City of Dallas Emergency Management & Crisis Response

Our DSR team is centered around providing outreach and advocacy out in our communities to those who are experiencing homelessness. Sometimes all it takes is just to be a shoulder or ear to lean on in order to elicit change and hope for those that need it.

Wanting to share a snapshot of the work our Dallas Street Response does; because sometimes the work goes far beyond simply connecting someone to shelter. Sometimes it’s about trust, patience, and showing people that they are seen.

That was the case recently near the 13700 block of North Central Expressway, where Dallas Street Response team members Christie W and Devery W assisted an unsheltered pair of siblings that were facing serious medical and personal challenges.

One sibling lives with cerebral palsy, while the other experiences epileptic seizures. But beyond the immediate need for shelter, there was another concern weighing heavily on them: Their pets. While the siblings are facing hardship, they didn’t want to abandon the animals that had remained by their side and that they care for

Rather than treating the situation like a quick transaction, the team approached it with compassion, empathy and persistence.

As Christie continued building rapport with the siblings, they eventually agreed to accept assistance and transition into shelter services at Dallas Life. At the same time, the team worked tirelessly behind the scenes to locate resources for the pets, making numerous calls in search of help.

When traditional options came up short, Ms. Whitehead reached out to a personal contact who fosters animals. That connection ultimately led to both pets being safely fostered at no cost while the siblings begin their transition into stable shelter.

Meanwhile, Christie's partner Devery Williams retrieved the Dallas Street Response transport van to ensure the brother and sister could be transported safely to Dallas Life.

It’s a reminder that the work being done by Dallas Street Response often requires more than logistics. It requires empathy, creativity, and a willingness to stay committed until a solution is found.

This is what the Dallas Street Response team does every day: meeting people where they are, treating them with dignity, and understanding that every situation comes with its own human story.

The efforts of Christie and Devery reflect the heart of that mission—and the impact that can happen when compassion and determination work side by side.

Collaboration is what it's all about. Dallas Street Response and DPD, keeping our streets safe and clean.

The Monthly Outdoor Warning System Test scheduled for today has been canceled due to weather conditions.

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La Prueba Mensual del Sistema de Sirenas de Alerta Exterior programada para hoy ha sido cancelada debido al mal tiempo.

ECMR’s own B. Dyson, Manager, recently conducted CIT training for new DPD recruits. Thank you, Officer S. Hanson, for consistently inviting us to help educate these outstanding recruits on the realities and common misconceptions surrounding our homeless population. The training also covered trauma, the challenges officers may encounter, and the mindset shift needed to better understand the experiences of our unsheltered neighbors so we can truly serve and support them effectively.

The Office of Emergency Management and Crisis Response Dallas Street Response (DSR) team would like to thank our partners City Marshals, NW Dallas Police Department, as well as Transportation and Public Works (TPW), for another successful joint collaboration to keep Joe’s Creek clean and clear. We were able to clear tents behind the elementary school. Teamwork makes the dream work.

In collaboration with Dallas Street Response (DSR), the Dallas Police Department H.O.T Team, Dallas Animal Services (DAS), Marshals Transportation and Public Works (TPW), Dallas Fire & Rescue (DFR) Medic Team, came together for a joint effort to help keep the City of Dallas safe and clean We remain committed to working as a team to support a cleaner, safer City for everyone.