| Dallas has logged 11,000 homeless encampment complaints to 311 in the past year—a 45% increase since 2021. Public frustration is rising, and the appointment of Jesse Moreno as Mayor Pro Tem comes at a critical moment. Already Chair of the Housing & Homeless Solutions Committee, Moreno has long played a central role in homelessness policy, but now, his colleagues have signaled that they expect leadership from him. City staff claim 90% of high-priority encampments get a 24-hour response and that most stay cleared for 30 days. But Councilwoman Cara Mendelsohn pushed back, saying the city’s numbers don’t match what residents see: “They report it, it gets closed, and it does not get addressed.” Local businesses echo the same frustration. Jimmy Vergos, owner of the Original Market Diner, has dealt with repeat fires and dangerous camps behind his restaurant. The city cleared part of it, but then blamed jurisdiction issues and left the rest untouched. “It’s a joke. No follow-up. No accountability,” Vergos said. This is the kind of dysfunction residents are tired of. Finger-pointing across city departments, half-cleaned camps, and growing danger, while City Hall insists things are improving. Now that Council Member Jesse Moreno has stepped into a citywide leadership role, there’s an opportunity to prove the city is serious about change. |
| But residents aren’t holding their breath. We’ll continue to give credit where it’s due, but only if results follow. If this issue affects you, contact your city council member today and demand action. The city is out of excuses. |
| Press Highlights: |
| Person Found Dead in Pool in Red Bird, DPD Investigating A person was found dead in a pool near South Hampton Rd around 4 a.m. No answers yet. What’s happening in our neighborhoods at 4 in the morning, and why does it keep ending like this? |
| Protesters Assault Cop at ICE Rally, DPD Seeks Suspects During an anti-ICE protest in West Dallas, two individuals assaulted a police officer, and now DPD is asking for help identifying them. Protesting immigration enforcement is one thing, attacking cops is another. So where’s the outrage? |
| City Bought Oak Cliff Hospital for Shelter, Then Backtracked</> The city quietly bought an old hospital in Oak Cliff to turn into a homeless shelter, without telling the neighborhood. Now, after public backlash, they’re selling it. Why is City Hall always more transparent with vagrants than with taxpayers? |
Tracking Illegal Camps:
District 2
Councilman Jesse Moreno
“Sidewalk Shelter in the Cedars”
On Hickory Street in District 2, two men sit beneath the trees with tarps, blankets, and scattered belongings covering the sidewalk. This isn’t just loitering—it’s an encampment on public walkways. Councilmember Jesse Moreno, when does this area get real attention and enforcement?
District 11
Councilman Bill Roth
“Bridge Camp”
A makeshift camp is set up beneath a major overpass at Coit Rd and LBJ, just yards from fast-moving traffic and concrete barriers. This isn’t shelter, it’s survival on the edge. Councilman Bill Roth, what’s the long-term plan to clear these camps and connect people with real options?
District 2
Councilman Jesse Moreno
“Wheelchair Panhandling in the Street”
Right in the middle of Cleveland St, a man in a wheelchair panhandles between cars at a busy intersection. No barrier, no protection, just exposure and danger. Panhandling is illegal in Dallas. So why is it being allowed to flourish in District 2, Councilman Moreno?
