Is there an easy way to search for playgrounds, dog parks, and recreation centers that are close to my neighborhood?
The City of Dallas Park and Recreation Department’s website includes a feature that allows you to search for parks and other facilities by facility type and feature. For example, you can search for parks that include dog parks or pickleball courts.
How do I find information on my neighborhood public school, magnet schools, and other public school options?
Neighborhoods in Dallas, depending on location, are served by one of six different public school districts. The majority of neighborhoods in Dallas are located within the boundaries of the Dallas Independent School District (DISD).
Many local public school districts allow parents and guardians to choose to send their child to their zoned (“neighborhood”) school or to schools that offer specialized school models/programs such as Montessori, single-gender, International Baccalaureate, STEM/STEAM, leadership, or dual language. Additionally, some school districts accept applications from out-of-district students who wish to enroll in schools within the district.
Are there any low-cost recreation or education activities that are available to City of Dallas residents?
The City of Dallas Park and Recreation Department offer low-cost programs for people of all ages, including youth, teenagers, adults, and seniors. The department’s website allows you to search for activities by activity type and/or location.
Dallas College (formerly Dallas County Community College) offers a Lifelong Learning Program that is geared towards adults aged 55 years or older. Classes include academic and personal enrichment courses that are “customized just for older adults.”
Does the City of Dallas offer any opportunities for youth to learn about public leadership?
The City of Dallas sponsors a Youth Commission that seeks to “inspire Dallas youth to become lifelong leaders actively engaged in civic affairs, public policy, and advocacy.” The Youth Commission has 15 members. Members must be between the ages of 14-19 years old at the time of appointment.
Does the Dallas Police Department or Fire-Rescue Department offer any opportunities for youth to learn more about public safety careers?
The Dallas Police Department sponsors several youth engagement initiatives, including the Police Explorers and the Junior Explorers programs for youth between the ages of 9-21 years old who have a sincere interest in law enforcement. DPD also sponsors the Junior Police Academy that introduces youth to the operation of different DPD units including SWAT, K-9, Motorcycle, and Helicopter.
The Dallas Fire-Rescue Department offers several programs for youth, including a Fire-Rescue Explorers Program, fire station “show-and-tell” tours, and fire safety educational programs, including the traveling fire safety house.
Does DART offer any discounts for families or students?
Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) offers several types of discounts for families and students. If a family has already qualified for assistance programs such as Medicaid, Medicare, TANF, or SNAP, they may be eligible for a 50% discount on DART rides. Additionally, full-time college students may be eligible to ride DART for free.
DART, the City of Dallas and the Dallas Independent School District approved a program that will provide free DART rides for DISD students. However, the program is not yet operational. (12/24/2024).
Are there any home repair programs that help people who can’t afford to maintain their homes?
The City of Dallas and Dallas County offer several programs that provide financial assistance to low-income homeowners who are struggling to maintain their homes. The Home Improvement and Preservation Program (HIPP) provides up to $24,000 in financial assistance to help homeowners make emergency, minor, and major repairs to their home. It is unclear whether the program is currently accepting applications. (12/14/2024)
The Dallas Water Utilities Minor Plumbing Repair Program provides minor repairs as well as free fixtures such as high-efficiency toilets and low-flow shower heads.
Dallas County also offers home repair assistance through its Weatherization Assistance Program. Repairs must reduce a household’s energy burden and can include replacement of doors and windows, installation of insulation, and HVAC repairs/retrofits, among other repairs.
Are there any programs that help people who can’t afford to pay their water, gas, or electric bills?
The City of Dallas and Dallas County both administer utility assistance programs. The Dallas Water Utilities Operation Watershare Program provides financial assistance to families who are temporarily unable to pay their water bills.
Dallas County offers a Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP). CEAP provides energy assistance to help residents pay their electric, gas and water bills.
Are there any resources available to assist people who are facing eviction?
The Dallas Eviction Advocacy Center is a private non-profit organization that serves tenants in Dallas County facing eviction. According to their website, their services include “providing pro bono legal advice and representation.”
Additionally, Legal Aid of Northwest Texas (LANWT), another private non-profit organization, provides legal services to people facing eviction. According to their website, their lawyers can help clients “understand your rights and options, prepare and file legal documents, represent you in wrongful eviction or housing discrimination cases, and direct you to resources to prevent being unhoused.” LANWT also provides legal services related to debt collection, child custody, divorce, and estate planning, among other services.
Do any local organizations provide free or low-cost notary services?
Several Dallas public libraries offer free notary services during regular business hours. According to the Dallas Public Library’s website, “Dallas Public Library notaries are limited to 2 documents or 2 visits per person per month…Availability of Notary will vary by location. Please call ahead.”
Which agency provides copies of birth and death certificates?
The City of Dallas Office of Vital Statistics provides copies of long-form records of births and deaths that occur within the incorporated city limits of Dallas. The office is also able to provide copies of short-form birth records for births that occurred anywhere in the State of Texas.
Are there any programs for people who can’t afford to pay the fines associated with a “city ticket” (Class C misdemeanor)?
The City of Dallas operates multiple Community Courts, including specialized treatment courts for veterans and individuals facing substance abuse challenges.
According to the City’s website, the Community Courts adjudicate and “assist individuals 18 years or older with City of Dallas quality-of-life Class C misdemeanors.” Defendants participating in the Community Court are evaluated by a case manager and offered wrap-around services designed to systematically address and remove barriers for successful community reintegration and restoration.
Does the City of Dallas offer any services for homeless people?
The City of Dallas Office of Homeless Solutions maintains a comprehensive FAQs page that provides information on the resources available to homeless persons. The webpage also provides resources for persons who want to report homeless encampments.
Housing Forward, a local non-profit, serves as the lead agency for the homeless response system in Dallas and Collin Counties. Housing Forward manages homeless encampment clean-ups and works with landlords to move homeless persons from the street into a home. It also has an extensive list of resources on its website.
If you are a person experiencing homelessness and are in need of services, the City recommends that you call the Housing Forward Homeless Crisis Help Line at 1-888-411-6802.