Dallas Responds Information Hub
Welcome to the Dallas Responds Information Hub! Here, you’ll find everything you need to know about the impactful programs and services that help us care for our neighbors in need.
From providing essential supplies to offering compassionate support, Dallas Responds is dedicated to making a difference in our community. Explore our Amazon Wish List to see the most-needed items to care for our guests, or consider making a monetary donation to sustain our vital programs and services.
This page serves as your go-to resource for all things Dallas Responds, including updates on our programs, how you can get involved, and ways to support our mission. Together, we can make a meaningful impact in the lives of our neighbors.
Thank you for your generosity and support!
A Statement Regarding Current Events in our Community
Oak Lawn UMC, along with our outreach ministries, Dallas Responds, remains steadfast in our commitment to serving and supporting all communities, especially those who find themselves most polarized and marginalized in the current political climate.
As we have always done, we continue to provide warm meals, offer shelter during inclement weather, organize workshops to equip individuals with the knowledge to protect their rights, and serve as a safe haven that welcomes everyone without exception. These efforts reflect our unwavering dedication to upholding the dignity and rights of every person who enters our doors.
Our mission remains unchanged: to proactively engage with and support the community. While news of current threats may inspire fear, we choose to focus on being a source of safety, hope, and strength for those who need it most.
As a church, we will continue to stand in solidarity with our neighbors, offering the resources and support they deserve, guided by love and justice.
Dallas Responds is the outreach ministry of Oak Lawn United Methodist Church and is an innovative collaboration with other community organizations, churches and individuals.
We create a welcoming place that transcends borders, embraces diversity, and fosters a sense of belonging for every individual seeking refuge, safety and love.
Dallas Responds symbolizes hope, a place where cultural richness converges with a shared humanity. We aspire to be a beacon of compassion, providing essential services and empowering refugees to rebuild their lives with dignity and purpose.
If you need more information or want to volunteer, contact Patricia Proo at Patricia@olumc.org All these programs are done on the first floor of the church.
Dallas Responds Programs & Volunteering Info
Learn more about our programs and meet our Outreach Coordinator!
Patricia Proo
Outreach Coordinator
Contact Patricia at patricia@olumc.org or 214-521-5197, x101.
Dallas Responds stands at the forefront of providing transitional housing and support services to immigrants and refugees in the United States.
OLUMC’s efforts go beyond practical support; we address the spiritual and emotional needs of refugees. Our approach of welcoming each individual with messages of safety, love, and acceptance is pivotal in their journey towards integration and stability.
Our volunteer leadership is a cornerstone of our efficiency, enabling us to maximize the impact of every dollar donated. Our community-based approach strengthens the social fabric by fostering inclusivity and understanding.
The changing political landscape, particularly around asylum-seeking laws, poses a significant challenge. We work tirelessly to educate the public on the legal aspects of seeking asylum and counteract misinformation.
Oak Lawn United Methodist Church (OLUMC) operates two significant outreach programs: the Migrant Welcome Center and the Unsheltered Neighbor Ministry.
Migrant Welcome Center: OLUMC welcomes hundreds of legal asylum seekers weekly, arriving from U.S.-Mexico border detention centers. The church provides a warm welcome, travel bookings, meals, clothing, and transport to their travel points. This labor-intensive program, requiring extensive staff and volunteer support, is open 1-5 days a week based on migrant availability. It demands significant building resources, including internet for 100+ users, cooling systems, and water for restrooms.
Unsheltered Neighbor Ministry: This encompasses several programs:
- Community Meal: Served on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays to 20-50 unsheltered neighbors. Our community also welcomes volunteer-run Sunday night dinners serving a restaurant-style, quality meal for our beloved neighbors and friends.
- Clothing Closet: Open on the first and third Saturdays, providing clothing and hygiene products, with refreshments.
- Inclement Weather Shelter: Hosts up to 100 guests during extreme weather, providing meals and shelter.
- Case Management (coming soon) will offer access to Medicaid, Food Stamps, SSI benefits and state IDs.
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