End Panhandling Now Campaign

It’s a problem in every city.

The City of Dallas is committed to educating the public on ways to effectively assist those in need with the “End Panhandling Now” campaign. It can be confusing to know what to do when a person appears to be in need asks you for money. This campaign equips the public with information needed to offer the most appropriate assistance.

Dallas is full of compassionate and charitable citizens, but to end panhandling we have to end giving directly to people panhandling. The goal of the campaign is to decrease giving to panhandlers by educating the public about the public safety and public health impacts it creates and instead support organizations and services that provide long-lasting care. It is a collaborative effort between the Office of Community Care, Dallas Police Department, Public Affairs and Outreach, 311, and the Office of Homeless Solutions.

An overview of the proposed project was presented to the Public Safety and Criminal Justice Committee on February 26, 2018.

To learn more visit 

 

The post End Panhandling Now Campaign appeared first on Dallas City News.

source http://www.dallascitynews.net/end-panhandling-now-campaign

Library’s Homeless Coordinator focused on connecting with people

For Suzanne Glover, being the Dallas Public Library’s Homeless Coordinator is sort of like being in a big family in the middle of a big city.  “I like that homeless patrons often treat me more like a friend or family member; I’m not just someone telling them what to do or where they’re allowed to be,” said Glover.

Glover began a 25-plus year career in clinical counseling in her senior year in high school in Kansas City. “The school had a new drug abuse program and one of my teachers asked me to help. They knew I had a rocky childhood, but they also knew that I had managed to stay away from drugs and would be able to relate to the kids in the group. That started my career as a counselor,” she said.

After serving in the U.S. Navy, she earned a bachelor’s degree from Park University in Kansas City and a master’s degree in Community Counseling from Argosy College in Dallas. Jobs as a Qualified Mental Health Professional at Metrocare in Dallas and as Intake Triage Counselor at The Bridge followed, before she came to the Central Library in June 2017.

Glover said about 400 persons experiencing homelessness come to the Downtown Library every day. “A big part of my job is listening to people who don’t have a support system and find themselves on the streets for a variety of reasons. And they need someone to steer them back, get them on course and help them figure out what to do.”

Glover is focused on strengthening the relationships the library has with its community partners; relationships that are critical to getting the right assistance to those who need it. A new person experiencing homelessness walks into the Central Library just about every day, she said, and they usually have no idea where to start.

“That’s why our partnerships are so important,” Glover said, “When someone comes to me for help, I can then be a connection between the library and whatever this person needs, whether it’s shelter, counseling for substance abuse or getting reconnected with family and friends.”

Glover is also connecting every day with regular patrons at the Downtown Library. About two months ago, she started a volunteer program, now consisting of four people who are currently experiencing homelessness, who work the Help Desk and assist with some of the Homeless Engagement programs.

“These volunteers are giving back; providing information to people who are new to The Bridge, assisting with our Coffee and Conversation program, and making the rounds with me to greet and talk to people around the library,” she said. The volunteers can use this experience to build a resume that will hopefully lead to finding a job.

And there are other success stories in the short time she’s been at the library.

For one homeless patron, learning time management led to becoming gainfully employed. “He was struggling; not finishing tasks and he really just needed to learn how to manage his time.

“Two months of attending our Managing Mondays program helped him develop those skills and he was able to find a job,” Glover said.

“I was so happy when he called to say he couldn’t attend our Managing Mondays meeting because he had to be at work! And he asked for some help on budgeting his first paycheck. That was a proud moment for me, and really shows the value of the Homeless Engagement Program here at the library.”

So how has the face of homelessness changed over the years?

“To me, I think what has changed is that more people in more communities are really sympathetic and are making more of an effort to understand the issues involved; such as substance and alcohol abuse, mental illness and depression; and they want to help,” she said.

Glover said the library will also continue to provide social connections for all who visit, such as Coffee & Conversation, Game Day and Thursday Classic Movies. “Sometimes a social gathering is what a person needs, just to get them through the day,” she said.

“And I’m always glad to be a part of that day.”

The post Library’s Homeless Coordinator focused on connecting with people appeared first on Dallas City News.

source http://www.dallascitynews.net/librarys-homeless-coordinator-focused-connecting-people

Last Chance to Participate in Annual Budget Survey

You only have a few days left to participate in Dallas’ FY 2018-19 Budget Survey. The survey allows residents to share their opinion on how their tax dollars should be used. Survey participants will use exercises, including ranking city services, to tell city leaders how their tax dollars should be spent.  The survey runs through May 12 and will only take a few minutes to complete. Contact the Office of Budget to request a paper survey by calling 214-670-3659.

