A Month Has Gone By

BY KEVIN FLAGG

It has only been a month, but the rewards have been many. I began my employment at Central Dallas Community Development Corporation with the expectation of being fulfilled by working with the residents. The building is yet to open, but the rewards of working with the future residents have been many.

On a daily basis I have the privilege of interviewing and talking with potential residents. There have been many stories of homelessness, unemployment, health crisis, chemical dependency, family struggles and the list goes on and on. People are in desperate need to call somewhere home. Most of the information shared during the interview is not solicited. Life has shown up and caused pain and homelessness. Many people just need to share their pain and find a listening ear.

In many cases we are not able to house them at CityWalk, but the reward comes when you can find other housing resources. I have become sensitized and understand the real need for shelter for so many. There are stories of people living in their cars, living in garages, sleeping on the floor of different friends and family nightly, sleeping from shelter to shelter. To be a part of an agency that seeks to create affordable housing and to help eliminate homelessness is a reward. It has only been a month, but the rewards have been many.