THI plays unique role in homeless care

NORTH TEXAS GIVING DAY

By Lexy McCarthy

As the region approaches Communities Foundation of Texas’ annual North Texas Giving Day, local nonprofit The Human Impact (THI) has confirmed its participation and hopes the fundraiser drives donations that will directly support their vital work supporting Dallas’ unhoused population. In 2023, THI raised more than $130,000 on North Texas Giving Day.  

Around 4,000 individuals are currently experiencing homelessness in Dallas, and about 900 are considered “long-term homeless.” Many programs and shelters in the area help people facing short-term homelessness, but these solutions often fail to meet the needs of those experiencing it long-term, as they don’t address a need for relationships. This is where THI steps in.  

THI exists to befriend the homeless, bridge relational gaps and build long-term community. The organization pinpoints its focus on a group of individuals called the long-term or “chronically” homeless. While they only represent 20 percent of the city’s homeless population, they consume 80 percent of all resources (both philanthropic and governmental). Fundamentally, THI believes that this group is mislabeled and that using words like “lonely,” “disconnected,” or “traumatized,” allows a better understanding of who they are as human beings and what their range of needs are. 

Through “Friendship Advocacy,” THI strives to respond to the root causes of the trauma and disconnectedness experienced by their unhoused neighbors. They provide genuine friendship and support, connecting individuals to essential services and working with them toward long-term healing. THI has worked with individuals facing homelessness since 2013. With trust-building at the heart of THI’s work, its team builds relationships by consistently showing up on the streets and meeting people where they are, without judgment. 

The Human Impact plays a unique role in the homeless care system. THI works to provide a “relational safety net.” This relational safety net looks like a consistent presence and a trusted friend in the life of someone experiencing homelessness. 

THI has found that by filling relational needs, the friends they work with are better equipped to achieve a better life — one that leads to finding permanent housing, reconnecting with family and finding joy in everyday life again. 

Supporting THI on North Texas Giving Day empowers the organization to continue its restorative work of community building among the most marginalized and under-resourced individuals in the city of Dallas. 

“Our THI community of staff, friends, donors and volunteers is full of all kinds of people, from all different cultures and backgrounds. All are welcome here. During North Texas Giving Day, we especially celebrate our community of donors, who give their financial resources to make this beautiful, life-giving community real,” Elisabeth Jordan, THI CEO and founder, said. “Everyone is welcome here. We want everyone to know their life matters.” 

Funding raised through Communities Foundation of Texas’ North Texas Giving Day helps address some of THI’s current needs. According to the nonprofit:

• $100 helps provide activities each month that promote wellness and improved mental health outcomes. 

• $200 helps THI advocate each month for friends trying to access medical care or trauma counseling. 

• $300 helps provide meals and transportation each month.

• $400 helps THI advocate for individuals as they take steps to obtain permanent housing. 

• $1,000 helps provide emergency supplies during inclement weather.

• $2,500 helps THI’s team celebrate birthdays and memorials on the streets.

• $5,000 helps provide emergency housing. 

• $10,000 helps THI’s team provide daily street outreach. 

• $25,000 helps THI train and mentor volunteers.

• $40,000 helps a THI Advocate support more than 100 individuals.

For those willing to donate their time, THI also hosts regular events to engage and support their neighbors experiencing homelessness. To learn more and support The Human Impact this North Texas Giving Day, search for “The Human Impact” on NorthTexasGivingDay.org.  

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