Weekly Updates 01/10-01/17

Office of Homeless Solutions Maintaining Temporary Inclement Weather Shelter

The Office of Homeless Solutions (OHS) continues to operate the Temporary Inclement Weather Shelter (TIWS) this week as frigid conditions persist. In accordance with Chapter 45 of the City Code, the shelter will remain open until overnight temperatures are forecasted to be above freezing. The following locations for TIWS sites are:

• Fair Park Grand Place, 3701 Grand Ave., Dallas, TX, 75210

Intake hours will be: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. 

• Austin Street II, 2929 Hickory St., Dallas, TX, 75226

Intake hours will be: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. 

• Fair Park Tower Building, located at 3809 Grand Ave., Dallas TX, 75210 will open on Wednesday, January 8, 2025.

Intake hours will begin at 3:30 p.m. and run through 10 p.m.

• Austin Street Center will operate the sites as the City's external partner in executing TIWS activities, providing enhanced services during TIWS.  

In addition to the above mentioned TIWS sites, individuals experiencing homelessness are encouraged to seek shelter at any of the City's existing overnight shelter provider locations. We also recognize that while best practice is to seek warm shelter, some individuals may refuse assistance. To help improve their chance of survival, cold weather packs will be available at recreational centers across the City and in bulk from OHS via [email protected].

The Office of Homeless Solutions Friends Group is recruiting volunteers to assist with the operation of the temporary inclement weather shelter. Volunteers must be 18 years of age and register HERE. Join the OHS Friends Group today and learn about all volunteer and donor opportunities. Email [email protected] for more information.

• Donate to the Office of Homeless Solutions Fund at the Communities Foundation of Texas. https://cftexas.org/donors/fund-options/city-of-dallas-office-of-homeless-solutions/

• Provide lunch or dinner for 10 employees and volunteers working at the shelter. For more information about this sponsorship opportunity, email [email protected].

Stay Safe and Prepare for Inclement Weather

As colder weather sets in, the City of Dallas is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents. For the latest updates and information on available resources, and for City of Dallas Facility Closures due to inclement weather, please visit this site regularly.

Wintry Weather Road Tips

SAFETY First! If possible, stay home. If you must venture out: know what to do HERE.

The 6^th Annual Equity Indicators Symposium- 8:30AM to 2:00PM Friday Jan. 17 Briscoe Center: Fair Park - 1403 Washington St., Dallas, TX 75210

For more information see BILINGUAL FLYERS. To register, please RSVP at https://dal.city/2025EquityIndicatorsSymposium

The City of Dallas is committed to connecting, communicating, and collaborating with stakeholders and looks forward to continued partnerships and the opportunity to share the Equity Indicators Report. For more information, please contact [email protected].

For volunteering opportunity, click HERE.

Dallas' Community Resource Hub Connects Residents with Free or Reduced-cost Services

Dallas News article highlights the City's "Community Resource Hub." The Community Resources Welcoming Hub is an online dashboard residents can access to find information, organizations, programs and services. The dashboard is divided into 10 categories: food, housing, goods, transit, health, money, care, education, work and legal. Residents can filter by ZIP code and topic to find the help they need. To read the article click HERE.

Welcome Mat 2 - People 0- Opening Night Saturday Jan. 11

"Due to weather uncertainty the production will open on Saturday January 11."

Artstillery, Dallas' pioneering experimental performance arts nonprofit organization, is set to debut its latest production, an immersive, interfaith exploration of resilience and solidarity, beginning January 11, 2025, at Fair Park's Embarcadero Building. Known for blending artistic expression with social justice, Artstillery's latest work continues the legacy of "Welcome Mat", the 2017 production that brought audiences into a transformative space of prayer, poetry, and storytelling at the Nasher Sculpture Center. For more information on the production, its performers, and Artstillery's ongoing work click HERE. For the Press Release click HERE.

Mammograms Save Lives - Jan 11 & Jan 25

Parkland's Breast Health Center is providing no-cost screening mammograms for women who live in Dallas County. If you are 40 - 74 years old and have not had a mammogram in the last 12 months, you can schedule it for one the above dates. Registration is available through this link.

