PSA | OurCalling

“We’re inviting Dallas and the nation to look deeper, to see people for who they are, and to change the way we respond. Conversations matter. When we change how we talk about our neighbors living on the streets, our response changes, and lives are saved.”

-Wayne Walker, CEO and Pastor at OurCalling

Every conversation matters. When we take the time to listen, ask questions, and see people as neighbors made in God’s image, assumptions are challenged and perspectives change. Sharing accurate information and resources about homelessness with friends, family, and our community helps break down fear and inspires action.

This page also explores the myths and realities of homelessness, highlights opportunities to meet our neighbors, and shows how you can become an advocate in creating effective change. Even small steps, like sharing a story, volunteering, or pointing someone to help, can change someone’s life forever.

The Truth About Homelessness

"They Choose to Live On the Streets"

Homelessness is never a choice. People end up on the streets because a crisis occurs, and they don’t have the resources or community support to get through it.
And they stay on the streets because options are limited, promises aren’t kept, and the barriers to getting and staying out of homelessness are complex and challenging.

"Homeless People Don't Want to Work"

Nearly half of the people experiencing homelessness are employed. However, low wages, rising costs, and other challenges often make it difficult to find and maintain affordable, stable housing. Many of those who are unemployed cannot maintain a job due to life-controlling issues, including medical conditions, disabilities, severe mental health challenges, or addiction, that must be addressed first.

"Most Homeless People Are Addicts"

While many people experiencing homelessness face substance use challenges, addiction is often a response to the trauma, isolation, and stress of life on the streets, not the reason someone becomes homeless. Only 23% of the people we have served this year struggle with an addiction. Mental and physical health struggles, cycles of abuse, and lack of supportive community also contribute.

"They can go stay in shelters"

Most shelters in DFW are full night after night, and very few new beds have been added in the past decade. The need far outpaces the available space, leaving many neighbors without a safe place to sleep.

What We See

67%

of Homeless Neighbors Have a Mental Health Disorder

60%

Live With at Least One Chronic Health Condition

43

is the Average Age of Death for a Homeless Woman

10,000

Neighbors Experiencing Homelessness in DFW (approximate)

100%

Guests Have Experienced Trauma

53%

of Homeless Neighbors Were Employed Prior to Homelessness

9%

of the Neighbors We Serve are Veterans

6

Shelters and approximately 2,500 Beds in DFW

Our Solutions

Immediate Support

We meet neighbors where they are, providing essential care such as meals, showers, and shelter, while welcoming everyone with dignity, respect, and compassion.

Personalized Pathways

Every journey is unique. We walk alongside neighbors with tailored strategies, addressing barriers to stability, rebuilding trust, and fostering lasting transformation.

Innovation for Transformation

Through technology, holistic care, and faith-centered guidance, we go beyond temporary solutions to help neighbors heal, reconnect with community, and thrive in lasting, healthy environments.

The Heart of Our Work

What sets us apart is simple but powerful: we believe that lasting transformation happens through Jesus and through the people He calls—the Body of Christ—working together to love our neighbors with compassion and dignity. True change, freedom from homelessness, hope in hardship, and purpose in life come when our neighbors encounter Christ and walk alongside His Church. Guided by His Spirit and powered by innovative approaches, we combine faith-driven care with practical, personalized solutions that meet immediate needs and create lasting pathways out of homelessness. Everything we do is rooted in helping people live in community, grow in Christ, and experience His love firsthand.

What’s Next?

This campaign, Change the Conversation and Change Lives, invites the Dallas community to see neighbors experiencing homelessness with dignity, hope, and compassion. Advocacy isn’t just about action; it starts with understanding, compassion, and changing how our community talks about and responds to homelessness.

By learning, sharing, and humanizing our neighbors, you help shift perceptions and create real change.

Change the Conversation and Change Lives