According to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), on any given night, more than half a million people sleep in shelters and unsheltered places that aren’t intended for human habitation, such as cars and encampments. Recent data shows that California, New York, Florida, Washington, and Texas had the highest number of unhoused individuals.
Over the course of a year, more than a million individuals and families typically experience homelessness, and, in 2022, more than a quarter of those were families with children.
Thousands of charitable organizations across the country are helping the homeless. In Dallas, a nonprofit founded by then-Mayor Pro-Tem Annette G. Strauss in 1986, is changing the lives of families who need a helping hand when they experience homelessness. Family Gateway operates the only emergency shelters in Dallas and Collin Counties that serve families with the main goal being to keep families together.
It’s an incredible organization that believes all children and their families have the right to a safe place to live, and that families are stronger together as they face challenges. It’s because of this important mission that Calyx Cares, our company’s program to give back to our community, selected Family Gateway as one of our charities of choice. Calyx Cares is providing much-needed hygiene supplies to this deserving organization and the many families it takes care of each day.
It’s the little things that can make a big impact. Providing things like toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, deodorant, shaving cream, and razors makes a huge difference in the lives of these families. It helps build confidence, helps parents teach their children the importance of good hygiene, and allows these families to focus on the bigger issues they’re facing. Beyond temporary shelter, Family Gateway also works to address key drivers of homelessness, which include helping with employment opportunities, finding affordable housing, ensuring quality education, and establishing strong support systems.
Calyx Professional Services Group (PSG) is taking the lead in working with Family Gateway, bringing its energy, enthusiasm, and resources to make a real difference. PSG provides online and onsite training to Calyx customers, including videos, webinars, and educational articles, to ensure they maximize the benefits of using Calyx software. Likewise, the group is committed to its support of Family Gateway to ensure the nonprofit can maximize the benefits it provides these families. The Team believes, “Giving is always important and shows our commitment to giving back to our community. We continue to be blessed and want to pass that blessing on to others. No one left behind.”