Tell Us Your Story, Nominate Your Neighbor - Submission deadline extended: February 15

Who Are Our Neighbors? - an art and storytelling initiative designed to uplift and highlight extraordinary members of the Dallas community, past and present, who have crossed lines of difference to serve and better our city as bridge-builders, neighbors, leaders, and change-makers.

Bridge Builders are individuals who foster relationships across lines of difference, sometimes bridging gaps of hostility, misunderstanding, or conflict. These differences can be differences of culture, religion, socioeconomic status, language, or any other divide. Anyone can be a Bridge Builder by helping to forge connections where separation might otherwise exist. To submit a story about your civic organization, someone within it, or someone in your neighborhood whose story deserves to be celebrated and shared.

Submit a story: https://www.communityiq.org/tell-us-your-story

Questions? Contact Almas at: 214-448-8535 or [email protected]

For more information see FLYER.

Turkish Cooking Class- 5:00 to 7:00PM Saturday Jan 25

We're excited to invite you to a hands-on cooking class at the Dialogue Institute Dallas!

What's on the Menu?

Stuffed Eggplants (Vegetarian/Vegan) - A flavorful and aromatic dish featuring roasted eggplants filled with a savory vegetable medley.

Rice Pilaf - Light and fluffy rice cooked to perfection with the ideal blend of spices.

Cacik (Vegetarian) - A refreshing yogurt and cucumber dip, seasoned with garlic and fresh herbs.

Sekerpare - A traditional Turkish dessert made of semolina cookies soaked in lemon-scented syrup. For more information and to register click HERE.

Winter Home Preparation-

As the winter season has officially begun it is important to safeguard your home against damage from the cold. For more information click see BILINGUAL FLYER.

Christmas Tree Recycling

Now through February 3^rd, Dallas residents may drop off undecorated, natural Christmas trees at four locations. See attached flyer for more information.

DFW Afghan Support Center- Starts 10:00AM to 7:00PM Tuesday Jan. 14

The Texas State Refugee Coordinator invites you to an Afghan Support Center in Dallas - Fort Worth. This no cost event will provide an opportunity for Afghans to talk to staff from government agencies, a variety of service providers, and others to assist in making sure they have what they need to successfully make the United States their home. For more information see MULTILINGUAL FLYERS.

Off-Street Parking Code - Jan 16th

Off-Street Parking Code will go to City Plan Commission on Jan. 16. Learn more about Parking Code on the website at HERE or watch a video that talk about the impacts of the current parking code on a few small businesses in Dallas at https://youtu.be/SnEZeuy1w4k?si=fkzW8k4NTSJts40l.

Clarifying the Line - Jan, 22^nd

In celebration of Human Trafficking Awareness Month, Understanding the difference between labor violations, exploitation, and trafficking. Join the virtual event and learn about the nuanced differences between what is and is not considered labor trafficking. See flyer and register HERE.

City of Dallas in Honoring Dr. King's Legacy During MLK Celebration Week

The City of Dallas is set to kick off its highly anticipated MLK Celebration Week on January 10, 2025. Organized by the Office of Community Care & Empowerment, HELP, Workforce Solutions, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and a coalition of community partners, this annual week-long event offers residents an opportunity to honor and reflect on the life and enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Presented by JBJ Management, Matthews, and HJ Russell, MLK Week 2025 is packed with meaningful events designed to inspire action, unity, and remembrance. Activities include a Candle Lighting Ceremony, a Community Clean-up, a Day of Reflection, Prayer and Dedication, a Job Fair, the Equity Indicators Symposium, a Multicultural Showcase, and the prestigious Scholarship & Awards Gala. The week culminates with the beloved MLK Day Parade on Saturday, January 18.

For more information on the week's events and to purchase tickets, visit 2025 MLK Celebration Week | The Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center.

