• We recognize this concern, yet we believe that the major cities that draw in homeless from outside their immediate vicinity are cities that tolerate drug use, vagrancy, and more. 
• Even if Dallas becomes known for effectively caring for its homeless population while fostering a safe and vibrant environment for residents and businesses and that did draw in individuals looking for treatment, the long-term benefits are already in place within a broadly improved environment. 
• Research also suggests that most homelessness is local, and people typically remain near where they became homeless.

We’ve carefully analyzed potential locations, and the three proposed sites are owned by the City of Dallas, situated away from major neighborhoods with few homes nearby. The campus will be self-contained, with strict travel control and no tolerance for loitering. We aim to be good neighbors by maintaining ongoing communication with business owners and stakeholders, ensuring the area benefits from increased safety, cleanliness, and economic growth.

Refuge will be a state-of-the-art facility that not only creates jobs but also provides vital care for the city’s most vulnerable. Increased security and surveillance will result in a safer environment for everyone. As visible homelessness decreases, property values across the city are expected to improve, and a successful program could bring considerable gains for the community.

Concentrating services in one location allows us to create efficiencies in care. There’s a limited supply of trained professionals to deal with homelessness, so by centralizing services, we maximize effectiveness. This model also provides continuity of care for clients as they progress through the program, which is critical to their success.

We want to be a dependable resource for those in need, and recovery starts with building trust. Refuge provides a safe place to sleep, but more importantly, a path to self-sufficiency through individualized care and support. Our goal is for people to rely on us as they work towards independence, ultimately accepting help and moving toward housing and job stability.

Funding will come from a coordinated effort among corporate, philanthropic, and faith-based communities, as well as local, state, and federal agencies. We’ll also leverage public-private partnerships to reduce costs and create efficiencies, ensuring the project is sustainable in the long term.

Our mission is to eliminate homelessness in Dallas County, and public funds should be used efficiently. If stakeholders decide to allocate public funds to Refuge, it’s because they believe in its potential to make a significant impact. We’ll work closely with the All-Neighbors Coalition and other local organizations to ensure that resources are maximized across all efforts to combat homelessness

While smaller shelters already exist across Dallas, they are not enough to meet the current demand and do not provide the comprehensive care that Refuge will offer. Refuge is designed to make a meaningful impact, with the capacity to decommission encampments and work toward the humane elimination of homelessness in Dallas County. Multiple smaller facilities could spread homelessness closer to neighborhoods, but Refuge offers a centralized, inclusive solution for all people.

Refuge is designed to be as inclusive as possible, ensuring that anyone in need of help has access to services. However, we have to balance safety and care for all individuals. While we provide specialized services for those with complex needs—such as individuals with mental health challenges, substance use issues, or criminal backgrounds—there are some limitations. For example, individuals with severe behavioral or violent tendencies/history may need more specialized care in separate facilities. Refuge’s goal is to serve everyone, however, when it comes to ensuring safety for all, certain individuals may require alternative arrangements to receive the support they need. Ultimately, our approach will focus on getting every person the right help, even if that means referring them to a more appropriate facility.

We’ll implement state-of-the-art security, including cameras, guards, and physical barriers. Mentors and staff will be trained to stay aware of potential issues, and we’ll maintain strict rules about behavior and conduct to keep the environment safe and drug-free.

Refuge will offer specialty shelter rooms for more difficult cases, providing focused care and monitoring. We’ll balance safety with compassionate support, ensuring that every individual receives the care they need without endangering others.

Victims and offenders will never be housed together. Individuals with a history of sexual assault or violent crimes will be placed in specialty units with increased oversight and case management to ensure everyone’s safety.

Individuals affected by sexual assault or domestic violence will receive support in our specialty units. We plan to partner with organizations like Our Calling to provide trauma-informed care and services tailored to their needs.

We will follow best practices for maintaining confidentiality and privacy, ensuring that individuals in crisis are protected. We’re committed to creating a safe and secure environment for all residents, including those needing special consideration due to sensitive circumstances.

Refuge has been designed with insights gained from other cities in mind. While the Bybee Lakes Hope Center (converted Wapato Jail) has seen success, its location 12 miles from downtown Portland limits access, making it a referral-only facility. In contrast, Refuge will be situated within 10 miles of downtown Dallas, ensuring easy access to public transportation and essential services.

To avoid the overcrowding issues experienced in San Francisco’s Navigation Centers, we will implement capacity limits and prioritize permanent solutions for those we serve. Additionally, drawing on successful models like Hope Village in Las Vegas, we will emphasize strong leadership, proper oversight, and a diverse funding model to prevent mismanagement.

By focusing on long-term recovery, personalized care, and community reintegration, we believe Refuge will provide an effective and sustainable solution to homelessness in Dallas.

R4R Leadership is currently working with the City of Dallas and local stakeholders to establish a location and begin construction of the facilities for a Grand Opening in 2028.