By BJ Austin
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-708777.mp3
Dallas, TX – The day before its opening, workers put the finishing touches on the Homeless Assistance Center near the downtown Dallas Farmers Market - drilling holes to secure door frames, hammering landscape pieces in place. Five brand new buildings surround a large Plaza with bright yellow tables and permanent umbrellas. The Center is called The Bridge - focusing on mental health or addiction treatment for the chronic homeless. Case workers will help with jobs, housing, hygiene and three meals a day. (nat) A couple of blocks away, outside First Presbyterian's Stewpot homeless kitchen, Dee Dee sits on the curb - smiling and humming to herself, waiting for lunch to be served. She wants the new center to do two things.
Dee Dee: "I hope it can provide assistance for needy families; drug rehabilitation programs for homeless people, just to get people off the streets and off of drugs."
The Bridge is the linchpin of the city's 10 year Homeless plan which calls for a 10% reduction per year in the number of those who've been on the streets a long time. Dallas City Councilmember Carolyn Davis says that won't be easy.
Davis: "And that's the hardest part, getting them there because they need medication. Some of it is alcohol. Some of it is drug abuse. Some of it is war syndrome that they've gone thru. Some of it is just falling on bad luck. "
Voters approved 23 million for the Center, first in 2003. This year, the Dallas homeless census counted nearly six thousand. And showed some sleep outside because they don't have the five to seven dollars to pay one of the private shelters. The Bridge will NOT charge for services, and operators believe the low-demand approach will bring more people to get help. It will also be 24/7. The handful of private shelters close during the day. And the only Dallas-operated shelter closes at night. Outside the Stewpot, 20 year old Stephanie -- big hoop earrings, tank top and tattoos -- doesn't want much from The Bridge.
Stephanie: "Cause that's all I want is a shower and some food, and then I'm okay. I sleep outside. And I bathe in the Day Resource Center of whatever. I find it easier - no curfew, heh."
But, Willie and Roy, in their 50's, say they'll check it out when the doors open.
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