Community Life
The Problem:
There are over 5,000 chronically homeless individuals in Dallas County. Consistent studies have shown that 85% of homeless individuals are able to stabilize their lives when connected with permanent housing and supportive services.
Our Unique Response:
CityWalk is a unique 200-unit apartment complex comprised of a mixture of formerly homeless, at-risk of homelessness, and others who have minimal incomes but benefit from having downtown housing with easy transportation access. We provide permanent housing for our neighbors, many of whom have been in multiple transitional settings over the years. Our Community Life Department works with individuals to assist with case management and capacity building. We provide concierge services through our front desk and offer various classes based around the needs and interests expressed by our community. Our efforts focus on the holistic person and encompass ten components to help people move forward:
- Motivation and Taking Responsibility
- Self-Care and Living Skills
- Managing Money
- Social Network and Relationships
- Drug and Alcohol Misuse
- Physical Health
- Emotional and Mental Health
- Meaningful Use of Time
- Managing Tenancy and Accommodation
- Offending
We take a holistic approach to people and work to connect them with available resources offered inside CityWalk, within CitySquare, as well as within the greater Dallas area.
Our Biggest Challenge:
Our Senior neighbors,including those with disabilities,have limited income and no real opportunity to increase their income. One of our biggest challenges is helping our neighbors develop life plans to allow them to stretch meager incomes in a way that provides basic needs as well as connect them with opportunities to make their lives manageable and meaningful.
Our Effectiveness:
Our goal is to connect the CityWalk community to resources and assist our neighbors in setting goals to help them move forward. However, because we recognize the strength and ability to solve problems lies in the community, we work to connect the community to each other so that they can learn from each others' knowledge and resources. By connecting neighbors with one another, they begin tor ealize that the power lies within themselves.
To donate to CitySquare’s Community Life programming, click here.
