Dallas LIFE
The largest homeless shelter in North Texas and a ministry of hope.
When you think of homeless shelters you may picture hundreds of people piled in a room. People “without purpose”, “lazy people” or those that “just don’t care”.
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When you think of homeless shelters you may picture hundreds of people piled in a room. People “without purpose”, “lazy people” or those that “just don’t care”. You certainly wouldn’t imagine structure, class instruction, responsibilities and a biblical foundation to be part of the largest homeless shelter in North Texas, but that’s exactly what you’ll find in this life-changing facility.
Founded by First Baptist Church of Dallas as an outreach effort, Dallas LIFE is now on its own and supported by a multitude of generous donors and churches. Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship, led by Dr. Tony Evans, is one of those churches. First Baptist Church Dallas of course continues to support Dallas LIFE as the call to care for the poor will always be at the forefront of their mission. But, as the problem of homelessness continues to grow, so does the need for building improvements, accommodations, and basic necessities of Dallas LIFE residents and thus, far extends what the church alone can provide. The call to care for the homeless is on all of us and I pray that through this article you are better able to grasp the dynamic that’s taking place at Dallas LIFE and in the lives of the poor we are called to serve…
A Place of Hope
On an average night you’ll find 300 residents. The average stay is 5 nights and residents can stay one night at a time or, if they need greater assistance and are committed to life-change, they will enroll in the New Life Program (a 10 month, biblically-based program). While most homeless shelters don’t offer Christian teaching or foundation, those that do only allow residents a maximum stay of 4-6 weeks. Dallas LIFE will allow successful participants of the New Life Program to stay up to 10 months and encourages families to stay together rather than separating them like most shelters. This program, designed by Executive Director, Bob Sweeney, has been one of the most successful programs in the country. Dallas LIFE alone witnesses 40-60 graduates per year. The program is based on biblical teaching, with an emphasis on responsibility, self-discipline and relationship with Christ. Additionally, program participants receive counseling, education, free child care and more. Limited by a 3 strike rule, only a portion of participants will actually graduate and it takes many of them a second time through.
The New Life Program is comprised of 4 phases, each encouraging greater responsibility and freedom. Bob Sweeney suggests “we try to get out of God’s way” and let Him do the work and thus the success rate of this transformational program. He also suggests that if people are expected to perform they will engage in recovery. He makes sure the environment is safe and conducts a background check on participants.
Whether residents enroll in the New Life Program or stay on a night by night basis, they will receive Christian influence and support. They will be held accountable by curfew, chores and a non-smoking policy. The majority of residents end up at Dallas LIFE due to one of the following 5 reasons: Drugs, Alcohol, Relationship, Money or Anger. Christian Counselors are available and volunteer their time to serve this community, as do professional Chefs and teachers.
As art of their responsibility, residents must pay $10 a night, but are initially provided with 5 nights at no cost. “Don’t just give them something without expecting something in return”, Bob suggests. He believes strongly that people will rise to the expectations set before them and if they receive freebies all the time, they will not strive to do better. Having spent the majority of his adult life as a Pastor, ministering in prisons and homeless shelters, Bob has earned a great deal of knowledge and experience when it comes to guiding people in life transformation.
Dallas LIFE is a special place filled with the heart and spirit of God. Between 300-500 people have accepted Christ through their ministry and 1/3 of the Dallas LIFE staff are former New Life Program graduates! Always in need of volunteers, especially during non-holidays, as most people think to volunteer or make donations during the holidays, they need your help today. Churches can donate for birthday parties at Dallas LIFE, adopt the women’s needs and donate toiletries. Diapers, formula and bottles are also always needed. No matter how big or small your contribution it will not go unutilized. Dallas LIFE is a place where LIFE is truly celebrated and transformed. www.DallasLife.org. To learn more about Bob’s new book, 25:35 Main Street- Rethinking Homeless America visit www.2535MainStreet.com.
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