Shelter is opening Sunday night at 4 p.m. To volunteer, create an account by clicking this link to see the open and available shifts!
Donations (Amazon Wish List & Monetary Donations)
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 in the News
We are grateful for our media partners who check in on us from time to time about the progress and impact our programs have on the community. Here’s a list of the most current news articles and videos.
Pastor Isabel gives an update to Univision about immigration programs – May 23, 2023
If you find videos or articles that you don’t see linked, please email them to communications@olumc.org. Thanks!
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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