U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Homeless Programs: The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides a range of programs and services to address homelessness among veterans. These programs include outreach, transitional housing, supportive services, and assistance in finding permanent housing.
National Coalition for Homeless Veterans (NCHV): NCHV is a nonprofit organization that works to end homelessness among veterans. They provide information, resources, and advocacy efforts to address the needs of homeless veterans.
Veterans Crisis Line: The Veterans Crisis Line is a 24/7 hotline that offers immediate assistance to veterans in crisis, including those who are homeless. They provide support, counseling, and referrals to local resources.
Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF): The SSVF program is administered by the VA and provides grants to organizations that offer supportive services to very low-income veterans and their families who are at risk of homelessness or already experiencing homelessness.
HUD-VASH Program: The HUD-VASH (Housing and Urban Development - Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing) program combines housing assistance vouchers from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) with case management and supportive services from the VA to help homeless veterans find and maintain stable housing.
Disabled American Veterans (DAV): DAV is a nonprofit organization that provides a variety of support and advocacy services for disabled veterans, including resources for homeless veterans.
Cooling centers will open June 27, following a 11:30 a.m. press conference at the West Dallas Multipurpose Center. Cooling center hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
City of Dallas residents can sign up to receive a free cooling fan (while supplies last). Quantities are limited to only one unit per household.
Two cooling locations are available / also apply for a cooling fan
Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center (2922 MLK, Jr. Blvd.)
Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) DART has opened up over a dozen transit centers into cooling locations. Salvation Army The North Texas Area Command of the Salvation Army has activated its heat relief services in locations across the region. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) recently announced that the state broke the June peak demand record, passing last summer’s record which set 11 new peak demand records. As a result, ERCOT is also asking customers to voluntarily reduce their usage and prevent electric outages by unplugging or turning off any non-critical equipment, closing shades and blinds, and reducing lighting where possible and safe. Additional energy-saving tips can be found at ercot.com/txans. Don’t forget to care of your four-legged friends during this time of excessive heat. Here are a few suggestions for keeping your pets safe are:
Never leave your pet in a hot vehicle
Limit your pets exercise on hot days
Walk your pet in the grass to avoid hot surfaces burning their paws
Make sure your pet has access to shade and plenty of cool water
Know that heat strokes are common to dogs with short snouts, dogs who are overweight and pets with extremely thick fur coats
If your pet is experiencing heavy panting, is unable to calm down or unable to get up – seek a veterinarian’s advice, immediately
Finally, let's look out for one another during this period of extreme heat. Reach out to your friends, colleagues, and classmates, especially those who may be more vulnerable to the effects of high temperatures. Small gestures of support, such as checking in on each other's well-being or offering a helping hand, can make a significant difference.