Link to online survey:  

The post Last Chance to Participate in Annual Budget Survey appeared first on Dallas City News.

source http://www.dallascitynews.net/last-chance-participate-annual-budget-survey

Dallas celebrates Asian Pacific Heritage Month

May is Asian Pacific Heritage Month, which pays tribute to generations of Asian and Pacific Islanders and their cultures, traditions, and history in the United States. The Association of Asian American City Employees (AAACE) are hosting events which highlight and celebrates the uniqueness of Asian culture.

Tuesday, May 8 – DISCOVER ASIA – 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Dallas City Hall, Lobby

The Dallas City Hall lobby will take visitors on a trip to different regions of the Asian continent. This exciting exhibition will offer visitors the opportunity to learn about Asian culture, religion, crafts, traditional dress and more.

Thursday, May 10 – FILIPINO DANCE – 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. – Dallas City Hall, Lobby

The Maharlika Dance Group of North Texas will perform a traditional Filipino Cultural Performance.

Thursday, May 24 – ASIAN CULTURAL PERFORMANCE – 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. –  Dallas Love Field

 Thursday, May 31 – HONORING CHINA – 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. – Dallas City Hall, Flag Room

The International Pageant & Culture Foundation will host a Chinese culture showcase at the Flag Room.

The post Dallas celebrates Asian Pacific Heritage Month appeared first on Dallas City News.

source http://www.dallascitynews.net/dallas-celebrates-asian-pacific-heritage-month

New Dangerous Dog Task Force Meeting Scheduled

Dallas Animal Services  (DAS) encourages responsible pet ownership through continued education and outreach efforts. In an effort to address the issue of dangerous dogs, DAS and the Animal Advisory Commission are hosting a series of Dangerous Dog Task Force Meetings. Feedback from the public is strongly encouraged. The times and dates of the meetings are below.

• Thursday, May 17, 2018; 3:30 pm; location is at City Hall, L1FN Auditorium (Regularly scheduled meeting)
• Tuesday, May 22, 2018; 5:30 pm; J. Erik Jonsson Central Library, 5th Fl. (new)

There will be an open microphone during the meetings for citizen feedback.  For more information, call Dallas Animal Services at 214-670-6800

 

The post New Dangerous Dog Task Force Meeting Scheduled appeared first on Dallas City News.

source http://www.dallascitynews.net/new-dangerous-dog-task-force-meeting-scheduled

Register Now to participate in Operation Beautification

Spring is usually when people do a little spring cleaning inside the home, but what about taking the time to clean up outside the home? That’s the idea behind Operation Beautification. The City of Dallas is encouraging neighborhood, religious, community, school and business groups to participate in a citywide Spring cleanup on Saturday, May 19. Registration for Operation Beautification begins today and ends May 14. It’s all part of an effort to keep our neighborhoods looking clean and green as well as foster civic engagement through community-led cleanups in our neighborhoods.

“We’ve made a positive impression on individuals that “hang out” outside the local convenience stores,” said Tiffany Haley, Pleasant Grove “A community striving to Thrive” Neighborhood Association. “Our community looked so much better after the clean-up and you could see the appreciation in the face of residents. We made a difference!”

The City coordinates with participating groups to provide free out-of-schedule trash collection for neighborhoods that choose to join this special event. Limited assistance with trash bags, gloves, and returnable litter sticks are available for neighborhood organizations on a first-come, first served basis.

Registering to participate is as easy as 1-2-3!

1. Select an area you want to clean
2. Register before May 14 by calling 311 or email dallas311@dallascityhall.com
3. Grab your friends on May 19 and head out to beautify your neighborhood.

For questions, call (214) 671-8900 or email neighborhoodvitality@dallascityhall.com

To see a list of the groups currently signed up, visit

FAQs

The post Register Now to participate in Operation Beautification appeared first on Dallas City News.

source http://www.dallascitynews.net/register-now-participate-operation-beautification

Street closures planned for Saturday, May 5

The Dallas Police Department has announced street closures for Saturday, May 5 downtown around City Hall and the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas.

Young Street between Ervay and Griffin Streets, and South Akard Street between Canton and Young Streets will be closed 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday. Additional closures will be made as needed for safety.

Additionally, temporary street closures will be in place Friday, May 4 for dignitary travel.

The post Street closures planned for Saturday, May 5 appeared first on Dallas City News.

source http://www.dallascitynews.net/street-closures-planned-saturday-may-5