What can I do to help the homeless?

Instead of cash, we always recommend offering a handshake and learning someone's name. Often this simple gesture restores some of the dignity lost on the streets.

What exactly is The Human Impact?

The Human Impact is immersed within the homeless community of South Dallas. We build relationships with those living in tents and sleeping in shelters, and we stay committed to those relationships no matter the outcome. By maintaining a consistent presence in homeless encampments and on the streets for more than three years, we have built a sense of community. The Human Impact believes every person is inherently valuable, and that people often rise to the level of dignity with which they are treated. And when a beloved friend is ready to move forward -- to go to rehab, to reconnect with family, to make a doctor's appointment -- we are there to empower and support them.

Where are you located?

You won't find The Human Impact in a facility. We feel strongly that our work is centered around going to the isolated and marginalized. In the city of Dallas, the area just south of downtown holds the most concentrated population of homeless and under-resourced individuals. We spend time on the streets near the homeless shelter and encampments in this neighborhood.

Part of our work involves community-wide events, such as a pop-up barbershop called "Street-Side Salon." These events typically take place on an abandoned lot in the center of South Dallas. Its location is: 2851 Dawson Street, Dallas, TX 75226.

How do I make a donation?

Thank you for considering partnering with us financially. You may give through our website through our give page, here. Donations are accepted as one-time gifts, or you may set up a recurring donation. Additionally, donations can be mailed to: The Human Impact 9540 Garland Road Suite 381-398 Dallas, TX 75218

If I make a donation, is it tax-deductible?

Yes! The Human Impact is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Donations are tax-deductible.

How can I get involved with The Human Impact?

Anyone is welcome to join us as we go to the streets and the local encampments each week. Our volunteer day is Thursday mornings. For more information on how to get involved, click here.

Why are people homeless?

The answers are endless and different for every person. One common theme we have observed is that at some time in a person's life, they have experienced a catastrophic breakdown within their family. This ultimately leads to the loss of a support system. Often the lines between homelessness and poverty are blurred, and the move from a dilapidated house to a tent under a bridge is as simple as walking a few blocks.

Why do people sleep in tents instead of a homeless shelter?

Shelters were never meant to be permanent homes. They offer much needed temporary assistance for people who are in a short-term emergency situation. As a result, requirements necessary for safety and regulation can be restricting. Men and women wait in line several hours before the shelter doors open to ensure a cot is available. Every morning the wake up time is 5:00 a.m. and everyone must be out by 6:00 a.m. Every shelter has their own additional rules. Pets aren't allowed, and for a lot of homeless people, their dogs are the only family they have.

Being homeless means you've hit rock bottom; you have lost almost everything. The one thing remaining is your autonomy-- your independence. The ability to make decisions for yourself-- the last remaining evidence of your humanity and proof that you are, indeed, an individual.