Next Wednesday will mark a 30-year milestone in Fort Worth’s commitment to address the needs of those without housing in the city.
The Presbyterian Night Shelter opened on Dec. 10, 1984, as a space for all homeless persons. Three Presbyterian congregations joined efforts to open the shelter after a man froze to death on the streets. From the beginning, the shelter has been open to any in need of its services. It is sometimes called the city’s shelter. That first night, there were only picnic tables and benches. The second night there were also boxes of diapers for the unanticipated infants and toddlers.Stereotypes of those who are homeless depict them as addicted and mentally ill persons. Many times, they are people who were one or two paychecks away from being able to cover the rent or the mortgage or who through some uninsured medical crisis, divorce or experience of domestic violence find themselves in need of housing. Currently more than 2,400 people in Tarrant County are homeless.In 2013, the Night Shelter cared for 90 percent of the unhoused in the area, which meant providing shelter and food for approximately 625 people at no charge each night and for as long as they needed care.Over the past 30 years, the way issues of homelessness are understood and addressed have been transformed by better assessing their needs. Former Mayor Mike Moncrief initiated “Directions Home” in 2009 to provide permanent supportive housing though subsidies and supportive case management. Mayor Betsy Price continues this program, and there are similar federally funded housing options available as well.Five years ago, only 10 percent of clients at the Presbyterian Night Shelter were able to get help from case workers and various training programs for meeting medical, housing and employment needs that would allow them to be self-sufficient again. Now approximately 86 percent of the clients participate in such programs.Between August and October 2014, 116 women and children moved from the shelter into permanent housing and employment, with ongoing support from caseworkers to help them succeed in this transition. Sadly, the need for shelter is so great the shelter’s Women and Children’s unit remains over capacity. In the past year, the Night Shelter has also responded to needs for greater safety for clients. Many women in particular were subject to harassment and violence during the day. Now 93 percent of the clients can be safely inside the shelter 24/7, engaged in programs to restore them to housing and employment. All who come for shelter are welcomed; those seeking a home and employment find support for that journey.For example, 25-year-old “Joe” was trying to get to his full-time construction job in July when his vehicle quit working. Without access to public transportation, Joe lost his job. Without employment, Joe could not pay his rent or repair his vehicle. Joe arrived at the Presbyterian Night Shelter having lost his job, transportation, and home in only two months. Joe took advantage of employment training programs and caseworkers at the shelter and recently moved into permanent housing and a new job, once again a productive citizen in the city. Rev. Dr. Nancy J. Ramsay chairs the board of directors of Fort Worth’s Presbyterian Night Shelter.Have more to add? News tip? Tell us