Age Friendly Estate Planning- 6:00 to 7:30PM Monday Jan. 27

The Office of Community Care presents this age-friendly estate planning event for older adults 60+. This is a practical estate planning workshop to help avoid probate. Topics covered include: transfer on death deeds, Lady Bird deeds, Advanced Directives/living wills, and more. For more information see BILINGUAL FLYERS.

Keep Dallas Beautiful: Community Clean Trash-Off- 7:00 to 11:00AM Saturday Jan. 11

Get rid of your bulk items, hazardous waste, tires, and documents for shredding. All services provided by Code are free for those who attend. For more information click HERE.

FREE Citizenship Workshop - Jan. 11^th, 9am

Catholic Charities of Dallas will be hosting a free legal help with citizenship application. They will help you prepare a fee waiver request if you receive public benefits. More information HERE.

Keep Dallas Beautiful: Waste In Place - Jan. 16^th 4-5pm

The Waste In Place program is an educational outreach program that educates students about litter prevention, solid waste management and recycling. More information HERE.

The 2025 Point-in-Time Count- Thursday night Jan. 23

Housing Forward needs volunteers on January 23rd to engage with our unhoused neighbors during the 2025 Point-in-Time (PIT) count. Volunteers are truly making a difference by participating in the count and contributing to our efforts to address homelessness in our community. Register today! The Point-in-Time count is an annual census of our unhoused neighbors, a requirement under Federal Law, helps communities understand the extent of homelessness, changing trends, and the measure of their success.

Call for Artists - Application Deadline January 30, 2025

The Public Art Program of the City of Dallas Office of Arts and Culture invites submissions for this request for qualifications from professional artists to design, fabricate and install an outdoor public art piece. The goal is to engage library patrons and staff of all ages and backgrounds, and spark curiosity and interest. This artwork should convey peacefulness and playfulness, and address local history, nature and/or education in this beautiful green space. The artwork should complement the existing contemporary library building surrounded by mature trees and its xeriscape, native landscaping. We positively encourage interactive art installations that include a seating or play component. For more information click HERE.

For a list of other Grants and Calls click HERE.

American School System Orientation in Dari- 11:00AM Monday Jan. 13

Vickery Meadow Youth Development Foundation is hosting this essential workshop, in Dari, to help Afghan students and their families succeed by understanding the American School system. For more information see BILINGUAL FLYER.

Personal Branding Series: Resume Review and Headshot - Jan 16th

Get a second opinion on your resume and have a professional photo taken. One of our staff members will review your resume and go over it with you. Laptops will be provided for the duration of the program. Bring a hard printed copy on the day of our workshop, or have it ready to be printed in the Library. Resumes should be in Microsoft Word (.word) or PDF (.pdf) format. If you're applying for a specific job post, role, or industry, please include that, too. Headshot photos will be sent to your email address. With a Dallas Public Library card, you can also use the online Brain Fuse Job Now resource (link) to consult with a live expert and access other career-building resources.  More information HERE.

Community Wellness Orientation - January 24th

Texas Refugee Wellness is hosting a Community Wellness Orientation on January 24^th at 12:30pm-3:30pm. Strengthen your skills in fostering resilience and promoting wellness in diverse communities. Register HERE.

Mental Health First Aid - January 31st

Learn to identify, understand, and respond to signs and symptoms of mental health challenges. Hosted by Texas Refugee Wellness on January 31^st @ 8:30am-4:30pm. Register HERE.

Mental Health Series - Feb 4^th through April 15^th

Owenwood Farm and Neighbor Space will partner with Avance to offer a series of mental education! The series will be in Spanish only. Feel free to use the following link to register. More information HERE.

Tourism and Hospitality Internship Opportunity- Summer 2025

Dallas Convention & Event Services Dept. announces the Tourism and Hospitality Internship Program. The City of Dallas is one of the largest employers in the DFW Metroplex. We offer growth opportunities and a chance to make a difference in our community. Becoming an intern, city temp, or part-time employee at the city opens the opportunity to apply for new full time job opportunities where you would be eligible to the below benefits. For more information click HERE and see FLYER.

