DALLAS (WBAP/KLIF)- For over a decade, OurCalling has been serving the most vulnerable, the unsheltered homeless population. Now the faith-based Dallas nonprofit looks to change how these men and women are identified – from “unsheltered homeless population” to “neighbor.”
OurCalling announced a $12.6 million capital campaign geared towards purchasing and rehabbing a facility that will transform into housing for the city’s most vulnerable men and women.
The housing facility, which will be located in Dallas, will be modeled after an assisted-living center with a wealth of wrap-around services available to homeless men and women, including full food service, medical and mental health treatment, counseling, job training, discipleship, and a community planner to ensure a fun and engaging environment for previously homeless residents to enjoy.
Housing for the homeless has been in the heart and a longtime vision of Wayne Walker, the founder, executive director and pastor of OurCalling.
“We began dreaming about this years ago,” said Walker. “This housing plan is designed to give its residents more than just a space to live. It is a place to become healthy and grow in the community. It is a place to relax and to play, to connect with vital physical health resources, and a place to experience and grow in faith.”
OurCalling recently garnered national attention after its efforts – protecting the men and women living on the streets, under bridges and in encampments – during Texas’ most devastating storm in history.
Days before the massive winter storm hit, OurCalling conducted rapid COVID-19 testing on individuals and placed them into temporary shelters. However, as the enormity of the winter blast became evident, Walker and his team took drastic action and asked the City of Dallas to open the massive Kay Baily Hutchison Convention Center.
Partnering with the City, OurCalling devoted its own financial resources, along with funds from other homeless organizations and donors, and committed to handle the preparations, intake and round-the-clock operations. A couple hundred appreciative men and women arrived that first night (Feb. 12), and the number has now grown to approximately 1,000, thanks to the daily “search-and-rescue” efforts bringing people in from the deadly cold. OurCalling also is providing three meals a day, along with key medical and other services.
The nonprofit’s endeavors even attracted the attention of Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott and Texas actor Matthew McConaughey, who donated funds to buy meals.
To donate and learn more, go to OurCalling.org/home.
