Dallas International Street Church under fire

by James K. Waghorne

This organization has recently become a target from the City of Dallas and other political organizations.

Few in Dallas had ever heard about the International Street Church and their ministry to our homeless. But recently this organization has become a target from the City of Dallas and other political organizations.

International Street Church does a job for our homeless that no one has ever had the courage to take on. These individuals serve the most chronic homeless in Dallas. And have been doing so for many years. I first learned about Pastor Karen and the International Street Church when they were located on the corner of Young St. and Ervay across from the Dallas Public Library and caddie-corner to Dallas City Hall. Their ministry to our homeless drew the ire of both politicians and downtown businesses.

Eventually the political pressure coming out of the dark room meetings at City Hall forced the International Street Church to look for relocation.

Moving out towards Fair Park, Pastor Karen and the others continued their service to both the homeless and our community. That’s right! Our community. The homeless who seek refuge there would otherwise be sleeping in business doorways, alleys, abandon houses, etc… This doesn’t even mention that some of those who seek their help get back into mainstream community. Serving over 150 homeless individuals, the International Street Church was doing just fine but in December political wheels in City Hall starting turning along and Pastor Karen became a target. The Fire Department came on a night when it was 22 degrees outside and cited 20 violations. Our compassionate community stepped forward and all those violations were taken care of and the International Street Church received a passing grade. Yet, the Fire Department came back just recently and cited them more violations. Does this not raise red flags. Pass on day and then fail the next.

Now you might ask the question, “Where is this umbrella homeless advocacy group called Metro Dallas Homeless Alliance?” How come their voice has not been heard? You know the group. The group asking for all these millions of dollars. The one that is suppose to advocate for all the homeless in Dallas and not just the ones going to The Bridge, which they oversee. One might think that forcing 150 disabled individuals from their one refuge where they can eat, sleep and worship would draw some statement from a proclaimed homeless advocacy group.

Fact is, even during these hard times on so many; it doesn’t come down to the sanctity of human life but instead the almighty dollar and very large egos.

That being the case I have a piece of advice for the International Street Church. Go on ebay and purchase those large military tents. Set them up in the parking lot for sleep over. The courts have already ruled that our Constitution and Freedom of Religion will protect the church. You do not need a Certificate of Occupancy nor do you need to pass a fire code. This of course is what cities like Seattle are doing. Churches are supporting each other and the Christian practice of serving the needy.

This is not the perfect solution, but 150 disabled homeless individuals getting services is a benefit for our entire community. Even for City Hall and Metro Dallas Homeless Alliance.

• Staff
• Verified User
• Anonymous