In January 2026—18 months from now—70 unhoused men and women will have permanent housing in north Oak Cliff thanks to a monumental community effort. The Dallas City Council awarded a contract on June 26 to St. Jude Inc. to convert the former Hotel Miramar (known now as 1950 Fort Worth Ave) into 70 units for the homeless. District 1 Councilman Chad West, a longtime friend of the Well Community, led the charge to bring St. Jude’s proven track record to serve in his district.
St. Jude’s already has a successful homeless Permanent Supportive Housing track record in North Dallas. Their first property opened in 2018 with 104 residents, their second opened in 2020 with 201 residents and a third opened in April 2024 with 136 residents. That is a total of 441 residents. This new project will add 70 more units. While this seems like a drop in the bucket compared to the nearly 4,000 homeless in Dallas and Collin counties, the project offers hope for many who have been both homeless and hopeless for decades.
Alice Zaccarello, Executive Director of the Well Community, as a local neighbor living near 1950 Fort Worth Ave, spoke to the Dallas City Council in hearings regarding this project. “Homelessness is not going away unless those who are experiencing homelessness have a place to live. It’s really just that simple,” she told the council.
She also reminded them of the impact other St. Jude housing solutions have had in other Dallas districts. “While neighbors were skeptical about St. Jude’s before [the first one] opened, it was after it opened, when they were able to step inside, they fully understood the significant positive impact on those formerly homeless residents. They saw that the residents had a safe and secure place to live as well as wraparound services such as social services, basic needs, physical and mental health services, meaningful activity and social support.”
Alice further explained, “In addition, neighbors also found that since the opening of St. Jude’s, crime rates around St. Jude’s have consistently dropped while their property values have consistently increased year after year.”
In council discussions, Councilman Adam Bazaldua stated, “This is exactly the approach that has to be taken when we are presented with opportunities as a body to bring resources to our unsheltered population. … In the end, we’re doing something for those who are voiceless.”
Council Chairman Chad West, also noted, “My two kids live within a couple blocks of this property—within less than half a mile. … If I did not feel like every stone was overturned for safety, security and the benefit of the neighborhood, there’s no way I would support it. I feel confident that this will be a benefit for District 1 across the board.”
According to Sarah Kahn, President & CEO of Housing Forward, “In Dallas and Collin counties we are demonstrating that meaningful change for our community results from supporting our neighbors to move back into permanent housing with connections to supportive services. This approach also advances racial equity by removing barriers to services and stable housing that perpetuate disparities.”
Nearly half of the members of the Well Community daily face homelessness. Finding clean, safe, affordable housing for members has been one of the most daunting challenges for the Well. In 2007 the Well Community opened Jacob’s House to eight men who were not only homeless but lived with chronic and debilitating mental illnesses. This group home is licensed by the city of Dallas and not only provides safe and affordable housing, but also offers camaraderie, community and stability.
In addition, through providing case management services and opportunities to connect with others who understand their struggles, the Well Community helps Jacob’s House residents take steps toward better mental health.
The Well Community offers support and a shelter from stigma for those dealing with serious mental illnesses. Your gift to The Well will help address underlying issues that lead to housing challenges among these individuals, as well as assist those facing the dual struggles of insecure housing and mental illness take steps toward stability.