Dallas LIFE

I was homeless in the summer of 2025 and this shelter was the only one that would take me in without having an ID (as long as you showed them proof that you had an appointment for any of the vital documents you were missing). My time here was mixed with positives and negatives, mostly the latter. First the positives. The shelter was clean, well ran, and I felt relatively safe around the other residents and the shelter itself during my stay. Their food was very hit and miss and when they were low on food, it was very noticeable. They would even serve expired food from time to time. Onto the negatives now... Yeppie. Firstly, they have two programs here. One is pay to stay where you would pay $15 daily and the other was a long-term program with four different phases. The latter is horrible because the first phase is pretty much house arrest where you can't leave the shelter and they make you work to stay (as in working in their kitchen or as security). Another issue with their program is they want you to go by their pace (as in you can't start applying for jobs or housing until the 3rd phase if I recall and the program is 10 months long😑). They also force their religion on you during the program, which is a horrible way to convert someone if they're an atheist or just not interested in general. Due to the drawbacks I mentioned with their long-term program and not having data on either of my crappy phones to withstand the first phase, I ended up declining it and they gave me 3 days to find a different shelter since I couldn't do the pay to stay option and I left after my 41-42 day stay to a different shelter. A few months later, I overcame my homeless arc and got my ID after three attempts. Mind you, if I took their awful program, I would've been in phase 2 going at their pace and waiting for the next phase to start housing and job applications. What fun😒

This place saved my life. Food, a bed, hot showers, filtered water, and recovery programs. There are a lot of rules, and they're super evangelical, but they got me clean and sober, and provided great counseling that I didn't know I needed. After a year here I'm getting my own place and I like the person I've become.

I read through many of the reviews before I actually arrived here. I wanted to decide for myself just how Dallas Life operates as a shelter. It is my opinion that this shelter is incredibly well run, clean, and has solid rules in place for good reasons. The staff here have been professional, polite, and engaging. It is important to understand and realize that when we come here we are all in need of assistance. Gratitude is important and one of the key components to happiness. While there can be and may be a challenging isolated person on staff it is incumbent on us the homeless to handle ourselves gracefully and control our behavior. No other person can affect how we should choose to behave in a positive fashion. Remember ONE individual does not represent the whole staff. The Intake staff are excellent, kind, professional, and are very fair. The Security Staff here places the well being of the Residents first.The 3rd floor mens dorm is orderly and clean, The leaders give clear instructions on what to do daily. The kitchen staff is always working hard and provides good food. The program interviewer Cindy was both kind and informative. She clearly demonstrated the positive culture of Dallas Life. It is important to remember the staff here deals with many personalities and the residents are at a constant ebb and flow. The staff does a remarkable job adjusting to changing dynamics in this facility. It is also important for each of us to be accountable for our own short comings. Things like chores and responsibilities are a daily occurrence no matter where we live. This is a practical part of daily life. Rather than look and focus on areas that are perceived systemic issues... As an example a moldy shower curtain. Don't complain, instead be proactive and help resolve the issue. It's very easy to find the negative in situations. It takes maturity, love, and kindness to find positives and help solve problems. I am grateful for Dallas Life and feel like they have helped change the trajectory of my life.At Dallas Life you get out of it what you put into it. My / Our attitude should be one of gratitude to the people that are protecting WE that are vulnerable (Including All walks of life, all colors of people, families, and children). God has placed these wonderful people in front of us to show his love for each of us. I pray 🙏 each person gives this place your prayers and support . I am a believer, (A Christian) so an atmosphere of being mindful that God is good all the time is good for my soul. I will say that what is going on here is by the Grace of God himself. Trust in the Lord with all your heart ❤️ and you will find help here.