Serving the Unhoused when the Temperatures Drop

For the past six years Watermark Health has had the opportunity to serve the homeless community by partnering with the ministry Our Calling through our Mobile Clinic’s weekly presence. As cold weather rolled through Dallas last week and made staying outside unsafe, the people of God at Our Calling didn’t hesitate. They worked alongside other ministry partners like Austin Street Center and a variety of city and social services to open an emergency inclement weather shelter at Fair Park.

With over 15 years of ministry experience, the team at Our Calling tirelessly comes alongside the most vulnerable in our city; meeting them where they’re at, offering the love of Christ, and inviting them into pathways to leave the streets. The inclement weather shelter is just one of many ways they’ve chosen to do this.

For the past five years, when a cold weather week arises our Mobile Clinic team diverts much of their weekly efforts to the Inclement Weather Shelter. Alongside Our Calling, they spent multiple days last week offering medical care, prayer, and presence to neighbors experiencing homelessness.

Inside the warm walls of the shelter, medical visits turn into connection. A quick blood pressure check opens the door to a story. A wound‑care visit turns into a moment of prayer. Providing over the counter meds for an upper respiratory infection becomes someone’s first step toward hope.

Some of the team on site shared reflections on why the Body of Christ ought to be present in spaces like the inclement weather shelter.

Serving the most vulnerable in our city is an opportunity to demonstrate to a watching world that our God cares for those on the margins. We have the opportunity to show dignity and value to the unhoused, knowing that they are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27). Serving in this way not only meets a crucial need in our city, but honors God and grows us in our faith.

As Dallas weather continues to drop into freezing temps, Our Calling continues to operate the Inclement Weather Shelter. You can keep track of their needs on this website.

As a follower of Christ, how do you think about serving those on the margins? What ways can you join the effort to reflect dignity and care for the most vulnerable in our city?

Want to be a part of serving the hurting? Get involved.