores the tragedy that is occurring all around us. Hosted by Christ Church the panel guests include Dr. Lori Davis, President and Bob Harris, Executive Director of Level Pathways; Keri Stitt, President and CEO of Youth180; Sofia Galvan, Director of At-Risk & Responsive Services at Irving ISD and moderator Dustin Perkins, Sr. Director of Client Solutions & Strategy at Austin Street Center in Dallas.
OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE
Many Helping Hands
Christ Church partners with Many Helping Hands by serving as one of 18 churches preparing and serving dinner for our homeless neighbors quarterly on Thursday nights. For more information on volunteer opportunities with this ministry.
Family Promise
Family Promise is a faith-based, non-profit that assists children and their families who have lost or are at risk of losing their housing. They help by providing food, community resources, and encouragement through a network of volunteers. Christ Church partners with Family Promise several times a year and during those times multiple volunteer opportunities are available. For more information on volunteer opportunities with this ministry.
Level Pathways
Level Pathways works to provide a safe, secure, and nurturing environment in which homeless youth attending school can live, learn, graduate, and develop into productive citizens. For more information on volunteer opportunities with this ministry
Irving Homeless Inclement Weather Shelter
Irving Homeless Inclement Weather Shelter In the city of Irving, TX, during the winter season of 2021-22, on any day when the forecasted temperature low is expected to fall to 32 degrees or below the Irving Community Action Network (ICAN) will implement its Inclement Weather Plan (IWP). The purpose of the Inclement Weather Plan (IWP) is to provide an emergency shelter for Irving street homeless living without a warm, dry, and safe place to escape the weather extremes. For the 2021-22 winter season, the emergency shelter will be located at Christ Church 1750 E. Airport Freeway, Irving TX 75062. It will be housed in a 6,000 sq. ft. warehouse facility w/men’s and women’s restrooms, showers and lockers. It also includes plenty of space for our guests, including cots, intake, meal service, storage, etc. For more information on how to volunteer or help financially with the Inclement Weather Shelter
Crisis Ministries
Crisis Ministries assists individuals and families in crisis by meeting many of their physical and spiritual needs. They also offer food and assistance to our homeless friends in Irving. For more information on volunteer opportunities with this ministry
OPPORTUNITIES TO PARTNER WITH US
I CAN HELP!
I CAN HELP! Are you available to help someone move into a new apartment? How about short-term childcare or tutoring? Can you help with transportation? Can you provide a meal? There are so many ways to help. If you have gifts, abilities or just a little time that could be a help with one of our homeless families in need let us know, click the link below. We will contact you as needs arise.
I Have Items to Donate
Do you have gently used furniture available to donate to a family. We can’t store the items but if you’re willing to partner we have a number of families that would make good use of your items. Take pictures of the items and then contact Steve Allen by clicking on the link below. He’ll help find your furniture a good home or connect you with a local non-profit that can.
Currently, Christ Church does not take clothing donations. If you have clothing to donate, please contact Bear Creek Community Church, 2700 Finley Road, Irving, Texas 75062 (972) 257-0206