WCIA's Weekly Updates 12/16 to 12/20/24

Tips for Avoiding Holiday Scams

As the holidays approach, so does an increase in attempts by cybercriminals to scam you and your loved ones out of hard-earned money. See attachment in email; A Public Alert produced by the USSS Global Investigative Operations Center with information regarding common threats and suggestions to help the public remain vigilant during this holiday season. More information HERE.

Tell us your story! Nominate your neighbor!

Who Are Our Neighbors?-an art and storytelling initiative designed to uplift and highlight extraordinary members of the Dallas community, past and present, who have crossed lines of difference to serve and better our city as bridge-builders, neighbors, leaders, and change-makers.

Bridge Builders are individuals who foster relationships across lines of difference, sometimes bridging gaps of hostility, misunderstanding, or conflict. These differences can be differences of culture, religion, socioeconomic status, language, or any other divide. Anyone can be a Bridge Builder by helping to forge connections where separation might otherwise exist. To submit a story about your civic organization, someone within it, or someone in your neighborhood whose story deserves to be celebrated and shared.

Submit a story: https://www.communityiq.org/tell-us-your-story

Submission deadline: December 20, 2024

Questions? Contact Almas at [email protected] or 214-448-8535

Community Resources Hub-

The City of Dallas' Community Resources Hub connects residents with existing resources to enhance the quality of life for all in Dallas. Search for free or reduced cost services such as food, healthcare, job-seeker and legal assistance, and more. Search results are available in 110 Different Languages. To access this FREE service click HERE. Please share with others who may benefit.

Communications & Customer Experience/311-

The City of Dallas Communications & Customer Experience/311 Department's mission is to effectively engage with the diverse communities of Dallas through strategic communication, innovative outreach, and impactful marketing initiatives. By fostering transparency, promoting city services, and amplifying civic pride, we aim to build strong connections, enhance trust, and empower residents to actively participate in shaping the future of our vibrant city. For more information click HERE.

Fair Housing Division Complaint Flowchart-

The Office of Equity & Inclusion - Fair Housing Division is excited to share our Housing Complaint Flowchart! This resource will help you and our residents quickly assess whether a complaint qualifies for investigation or gets to the right place. Please share and display this resource as well as Dallas' Fair Housing Poster with your team, residents, and stakeholders to promote the awareness of housing rights. These resources can be found on our website Fair Housing Division Home. For more information, contact our office 214-670-3247. For Bilingual Flowcharts click HERE.

Children's Defense Fund Texas-

Texas hospitals are now required to ask about immigration status. To know what this means for Texas children and families and how you can respond click HERE.

Keep Dallas Beautiful: Community Clean Trash-Off - December 14th

Get rid of your bulk items, hazardous waste, tires, and documents for shredding. All services provided by Code are free for those who attend. More information HERE.

Posada Festival at the Latino Cultural Center - December 14^th

Celebrate and experience a traditional Posada procession led by La Rondalla Romantica de Dallas around the center, followed by delicious pan dulce!

This family-friendly event is free and open to everyone. Come celebrate the season with us with live performances and hot chocolate! Flyer and more information HERE.

Help Keep Our Neighbors Warm: Office of Homeless Solutions Friends Group Coat Drive- November 18 to December 31, 2024

The City of Dallas Office of Homeless Solutions (OHS), in partnership with the Dallas Public Library, is collecting new or clean gently used adult-sized winter coats. Collection boxes can be found at several locations during normal business hours. If you or your organization want to organize a coat drive, contact the OHS Friends Group Team at [email protected]. For more information click HERE.

Free Legal Aid Clinic

Free legal aid services are provided by the Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program every 2^nd and 4^th Tuesday of each month. Registration begins at 4pm. Attorneys will see the first 30 people in line. There is also a virtual clinic every Thursday. To sign up, visit: https://tinyurl.com/DVAPClinic. For questions, contact 214-243-2236.

Pet Care Violations Help

If you've received a ticket from Dallas Animal Services, we can help you resolve those tickets! Enroll now in this program by December 31 to receive assistance with spay/neuter, microchipping, rabies vaccines, and an opportunity to reduce your owed fees. Visit https://bit.ly/dallaspethelp to get started. For more information please click HERE.

