Fighting Homelessness

This Pride Month, we recognize that LGBTQIA+ individuals are at a significantly higher risk of experiencing homelessness.
Studies estimate that LGBTQIA+ people are 120% more likely to experience homelessness, yet 42% of homelessness organizations do not specfically address LGBTQIA+ needs.

At Fighting Homelessness, we believe everyone deserves dignity, compassion, and access to support. We are committed to helping people from all backgrounds, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or personal circumstances.

When we say we help everyone, we mean everyone. ❤️

If you or someone you know is experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity, please message us. You are welcome here, and we are ready to help.

Happy Pride Month 🏳️‍🌈

Source:

https://www.dallascounty.org/departments/dchhs/public-health/lgbtqia/housing.php

Some days, we don’t need a holiday or birthday to thank someone who has done amazing work for our organization.
Today is one of those days. ☀️

John O’Callahan is our Director of Advocacy, working closely with our Founder, Lisa Marshall to ensure the success of our mission of ending homelessness. John has a deep understanding of both homelessness and the systems that perpetuate it, making him a fierce advocate.

He’s honed his advocacy skills through speaking before city councils, state legislators, and advocacy coalitions across Texas; and he knows how to communicate to changemakers and make them feel as passionately for Figthing Homelessness’ mission as we do.

We’re incredibly happy to have John working with us, and look forward to the continued change he will bring to the world!

In honor of our Jesuit seniors graduating (so sad & proud to see them go 🥲), we wanted to highlight when they walked into Dallas City Hall for the State of Housing Brief and proved themselves as true ADVOCATES! 💪

For months, they researched housing trends, analyzed affordability gaps, and used real data to prepare for City Hall, advocating for more attainable housing for teachers and working families. But they hadn’t yet come face to face with the source of that data. 📊📈

Sitting in the room, hearing directly from the leaders and organizations behind the numbers, and witnessing the conversations shaping policy brought everything full circle. The data they studied was no longer just statisitics – it became people, decisions, and real-time action.

What became clear is this: Dallas needs more housing supply – period. That supply must be attainable across all income levels, and homeownership and stability should not be out of reach for the people who serve our city every day. 🧑‍🏫🏡

This is what advocacy looks like – learning, engaging, and showing up.

Proud of these young men for not only doing the work, but stepping into the room where change happens. 💙

Looking for a small change that’ll make a big difference? ⭐️ Link your Kroger rewards card to Fighting Homelessness and they’ll make a donation for every dollar you spend!

With the Kroger Community Rewards Program, when you fill your fridge, Kroger will fill the fridge of someone in need.
By linking your account to Fighting Homelessness, we’ll use the funds Kroger donates to support initiatives such as filling food pantries at local high schools, subsidizing rent for seniors, and supporting new affordable housing initiatives in Dallas!

To sign up for this feature:

➡️ Head to the Kroger link in our bio or search http://www.kroger.com.

➡️ Search for FIGHTING HOMELESSNESS or enter our code TU475 to register with our organization

➡️ Click Enroll!

For new users, create a Kroger account with your email address and obtain a rewards card in stores at the customer service desk.

On May 27th, I had the privilege of attending and speaking at the memorial service for our friend, Kim.
In 2019, I began volunteering with The Human Impact, and they taught me one of the most important lessons in this work: to see the person before the problem.

Kim was one of the first friends Fighting Homelessness ever housed. She was an artist, a daughter, a friend, and a woman of faith who brought color into the lives of those around her. Her creativity and light always continued to shine, even through life’s struggles.

Thank you, Kim, for your friendship, your art, your faith, and the lessons you taught us. Your colors continue to shine through the lives you touched, and your memory reminds us why this work matters.
-Lisa Marshall

Happy 5th Birthday, Fighting Homelessness! 🎂🎉

In May of 2021, FH became a registered non-profit 501(c)3 organization, marking the beginning of something truly special. Throughout these years, we’ve learned the importance of compassion, patience, and how to act as a true servant by loving our fellow man. 🤗

FH has been involved in filming an educational documentary, organizing donation drives and creating homes for our clients, and teaching the youth of our community how to carry on our mission into the future. All our initiatives are dear to us and have been shaped by the expertise we’ve gathered from having years in the game.

To all our friends, clients, volunteers, and donors: This month was not just a celebration of FH, but also a celebration of you. Without you in our lives, we wouldn’t be the organization we are today. Thank you to all those who have made it possible, and to those who show us how to be a better organization and better people everyday. 💛

To our next 5 years! 🥂✨

Thank you to Texans for Housing and the Dallas Housing Coalition for leading this important conversation on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and the role they can play in addressing Texas’ growing affordable housing shortage. 🏡

We learned about the approach Texas has taken to this housing option, and how encouraging our state to embrace this model could create more sustainble and stable housing for our community.

We’re grateful for the opportunity to learn, engage, and work alongside others who are committed to expanding housing options and strengthening our communities. 💪❤️

Today we want to recognize someone who has quietly and faithfully poured her heart into Fighting Homelessness since 2023; our incredible volunteer, Lisa Montes. 🌟

Lisa has been such a blessing to FH, not only through the countless hours she gives, but through the compassion, dignity, and kindness she shares with our friends experiencing housing insecurity. Her heart for people shines through in everything she does.
From supervising Sunday Bingo at Austin Street Shelter alongside our Jesuit and Coppell YMSL students, to assisting with move-ins, holiday outreach, and our Dignity First initiatives on weekends, Lisa consistently shows up with love, patience, and a servant’s heart.

She has also played an important role in helping mentor and guide youth involved in our partnerships with Jesuit College Prep and Coppell Young Men’s Service League, helping teach the next generation the importance of advocacy, compassion, and community engagement.

Volunteers like Lisa remind us that changing lives often begins with simply showing up consistently and caring deeply.

Lisa, we are so grateful for you, your heart, your time, and your commitment to this mission. Fighting Homelessness is better because of you. ❤️

Attending Congresswoman Julie Johnson’s Housing Roundtable on Wednesday was a great opportunity and gives us hope for the future of our programming. 💫

Her introduction of the Access to Affordable Homeownership Act, legislation that allows renters to build credit through on-time rent payments, is a focus we are proud to align our organization with.

At Fighting Homelessness, one of our initiatives is building an inter generational housing community for seniors and youth, and having rapport with local government makes all the difference in this initiative coming true.

Collaboration and strong leadership are essential to creating lasting change. Having a seat at Congresswoman Johnson’s table means we have a say in what comes next, and can better represent our clients’ needs on a foundational level.

We look forward to the many future opportunities of working with her!