DFW has a goal to end chronic homelessness by the year 2014.

Based on the last 2007 count, DFW has an estimated 5,000 homeless people. Of the total, 600 are considered chronic homeless, meaning these are the people on the streets long-term suffering from mental illness or addictions. Sad really. To think these people aren’t getting the medical treatment they need to get back on their feet.

Until now (well March ’08 really), the Metro Dallas Homeless Alliance (http://www.mdhatx.net/index.htm) will build a Dallas Homeless Center downtown to help end C.H. The Dallas Center will allow homeless individuals to move off the streets and it will provide the medical care (mental health and substance abuse) needed. The center will give homeless individuals a future.

This week, the Metro Dallas Homeless Alliance launched a $20 million campaign to raise private funds to help cover operating costs. It’s estimated to cost $6.4 million a year to operate…that’s a lot of fund raising. Fortunately, the city will pay half that and the county will pay another cool $1 mil. With $3.5 already in the bank…this campaign can be considered a great success!