Dallas Airport System Holiday Year-End Celebration - December 13^th

​Join us for an evening of live holiday performances and refreshments! This holiday season, we invite you to brighten the lives of those in need by donating ornaments. Your thoughtful contributions will help create a warm and festive atmosphere for seniors living in the community! See bilingual flyers HERE.

Kiest Park Holiday Festival & Tree Lighting - December 14^th

Join Councilmembers Carolyn King Arnold, Chad West and the Dallas Park and Recreation Department as they celebrate the holiday season at Kiest Park Softball Complex from 4-8pm on December 14^th. See bilingual flyers HERE.

Visiting Nurse Association: Meals on Wheels

provide hot meals to seniors 60 years or older or individuals with disabilities. During delivery clients can interact with volunteers delivering meals. Also, when volunteers see something unusual or a decline of client's health, they report it to the office. Then, a Community Health Worker conducts a home visit to screen health care, connect to resources, and refer to services needed. Meals are funded based on client's income. For more information see BILINGUAL FLYER. If you would like to become a volunteer click HERE.

Open Public Comment

The Department of Transportation and Public Works host public meetings to provide information and gather public input on current and future initiatives that impact transportation planning, traffic safety and mobility in Dallas. Five open public comment periods for street projects across the city: https://bit.ly/DTPWMeetings. See attached bilingual flyer.

Medicaid Chip Application Assistance

Community Council will be providing application assistance for Medicaid Chip in December. Please see flyer for more information HERE.

Adult Learning

Dallas Public Library offers adult learning programs. The Fall schedule is ready. See GED classes, English citizenship classes. For more information see BILINGUAL FLYERS.

Educational Opportunity Center - Assistance with applying to college, financial aid, and more!

Meet the EOC, an organization that specializes in helping with applying to college, FAFSA and scholarship search, and more. Speak with specialists that provide counseling and application assistance to anyone interested in pursuing higher education. More information and register HERE.

Make an Ankara Print Fan With Juanita Douglas

​Discover the history of Ankara fabric and its role in West African liberation movements with Juanita Douglas! Participants will craft their very own foldable hand fan during this two-day workshop using vibrant Ankara-inspired fabrics creating a stunning hand fan using hand stitching and fusible interfacing. Space is limited! To register, email [email protected]

When: 6-8 p.m., Friday, Dec. 13 & Noon-3 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 14 Where: Juanita J. Craft Civil Rights House and Museum (2618 Warren Ave., Dallas, TX 75215)

Free Webinar: Plant Combos & Companions - December 14th

You know the plants, now learn the combinations that will make each of your plantings pop! This class will help you create year-round aesthetic beauty by combining plants that offer refreshing seasonal interest with vibrant, contrasting colors and textures. Learn how to improve visual harmony while getting to the root of problem areas. Revamp poor drainage zones, deep shade spots or heat islands islands with ecologically friendly combos that will save you time and money. Companion plantings can even optimize the success of your garden by utilizing natural biological controls! Grow your gardening design skills with these innovative concepts and bring the wonders of the botanical world to your landscape. More information and register HERE.

Data Bytes: Getting to Know the Dallas City Info App - December 14th

Web Map Application Usage - Learn how to use a powerful, public web map application tool that leverages maps and geospatial data, as well as explore how to use embedded tools to find more information. See flyer and register HERE.

Computer Help Center

Families needing technology assistance, Computer Help Center have all kinds of services. More information HERE.

Mental Health and Development Disability Information with Metrocare

Metrocare is the largest provider of mental health, developmental disability and substance abuse services in Dallas County. Join Metrocare representatives as they provide more information about their services on Thursday, December 12^th at 10am-1pm. Visit metrocareservices.org for more information. More information HERE.

CARDboard Project and Connected Dallas - Job Search Assistance and More

CARDBoard Project is here to help connect you to job search assistance, housing resources, access to essentials, and more. Stop by for a one-on-one session to help you meet your needs every Tuesday on the 6th floor. More information HERE.

Marathon Staffing

They are currently in need of a Bilingual RN Nurse in the Dallas area who is able to communicate in any of the following languages: Swahili, Somali, Kinyarwanda, Amharic, Tigrinya, Dari, Pashto, Arabic, Farsi, French, Burmese, Karen, or Rohingya. Location will be at a local healthcare facility in the greater Dallas area, specifically Garland, TX, with members of these communities. The position is Full-Time, Day-Shift, with benefits, and Government Holidays. Fore more information, please call 978-649-6230 x 218; Community Driven Staffing - Marathon Staffing.

