The past year has been rough for 57-year-old Teresa Weed. Both her mom and boyfriend died. And just a few months ago, she was evicted from her apartment. She's also been a victim of abuse.
鈥淚 have gone through some things, but I thank God I know who鈥檚 on my side,鈥� Weed said. 鈥溾�橧鈥檝e got people telling me, 鈥極h is that all? You got abused? Is that all?鈥欌��
Fortunately, Weed found refuge at the . The outreach center located in downtown Dallas just opened a 16,000-square-foot space on the second floor for women only. The center will offer counseling and women who visit will be able to take showers and do their laundry.
Dallas has the largest unsheltered homeless population in Texas and many are women.
Wayne Walker, founder, pastor and CEO of OurCalling, said his organization is helping to meet the growing need for services.
"COVID has led many people to experience poverty and homelessness for the first time."Wayne Walker, founder, pastor and CEO of OurCalling
鈥淐OVID has led many people to experience poverty and homelessness for the first time,鈥� Walker said. 鈥淎nd even though there鈥檚 still a stay on evictions, there鈥檚 been a lot of people evicted and a lot of people lose their homes in just the last few months.鈥�
Walker said his center has seen a lot of people who鈥檝e been living in their cars and who are homeless for the first time. Currently, the center sees both men and women, which is why they decided to dedicate an area strictly for women.
鈥淓very day we work with victims of human trafficking, sex trafficking and domestic violence,鈥� Walker said.
鈥淲e want to provide a conducive environment for them to be able to share what they鈥檙e really going through,鈥� Walker added. 鈥淎nd then trying to use all of the resources available for us for advanced placement. How do we quickly get them to a safe place? How do we get them into long-term treatment or long-term recovery programs?鈥�
The center has tightened security. In addition to armed guards, it has escape hallways, safe rooms and shatter-proof glass at the entrance.
For Weed, feeling safe and supported are crucial for her right now.
鈥淭he main thing is they pray with me and they keep me going,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 don鈥檛 think I could have done it without the help.
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