Fighting Homelessness

Happy 5th Birthday, Fighting Homelessness! 🎂🎉

In May of 2021, FH became a registered non-profit 501(c)3 organization, marking the beginning of something truly special. Throughout these years, we’ve learned the importance of compassion, patience, and how to act as a true servant by loving our fellow man. 🤗

FH has been involved in filming an educational documentary, organizing donation drives and creating homes for our clients, and teaching the youth of our community how to carry on our mission into the future. All our initiatives are dear to us and have been shaped by the expertise we’ve gathered from having years in the game.

To all our friends, clients, volunteers, and donors: This month was not just a celebration of FH, but also a celebration of you. Without you in our lives, we wouldn’t be the organization we are today. Thank you to all those who have made it possible, and to those who show us how to be a better organization and better people everyday. 💛

To our next 5 years! 🥂✨

Thank you to Texans for Housing and the Dallas Housing Coalition for leading this important conversation on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and the role they can play in addressing Texas’ growing affordable housing shortage. 🏡

We learned about the approach Texas has taken to this housing option, and how encouraging our state to embrace this model could create more sustainble and stable housing for our community.

We’re grateful for the opportunity to learn, engage, and work alongside others who are committed to expanding housing options and strengthening our communities. 💪❤️

Today we want to recognize someone who has quietly and faithfully poured her heart into Fighting Homelessness since 2023; our incredible volunteer, Lisa Montes. 🌟

Lisa has been such a blessing to FH, not only through the countless hours she gives, but through the compassion, dignity, and kindness she shares with our friends experiencing housing insecurity. Her heart for people shines through in everything she does.
From supervising Sunday Bingo at Austin Street Shelter alongside our Jesuit and Coppell YMSL students, to assisting with move-ins, holiday outreach, and our Dignity First initiatives on weekends, Lisa consistently shows up with love, patience, and a servant’s heart.

She has also played an important role in helping mentor and guide youth involved in our partnerships with Jesuit College Prep and Coppell Young Men’s Service League, helping teach the next generation the importance of advocacy, compassion, and community engagement.

Volunteers like Lisa remind us that changing lives often begins with simply showing up consistently and caring deeply.

Lisa, we are so grateful for you, your heart, your time, and your commitment to this mission. Fighting Homelessness is better because of you. ❤️

Attending Congresswoman Julie Johnson’s Housing Roundtable on Wednesday was a great opportunity and gives us hope for the future of our programming. 💫

Her introduction of the Access to Affordable Homeownership Act, legislation that allows renters to build credit through on-time rent payments, is a focus we are proud to align our organization with.

At Fighting Homelessness, one of our initiatives is building an inter generational housing community for seniors and youth, and having rapport with local government makes all the difference in this initiative coming true.

Collaboration and strong leadership are essential to creating lasting change. Having a seat at Congresswoman Johnson’s table means we have a say in what comes next, and can better represent our clients’ needs on a foundational level.

We look forward to the many future opportunities of working with her!

Yesterday was a beautiful reminder that dignity begins with being seen, valued, and cared for.

We are incredibly grateful for the donated clothing and suitcases that were shared with our friends living on the street. Something as simple as clean clothes or a suitcase to safely carry belongings can restore confidence, hope, and a sense of humanity.

A special thank you to Queenie for opening her space and heart to allow us to love on this community in such a meaningful way. Queenie’s compassion has created a place where people are always welcomed with respect, kindness, and dignity first - above all things. It’s an honor to work wih someone as dedicated as you. 💜

Thank you also to every volunteer, donor, and supporter who continues to stand beside us in this work. Together, we are reminding people that they matter.

Rhonda Willingham

Thanks to the genrosity of the W.T White Alumni Class of 1969, along with matching support from Theis RIce, our Dignity First Initiative continues to grow.

The Jesuit Youth Voices for Change joined us in distributing essential items to familes experiencing housing insecurity – bringing compassion, dignity, and hope to the community.

We’re grateful for everyone who continues to support this mission. Your generosity allows us to keep expanding our outreach and walking alongside families as they work toward stability and secure housing.