The Office of Equity & Inclusion

Our mission is to advance equity, inclusion, and social justice so all Dallasites can thrive. The office relies on the use of disaggregated data, community outreach, and resident voices to support the City of Dallas in understanding and addressing disparities to improve outcomes for all residents. Below are the four divisions of the Office of Equity & Inclusion. Click on them to learn more.

1) Welcoming Communities & Immigrant Affairs-

Promotes the economic, civic, and social engagement of immigrants and refugees residingin Dallas.

2) Fair Housing-

Further fair housing through community outreach and addressing systemicbarriers to fair resource distribution, access to services, and opportunities. It also properly investigateshousing discrimination complaints.

3) Equity-

Reduces disparities and increases opportunities for all residents by providing the necessary resources and services to thrivein each person's own unique identities, circumstances, and histories.

4) Human Rights-

Promotes social justice and ensures equitableaccess to services among Dallas' diverse communities.

City of Dallas Calendar & Events

Did you know that the City of Dallas has a public calendar with updated events? For a complete listing of the City's calendar and events click HERE. Save it in your favorites for easy access!

City of Dallas Communications and Customer Service/311 (CCX)

Dallas 311: Service Request

Dallas 311 allows City of Dallas residents and visitors to request City services. Submit and track your service request on the website or by downloading the Dallas 311 mobile app. Create a free login account and view detailed service request updates online or via the mobile app.

Dallas Police Department

The Police Department is dedicated to serving the people of Dallas and strives to reduce crime and provide a safe city. The hotline: 877-373-8477.

Water Utilities

Customers with questions regarding their account may contact DWU Customer Service at 214-651-1441 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. For questions regarding DallasGo, customers may read FAQs at Dallas.gov/DallasGo or email their inquiries to [email protected]. Check the website for more information.

Sanitation Services

The Department of Sanitation Services is all about Keeping Our Dallas Neighborhoods Clean and Clutter Free. Check the website for more information.

Animal Services

Our vision is to lead the nation in compassionate care of animals while finding positive outcomes for all placeable pets through innovative shelter operations and community engagement. Check the website for more information.

Employment Opportunities

The City of Dallas is one of the largest employers in the DFW Metroplex. We offer growth opportunities and a chance to make a difference in our community. Join our diverse workforce and help us in providing excellent service to the residents of Dallas while building a rewarding career. Check the website for more information.

Planning & Development

This site is for all your zoning, permits, inspections and more.

Code Compliance

The City of Dallas Code Compliance Department consists of three divisions: Neighborhood Code, Nuisance Abatement, and Consumer Health. Code Compliance ensures city codes, and ordinances are maintained, so Dallas continues to be a clean and safe city. Code Compliance does this by working with neighborhoods by providing education and building partnerships with non-profits, neighborhood associations, and other City of Dallas departments.

Dallas Public Library

Limitless possibilities start with Dallas Public Library. Our mission is to strengthen communities and build equity by connecting people, inspiring curiosity and advancing lives.

Office of Arts & Culture

The City of Dallas Office of Arts and Culture (OAC) fosters support, partnerships, and opportunities for Dallas residents, visitors, artists, and arts and cultural organizations.

Office of Community Care

The Office of Community Care (OCC) provides direction and oversight of the City's social, human, and supportive services to help create equity for seniors, children, and other city of Dallas residents to improve their quality and standard of living.

Office of Homeless Solutions

The Office of Homeless Solutions was designed to be the change agents in the homeless community. With the help of partnering organizations and community members like you, we offer strategic initiatives and street outreach to overcome homelessness throughout the city by implementing initiatives with consistency, transparency, and accountability. Our innovative solutions ensure our homeless neighbors receive food, shelter, housing, help to overcome barriers, and opportunities for a better life. We seek to provide public and private partners with the tools, resources, and opportunities to join the cause and help unsheltered individuals in our community.

Boards & Commissions

The Mayor and City Council are​ very interested in you serving as a member of a City of Dallas Board or Commission. As an interested resident and community leader, you can provide invaluable service to the City of Dallas through your membership​​ and participation. Board and Commission members volunteer many hours annually sharing their time and expertise and enjoy learning more about the City through their membership.