Homeless Gatherings Increasing in First Presbyterian Church Parking Lot in Dallas, Texas

First Presbyterian Church, located at Harwood St. and 1900 Blk wood St., in downtown Dallas seems to be a homeless refuge camp. Around 200+ people sleep around the churches property and parking lot with zero security heightening safety concerns.

The church, which is located two blocks from the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library in Dallas, has temporarily granted permission for homeless patrons to sleep on the church property until city funds and grants are approved.

A Dallas City Council meeting is scheduled for December 26th, 2007 which will decide the fate of these people. Council members proposed the idea to move people sleeping at the First Presbyterian Church into "pay-to-stay" shelters, such as the Dallas Life Foundation and Salvation Army.

City grants and funds, as well as private grants from individuals, plus tax dollars would give these people a second chance at life by paying their way to stay at these types of shelters which would include room and board. The funding would also cover the cost of armed security and Dallas Police presence.

On December 26th, City Council members will vote to either reject or pass the proposal. Dallas County has already approved the Day Resource Center, located at 901 S. Ervay St., to become a temporary shelter for the homeless until the new Resource Center opens in 2008, which will house 400 people for free. Dallas County homeless census has been estimated at around 6,000 and continually growing daily/ weekly.

This comes in light of a federal law awaiting confirmation to limit the amount of food, clothing and funding to homeless Americans. One church in Dallas is working to fight that perhaps soon to be federal regulation. The name of that church in the lawful battle is BigHeart Ministries. In this reporter's opinion that type of federal regulation seems harsh and unfair to those whom have nothing at all.

BigHeart Ministries conducts meals throughout the holiday season and the next scheduled event will take place on December 1st at the Dallas city hall. All people of all ages are welcome to volunteer and to also join for the feast and festivities.