(Special to The Dallas Examiner) – News reports and social media posts about a Dallas City Council Committee discussing the idea of relocating The Bridge Homeless Recovery Center to the Dallas Executive Airport area has caused a mixed reaction across the city.
“Our immediate priority is the guests we serve,” said David Woody III, president and CEO of The Bridge. “We recently learned of these reported discussions and are committed to working with any stakeholder group that is dedicated to a transparent process centered on addressing the needs of the unhoused and community priorities.”
The Bridge leadership said it has not been invited to any of the committee discussions and has no plans to relocate. Representatives from the center said it will continue to operate and strengthen services at the current facility, located at 1818 Corsicana St.
“The Bridge is currently located in proximity to where unhoused neighbors are, providing access to recovery-oriented services,” Woody explained. “Nationwide, people experiencing homelessness often gather in urban, central business districts. That is why it is crucial that recovery services remain accessible in the areas where people experiencing homelessness already seek support.”
The group said its priority remains the same, offering access to homeless recovery services to unhoused guests, continuing to collaborate with services providers downtown and strengthening on-campus services and programs to address the increasing numbers of unsheltered citizens.
The support and resources the city of Dallas has continued to commit the group’s efforts to addressing homelessness is humbling and the agency of grateful, Bridge leadership stated. The City Council has approved contracts that include $5.9 million to support The Bridge’s annual operations, according to its reports.
Last year, the center served more than 6,300 unhoused individuals, provided shelter for nearly 400 people every night and helped hundreds secure housing – with 95% remaining housed after 12 months. It remains committed to working alongside elected officials, funders, neighbors and community partners to improve outcomes for people experiencing homelessness, according to the center’s leadership.