Originally published in the 2026 DRC Homecomer
Our team works hard to support our unsheltered neighbors, with the perpetual goal to end their homelessness by moving them from the streets to stability so that they can continue to thrive. Take a peek into a few of our recent client move-ins this summer.
Damon Mitchell: It isn’t rare for DRC Street Outreach to come across a familiar face while out on their shifts. Outreach team member Fatimah had been serving in homeless services for almost a decade, so it happened almost every day. She was surprised to see Damon still living unsheltered after so many years. He was beyond tired now, so Fatimah knew it was time to work towards something better. They didn’t want to take any chances if a housing opportunity came along, so Damon worked with DRC’s Denise Yeager to get him his ID and other documents. Fatimah and the team were ecstatic to move Damon into his new place in the Camp Bowie area. Teamwork and dedication had finally brought Damon home.
Eddie & Cassandra Dolan: The Dolans were housed in May 2026 after experiencing over six years of homelessness. Referred to the DRC by the City of Fort Worth, the Dolans had been in-and-out of shelters and campsites with their two dogs. After the DRC helped them replace their identity documents, Outreach team member Fatimah was so grateful to get the couple housed after working with them for more than a year.
William Kessel: Mr. Kessel was a well-known citizen in the Stockyards, living unsheltered for most of his adult life. Now in his 60's, the experience left him untrusting and angry with the world until the DRC showed up. Outreach team Judy and Nicole refused to give up on Mr. Kessel despite any of his doubts or gruff. When they told him he had finally secured a housing voucher, he was stunned and still couldn’t believe it. With happy tears of hope that this long, hard journey was ending he was grateful, “thank you for not giving up on me.”
Zelda Williams & Zuri: Ms. Williams came to a good place at a bad time. Staff assisted her during a mental health crisis in front of the DRC office in April 2026. FWFD showed up to offer on-site care while the team comforted Zuri the Yorkie. Afterward, Ms. Williams returned to thank the staff and get more help. DRC’s Denise Yeager helped to replace her documents, as she had housing available to her if she did. Hope (and the documents) seemed lost when someone stole her bag the next day, but the team wouldn’t give up! After starting the process over with a lot of support and encouragement from the DRC and her friends on East Lancaster, Zelda and Zuri were eventually able to secure housing in Crowley. After a few days, Ms. Williams’ brother and family visited. They had not known what she was going through, but were so happy to find her and helped decorate her new home!
William “Willie” Rossie: In March 2025, DRC Street Outreach team member Amanda and her partner met Willie at his lowest point. Willie had been living in a makeshift shelter in the Forest Hill area. Although he didn’t have much, Willie took a lot of pride in his temporary home. He cleaned and decorated it, too, but eventually it was bulldozed.
With nothing left, and even less trust in people, Willie didn’t think much was going to come of his meeting the DRC. But a few weeks later, on a day that seemed no more special to Willie than any other day, his faith in humans was restored when Amanda showed up with cupcakes. She couldn’t and wouldn’t forget that it was his birthday. She wanted to let him know he had people rooting for him. “After his birthday, he definitely softened up and knew we could get the job done.”
After that level of rapport was built, Amanda worked to support Willie and replace his critical documents. Almost a year after his birthday, Amanda would deliver yet another gift: a housing voucher had become available for him. Now surviving behind a supermarket in the Camp Bowie area, Willie could not believe it- someone had cared, someone had supported, and someone had saved him. Through tears, Willie thanked Amanda for sticking around and being patient with him. DRC Street Outreach moved Willie into housing during Summer 2026
