Dallas creates task force to fight homelessness

DALLAS – Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson announced Thursday the creation of a new task force to reduce the number of homeless people in the city.

The team will work with nonprofits and medical groups to find affordable housing options, including apartments or tiny houses.

Much attention will be paid to the health and safety of people who live in tents along busy roads, as well as those who behave erratically in public places.

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“We have to solve this problem,” Mayor Johnson said.

The chairman of the Dallas Housing Authority knows this will be a daunting task.

She needed to find a way to keep her grown son off the streets.

“Every time I see one of these people living on the street, I know that someone somewhere is trying to help them, but they have the right to refuse it,” Betty Culbreath said.

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The working group is expected to present its recommendations on 15 June.

The mayor hopes this will lead to a regional effort involving other cities facing similar challenges.