Housing

Dallas Is Launching a 'Panhandling Database,' and Advocates Are Concerned

Dallas Is Launching a 'Panhandling Database,' and Advocates Are Concerned

Dallas City Council Pushes ‘Compassion Plus Enforcement’ for Panhandlers

Dallas City Council Pushes ‘Compassion Plus Enforcement’ for Panhandlers

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Should Dallas Pay the Homeless to Pick Up Trash?

By Jacob Vaughn
Oct 22, 2021

In February, Dallas considered a program to hire panhandlers for different jobs around the city. Across the country, cities are doing something similar, paying the homeless to pick up trash.
Delayed Rental Assistance Could Make Evictions in Dallas Much Worse

By Michael Murney
Oct 14, 2021

She didn't like it, but in July Melanie Green swallowed her pride and asked the government to help pay her rent. “I’ve always been a Texan, never one to mooch off the system,” she said. “I’m a single parent, but if you were to check the state of Texas’ websites,...
Dallas Has a New Plan to Reduce Homelessness. Critics Say It's Destined To Fail.

By Michael Murney
Sep 24, 2021

Ellen Magnis fears what's to come. She leads Family Gateway Inc., an affordable housing nonprofit in Dallas, and says the number of people coming to them for help has skyrocketed in recent months. “Immediately, when we get someone into shelter, the first step is figuring out their exit strategy,” Magnis...
Texas' New Camping Ban May Make Life Worse for Dallas' Homeless

By Jacob Vaughn
Sep 14, 2021

Gov. Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton sent a joint letter to the Texas Association of Counties, the Texas Municipal League and cities across the state, reminding them all that the ban must be enforced.
North Texas Yet Again Dominates List of Best Places To Buy a Home

By Simone Carter
Sep 8, 2021

Four North Texas towns made it to the top 10 of a list of best places to buy a home.
Fighting the Marvin Nichols Reservoir Could Take Lifetimes

By Jacob Vaughn
Aug 10, 2021

The fight against the Marvin Nichols Reservoir is one Northeast Texas residents have had to instill in their kids. It's been going on for decades and shows no signs of stopping.
Dallas Tries to Tackle Digital Divide

By Jacob Vaughn
Aug 9, 2021

The city and the Dallas Independent School District commissioned CTC Technology & Energy to develop a Broadband and Digital Equity Strategic Plan. A draft of this plan presented to the City Council on Wednesday shows how big the problem is and ways Dallas can fix it.
In North Texas, Tens of Thousands Face Eviction As Moratorium Expires

By Jacob Vaughn
Aug 4, 2021

Sixteen percent of Dallas renters are behind on payments and now face eviction, according to a study Surgo Ventures, a nonprofit organization focused on health and social issues.
In Dallas' Floral Farms, Residents Feel Under Attack

By Jacob Vaughn
Aug 2, 2021

Recent complaints by residents were an attempt to clean up Floral Farms. But, after code compliance swept the area, residents received complaints directed at their properties for things like incorrect placement of trash bins.
Communities in Dallas Formed a Coalition for Neighborhood Self-Determination

By Jacob Vaughn
Jun 28, 2021

Dallas neighborhoods are setting up plans for the future of their communities. Will the city listen to them?
It May Have Taken Weeks for a Dead Man to Be Found in a North Dallas Apartment

By Steven Monacelli
Jun 24, 2021

Tenants suspect that a dead body was left to rot in their Dallas apartment complex for weeks. Even after its removal, the smell lingers.
More Housing Vouchers Are Coming to Texas. Will Landlords Accept Them?

By Jacob Vaughn
May 19, 2021

Dallas is getting about housing vouchers 1,100 thanks to funds from the Biden Administration's American Rescue Plan.
Can a Neighborhood-Led Plan Curb Gentrification in West Dallas?

By Jacob Vaughn
May 17, 2021

The Trinity Park Conservancy, West Dallas 1, Downwinders at Risk and SMU Budd Center partnered to develop the West Dallas Community Vision Plan in collaboration with residents and community leaders.
With a Record Number of Homeless in North Texas, Black People Remain Overrepresented

By Jacob Vaughn
May 14, 2021

The findings of the census were presented during the 2021 State of Homelessness Address on Tuesday.
How the Lincoln Katy Trail Project Could Upend Life for a Blind Resident

By Jacob Vaughn
May 4, 2021

For about the last five years, Brittany King has been fighting to preserve her way of life, threatened by a development that was up for a final City Council vote last week.
Ethics Complaint Against Dallas City Plan Commissioner Wayne Garcia Dismissed

By Jacob Vaughn
Apr 22, 2021

The complaint alleged several violations of the city’s code of ethics in regards to a business deal he signed onto with two opponents of a zoning case in his district.
For Dallas' Homeless, Getting a Stimulus Check Is No Easy Task

By Steven Monacelli
Apr 7, 2021

The city's homeless population could use the relief, but getting their hands on a stimulus check has proven a tough task.
Oak Cliff Residents Say Potential Zoning Changes Threaten 180 Homes

By Jacob Vaughn
Mar 31, 2021

Oak Cliff residents say there has not been enough community outreach regarding potential zoning changes that could affect 180 working class family homes.
Katy Trail High Rise Up For City Council Vote Again Despite Neighborhood Opposition

By Jacob Vaughn
Mar 29, 2021

Oak Lawn community members said Lincoln Property Company didn't care about their concerns about a project being proposed in their neighborhood.
Texas Bills Target Homeless by Proposing Class C Misdemeanor for Camping

By Jacob Vaughn
Mar 25, 2021

If either bill passes, the homeless campers could get charged with a Class C misdemeanor. Additionally, cities that take steps to discourage or reduce enforcement of the law may be disqualified from receiving state grants and funding.