Originally published in the 2025 DRC Homecomer
Earlier this year, Mayor Mattie Parker sat down with DRC Solutions to shoot an interview segment for an educational video that later debuted at our 2025 Breakfast with the Mayor in April. What ensued was a passionate conversation about the real efforts and organizations making a difference in Fort Worth and beyond, captured in this extended transcript of that interview.
DRC Solutions: How would you describe the current state of homelessness in Fort Worth?
Mayor Parker: Well, I think that while we have a significant homeless population across Fort Worth, I know for a fact that our nonprofits and our government systems are working well to serve these individuals who find themselves in the worst type of circumstances. I wouldn’t put us against any other city in the country. I think our percentages and numbers really reflect that, but at the same time we need organizations like the DRC,who are really focused on the problems and understand what a full system approach is in providing services to all individuals. It’s not just about housing, but it’s all about meeting them where they are and understanding what it takes to be successful.
DRC Solutions: What are the biggest challenges the city faces in alleviating homelessness?
Mayor Parker: Number one right now is population growth across the city. You’ve got increased development in the urban core, inside [route] 820, and externally. And with a growing city of almost 1,000,000 people now, there’s external pressure. You hear people complain a lot more about it, and they’re persistent in those complaints. Oftentimes, when I’m meeting with individuals across the community or giving speaking events, I hear about homelessness, but I try to remind people about dignity first. And then I also try to remind them of the millions of dollars invested that focuses on those problems in different departments within the city of Fort Worth. And of course, partnerships with the DRC and how impactful those are! I’m probably most proud right now of the Street Outreach program, and I think that those things are really translating into real results and helping families across Fort Worth.
DRC Solutions: When you are driving home or out and about on the weekends, and you see homelessness, what goes through your mind?
Mayor Parker: Yeah, so you know what goes through my mind? I think, first of all, I am burdened more than most people because I know how many things we’re working on across the city of Fort Worth. Panhandling, for instance. Let’s make the assumption that they’re homeless in the first place. It’s heartbreaking. Their life won’t get any better in that position, asking for money on the street. And Fort Worth is incredibly fortunate. We’re very rich in resources across our city. There are a number of nonprofits that serve individuals facing homelessness, they just have to be willing to seek out that help. The second thing I think about is the impact to businesses and families that live in that area. And I know that we’re really a faithful community that wants to give back and provide any kind of help, but I worry again that the wrong resources are falling into the wrong hands. As I mentioned, $10 to a homeless individual on the street is not the same impact as $10 to an organization like the DRC. And then lastly, maybe we do have gaps, or I question- are we not doing enough? Is our team aware that this area of our city [needs help]? I’m the first to use My Fort Worth app to say these are some things I’m seeing here, especially with homeless encampments. I’m always reporting those because in Fort Worth, we don’t believe that homeless encampments are the way of the future. I think it’s a public health hazard and you’ve seen other large cities fall victim to that. But our residents, almost 1,000,000 people, really are our eyes and our ears.
DRC Solutions: What would you say to someone who is considering donating or doing work with DRC Solutions?
Mayor Parker: Well, honestly, working with a nonprofit like the DRC is probably the most impactful way to give back. Let’s take pan-handling, for instance. You see the signs across the city, on the East Side, and down on Camp Bowie, we’re going to see those across Fort Worth, but there are multiple reasons why you shouldn’t give money for panhandling. But if you are so inclined and you want to make a difference in homelessness (maybe that’s why you’re here at the breakfast this morning), then the DRC is a great way to plug in. You can rest assured that your money is going directly to services, and they’re working alongside individuals like the City of Fort Worth and our departments. They work with our Police Department and our Fire Department to really help. We need additional services and expertise to serve our homeless population, and DRC Solutions does a great job, especially on the Street Outreach piece.
