by Dallas, Texas — On Christmas Day, a small stretch of Ervay Street near Canton Street transformed into something rarely seen in the middle of downtown traffic and concrete. Santa hats dotted the sidewalk. Christmas music echoed between buildings. Warm meals, bottled drinks, and quiet conversations replaced the usual rush. For several hours, this corner of Dallas became a place of dignity, generosity, and human connection.
By late morning, volunteers from across North Texas had gathered to serve people experiencing homelessness, many of whom line up along the corridor daily. On this holiday, the scene felt different. The giving was intentional, personal, and deeply rooted in lived experience.
A Growing Tradition Reflects a Growing Need
LeTitia Owens, founder of Where Are You? Homeless Outreach, has been serving this community for more than a decade. She says the size of the Christmas Day outreach has grown dramatically over the years.
When she first began coming out on Christmas, she remembers very few volunteers showing up. Today, dozens of people arrive with food, supplies, and donations, responding to a need that continues to expand.
Owens distributes snacks, soda, bottled water, and flashlights, items that provide immediate relief and safety for those living on the streets. While she welcomes the increased volunteer presence, she notes that the growth also reflects a deeper problem.
The need, she says, is greater than ever. Still, she believes the willingness of people to show up on Christmas is a powerful sign of compassion.
Faith Groups Step In With Food and Warmth
Just a few steps away, volunteers from The Abundant Life Worship Center DFW set up tables stacked with hot meals and cold-weather gear. The group traveled from Mesquite to be part of the effort.
Senior Pastor Myron Jones said the outreach serves as a reminder of how quickly circumstances can change.
He emphasized that many people are closer to homelessness than they realize, sometimes only one unexpected setback away. His church has been hosting monthly food distributions for four years and expanded its efforts to include Thanksgiving and Christmas mornings in recent years.
The meals served were cooked from scratch, and volunteers also handed out jackets, gloves, and other winter essentials as temperatures dipped.
Restoring Dignity, Not Just Providing Meals
Jones said outreach efforts like this are about more than food. They are about visibility and belonging.
For people living without stable housing, he explained, the absence of acknowledgment can be as painful as the lack of resources. Many feel forgotten by society and disconnected from hope.
Volunteers were encouraged to slow down, make eye contact, and have brief conversations — simple actions that help restore a sense of humanity during a time when isolation often feels overwhelming.
From Homelessness to Helping Others
Owens understands that feeling personally. In 2012, she lived out of her car. She recalls the loneliness and uncertainty of that time, questioning where help would come from and whether anyone noticed her struggle.
What changed her path, she said, was encountering people who stepped in with kindness and tangible support. Those experiences inspired her to build the outreach she now leads.
Her journey from homelessness to advocacy shapes how she approaches service today. She believes presence matters just as much as provisions.
Creating a Space for Connection on Christmas
Throughout the morning, volunteers offered more than supplies. They offered conversation, encouragement, and reassurance that those receiving help were seen and valued.
Cars slowed down. Some drivers rolled down windows to hand out money. Others simply waved. For a few hours, the block felt less like a place of survival and more like a shared community space.
Owens said her goal each year is simple: to create a moment where people feel loved, touched, and remembered.
She believes those moments can plant seeds of hope that last beyond the holiday.
A Reminder Beyond the Holiday
While the Christmas gathering brought warmth and cheer, organizers emphasized that homelessness is not seasonal. The needs remain long after decorations come down.
Both Owens and Jones hope the visibility of the Christmas outreach encourages more consistent support throughout the year, whether through volunteering, donations, or advocacy.
For those who attended, the day served as a reminder that meaningful impact often starts with showing up.
If you’ve seen similar efforts in your community or have thoughts on how cities can better support people experiencing homelessness, share your perspective in the comments below.
