Fortunately, positive steps are being taken to end chronic homelessness here in my city of Dallas. Here's a partial list of developments for which we can all give thanks this year:

1. The new Homeless Assistance Center in Dallas is under construction and will open in early 2008.

2. According to our last "point-in-time" census, the number of men, women and children forced to live in shelters and on our streets dropped for the second year in a row.

3. Plans are underway for the development of permanent supportive housing for the poorest of our neighbors, including Central Dallas Ministries' own citywalk@akard project in downtown Dallas.

4. The Metro Dallas Homeless Alliance is stronger than ever and is working on our city's ten year plan to end homelessness with a goal to end chronic homelessness by 2016.

But, we have much work remaining. So, I am writing to urge you to join us during "Help the Homeless Week" - November 11-17, 2007, as we turn a bright light on this terrible problem.

• Download a letter from our new mayor, Tom Leppert.
• Watch a video that Central Dallas Ministries' created that features the stories of some of our neighbors who currently live on the streets.
• View an information sheet that I hope you will share with your friends, family and neighbors.
• If you can, join in some of the several important activities during this special week.
• Please pay particular attention to our Help the Homeless Walkathon on Saturday, November 17 beginning at 3:00 p.m. Visit our website to gather more details and to register for this special time of community focus and collaboration.
• Consider supporting this initiative with a donation to the Metro Dallas Homeless Alliance. Donations can be made here.

Thanks in advance for your support!

For information about other Walkathons, visit Fannie Mae.