By Frisco STYLE
Hunger and Homeless Awareness Week, an annual campaign to raise awareness, advocacy, education and funds for the nation’s hungry and homeless populations, is being observed Nov. 13-21.
Earlier this year, the Metro Dallas Homeless Alliance released the findings of its annual point-in-time count of homeless people in Dallas and Collin Counties. The record-high total of 4,570 people counted included 465 individuals in Collin County.
Learn about the work of several organizations featured on this non-inclusive list that are dedicated to meeting the needs of the area’s homeless population.
The Samaritan Inn
1725 N. McDonald St., McKinney
972-542-5302 | saminn.org
For decades, The Samaritan Inn has supported single individuals as well as families in securing food, shelter, counseling and job-readiness skills, among others. For Homeless Awareness Week (as the organization calls it), it will host a “Fill the Truck” event Nov. 17-20 at Tom Thumb, 6800 Virginia Parkway in McKinney, when items on its needs list can be purchased and donated on site. A full list of events is available at saminn.org/haw.
Frisco Family Services
9125 Dogwood St. Suite 100, Frisco
972-335-9495| friscofamilyservices.org
The nonprofit has for more than a quarter-century assisted members of the Frisco and Frisco ISD communities who face homelessness, hunger and other urgent needs. During 2019-2020, its FFS Market, the city’s only food pantry, served nearly 4,000 people.
Family Promise of Collin County
972-442-6966 | familypromiseofcollincounty.org
The Plano-based organization, which celebrates its tenth anniversary this year, serves homeless Collin County families by providing shelter, food and support services as the families regain their stability and independence.
Hope’s Door New Beginning Center
860 F Ave. Suite 100, Plano
972-422-2911| hdnbc.org
The nonprofit assists individuals and families in escaping domestic and dating abuse as well as family violence. Its emergency shelters can house up to 55 women and children, offering temporary housing to those fleeing life-threatening situations. It also provides food, clothing, case management, safety planning, counseling, legal support and referrals to other vital resources.
City House
972-424-4626 | cityhouse.org
City House serves at-risk children, teens and young adults who suffer from abuse, neglect and homelessness. Its around-the-clock emergency shelter, called My Friend’s House, is the only one of its kind in Collin County, specializing in keeping sibling groups together and providing services for runaway and homeless youth.
Agape Resources & Assistance Center
469-814-0453 | hope4agape.org
Assisting women and mothers with children who are facing situational homelessness, the Plano-based organization offers safe, stable housing, childcare, workforce preparation and life-skills training, among other services.
Streetside Showers
214-842-3132 | streetsideshowers.com
As part of its mission to “offer hope and restore dignity to the homeless community,” the organization provides hot showers and personal hygiene care via mobile units that park once weekly in a half-dozen North Texas cities including McKinney, Plano and Denton.
