More people in the United States experienced homelessness last year than at any time since 2007, when the federal government began counting people who are living unsheltered. While homelessness across the country grew by 18% from 2023 levels, a recent government report found that there were some bright spots—notably in Dallas, Texas, where the number of people who are experiencing homelessness declined by 16% over the last two years.

Catholic Charities of Dallas, Inc. (CCD) has been opening its doors to those in need of shelter and a fresh opportunity for nearly 80 years. Today, it serves more than 200,000 people annually through programs that span 11 mission areas, including homelessness, housing, hunger, healthcare, and financial stability and career services. In 2017, CCD embarked on a unique partnership to create St. Jude Centers (SJC), an innovative program that provides permanent supportive housing for people who have been chronically homeless.

Catholic Housing Initiative (CHI), the City of Dallas and Dallas County have provided funding for SJC. To date, they’ve helped to purchase three formerly crime-ridden or vacant hotels and facilities and transform them into nearly 450 units of single-room efficiency apartments. While CHI owns the properties, CCD provides property management services and coordinates with other community partners to deliver voluntary wraparound services for SJC residents. This includes access to mobile medical services, healthy groceries through its mobile food pantries and free client choice pantry, and case management resources to help residents rebuild their lives.

“With the support of our partners, SJC is helping to break the cycle of homelessness in Greater Dallas. More than 80% of SJC clients have remained permanently housed on our properties, with the vast majority of them housed for more than a year,” said David Woodyard, President and CEO of CCD. “By taking neglected buildings and transforming them into safe and affordable housing for our community’s most vulnerable citizens, SJC is also helping to boost the health and strength of our city. It’s a proven model that we believe can be easily replicated across the country.”