The Office of Equity & Inclusion

Our mission is to advance equity, inclusion, and social justice so all Dallasites can thrive. The office relies on the use of disaggregated data, community outreach, and resident voices to support the City of Dallas in understanding and addressing disparities to improve outcomes for all residents. Below are the four divisions of the Office of Equity & Inclusion. Click on them to learn more.

1) Welcoming Communities & Immigrant Affairs-

Promotes the economic, civic, and social engagement of immigrants and refugees residingin Dallas.

2) Fair Housing-

Further fair housing through community outreach and addressing systemicbarriers to fair resource distribution, access to services, and opportunities. It also properly investigateshousing discrimination complaints.

3) Equity-

Reduces disparities and increases opportunities for all residents by providing the necessary resources and services to thrivein each person's own unique identities, circumstances, and histories.

4) Human Rights-

Promotes social justice and ensures equitableaccess to services among Dallas' diverse communities.

City of Dallas Calendar & Events

Did you know that the City of Dallas has a public calendar with updated events? For a complete listing of the City's calendar and events click HERE. Save it in your favorites for easy access!

City of Dallas Communications and Customer Service/311 (CCX)

Dallas 311: Service Request

Dallas 311 allows City of Dallas residents and visitors to request City services. Submit and track your service request on the website or by downloading the Dallas 311 mobile app. Create a free login account and view detailed service request updates online or via the mobile app.

Dallas Police Department

The Police Department is dedicated to serving the people of Dallas and strives to reduce crime and provide a safe city. The hotline: 877-373-8477.

Water Utilities

Customers with questions regarding their account may contact DWU Customer Service at 214-651-1441 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. For questions regarding DallasGo, customers may read FAQs at Dallas.gov/DallasGo or email their inquiries to [email protected]. Check the website for more information.

Sanitation Services

The Department of Sanitation Services is all about Keeping Our Dallas Neighborhoods Clean and Clutter Free. Check the website for more information.

Animal Services

Our vision is to lead the nation in compassionate care of animals while finding positive outcomes for all placeable pets through innovative shelter operations and community engagement. Check the website for more information.

Employment Opportunities

The City of Dallas is one of the largest employers in the DFW Metroplex. We offer growth opportunities and a chance to make a difference in our community. Join our diverse workforce and help us in providing excellent service to the residents of Dallas while building a rewarding career. Check the website for more information.

Planning & Development

This site is for all your zoning, permits, inspections and more.

Code Compliance

The City of Dallas Code Compliance Department consists of three divisions: Neighborhood Code, Nuisance Abatement, and Consumer Health. Code Compliance ensures city codes, and ordinances are maintained, so Dallas continues to be a clean and safe city. Code Compliance does this by working with neighborhoods by providing education and building partnerships with non-profits, neighborhood associations, and other City of Dallas departments.

Dallas Public Library

Limitless possibilities start with Dallas Public Library. Our mission is to strengthen communities and build equity by connecting people, inspiring curiosity and advancing lives.

Office of Arts & Culture

The City of Dallas Office of Arts and Culture (OAC) fosters support, partnerships, and opportunities for Dallas residents, visitors, artists, and arts and cultural organizations.

Office of Community Care

The Office of Community Care (OCC) provides direction and oversight of the City's social, human, and supportive services to help create equity for seniors, children, and other city of Dallas residents to improve their quality and standard of living.

Office of Homeless Solutions

The Office of Homeless Solutions was designed to be the change agents in the homeless community. With the help of partnering organizations and community members like you, we offer strategic initiatives and street outreach to overcome homelessness throughout the city by implementing initiatives with consistency, transparency, and accountability. Our innovative solutions ensure our homeless neighbors receive food, shelter, housing, help to overcome barriers, and opportunities for a better life. We seek to provide public and private partners with the tools, resources, and opportunities to join the cause and help unsheltered individuals in our community.

Boards & Commissions

The Mayor and City Council are​ very interested in you serving as a member of a City of Dallas Board or Commission. As an interested resident and community leader, you can provide invaluable service to the City of Dallas through your membership​​ and participation. Board and Commission members volunteer many hours annually sharing their time and expertise and enjoy learning more about the City through their membership.