We spent our mornings at Crossroads, a non-profit whose mission is to nourish Dallas’ low-income families by providing nutritious food and supportive education. Crossroads provides supplemental food (both non-perishables and fresh produce) and clothing once a month to residents who qualify. We were really impressed at how they provide the services to their clients. During the intake, they determine the nutritional needs of the household, and create a customized “shopping list.” Our main job for the morning was to walk clients through the pantry and pull the items on their list. We met all sorts of clients from all walks of life, and enjoyed being their personal shoppers for a bit!
In addition to the food and clothing pantry, Crossroads partners with other organizations and volunteers to provide an artistic outlet for members of the homeless community. Two members of our team, Ally & Deborah, got the chance to spend time with Steven, an amazing artist whose work was on display in the building. Artists who complete the program get the chance to sell their work, and there is a yearly art show at the Dallas Public Library.
Our first morning at Crossroads, we were fortunate enough to listen in on practi
ce for the Dallas Street Choir. The choir, made up entirely of homeless individuals, will be performing at Carnegie Hall in June! It was an amazing reminder that there is more to this group of people than just the “homeless” label. 
They have voices.
Our afternoons were spent at Dallas LIFE, serving dinner to their 100+ residents. As Northern Texas’ largest homeless shelter, they offer the New LIFE Program, which produces around 50 “graduates” each year who are recovered from addiction and have jobs and housing now. We were blessed by the residents who worked in the kitchen with us and told us their stories of struggle and transformation.
We have been overwhelmed by the hospitality and welcome that we’ve received from the organizations we’re working with. From Danielle and her crew at Crossroads, to Ernie and John in the kitchen at Dallas LIFE, to Jamie and her C2K team, we have felt so welcomed and appreciated. It’s such a blessing to serve along side these wonderful people doing God’s work in the world, and to hear how God is at work in their lives.