First Presbyterian Church acquires City Square campus to expand services for Dallas' homeless community

On January 28, 2025, a special meeting focused on housing and homelessness solutions in Dallas highlighted significant developments in local efforts to address poverty and homelessness. The meeting featured discussions led by representatives from the Stewpot, a ministry of First Presbyterian Church of Dallas, which recently acquired the City Square campus to expand its services.

The Stewpot, celebrating 50 years of community service, reported a remarkable history of providing over 8.7 million meals and assisting individuals in obtaining vital identification documents necessary for accessing services and employment. The organization has also funded scholarships for youth and has been actively involved in rapid rehousing initiatives since 2021.

The acquisition of the City Square campus, finalized in December 2024 for $7 million, marks a pivotal moment for the Stewpot. This facility will allow the organization to enhance its outreach and support services for those experiencing homelessness and poverty. The Stewpot's leadership emphasized the importance of this acquisition, noting that it aligns with their mission and will enable them to serve a larger population in need.

During the meeting, the Stewpot's executive director outlined the organization's growth over the past seven years, which has seen a tripling in the number of people served and an increase in budget to $12.5 million. This growth has been fueled by expanded food recovery programs and housing initiatives, particularly in response to the heightened needs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The transition to the City Square campus is expected to be completed by the end of March 2025, with ongoing community engagement efforts to ensure that the services provided meet the needs of the local population. The Stewpot is actively seeking additional funding to support its operations and capital improvements at the new facility.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the ongoing commitment of local organizations to combat homelessness and poverty in Dallas. The Stewpot's acquisition of the City Square campus represents a significant step forward in enhancing support services for vulnerable populations, with plans for continued fundraising and community collaboration to ensure sustainable operations.