The Presbyterian Night Shelter, located on Cypress Street in Fort Worth, TX, employs a comprehensive “housing first” strategy to assist Tarrant County residents experiencing homelessness. This 360-degree approach is designed to provide stability and address the root causes of homelessness, including substance abuse, poverty, and unemployment, ultimately breaking the cycle and fostering lasting change. The organization offers a range of critical services built upon three core pillars: emergency shelter, housing assistance, and employment opportunities.
Emergency Shelter
As a low-barrier and accessible 24/7 organization, Presbyterian Night Shelter welcomes individuals in need at its main facility and the True Worth Place day shelter. These locations offer immediate relief and essential resources, allowing guests to address urgent physical needs such as safety, nourishment, and personal hygiene. By meeting these fundamental requirements, individuals can then focus on the crucial step of securing permanent housing as quickly as possible. The shelter provides designated and supportive spaces tailored to the diverse needs of its guests, including specific areas for single adults, families, veterans, and those facing behavioral health challenges.
Alt text: Interior view of Presbyterian Night Shelter housing area, showcasing clean and safe accommodations for individuals experiencing homelessness in Fort Worth TX.
Housing Assistance
Presbyterian Night Shelter’s commitment to a “housing first” philosophy is evident in its customized and comprehensive housing assistance programs. Prioritizing intensive case management, the organization works diligently to remove the numerous barriers that prevent individuals from accessing permanent housing. This crucial support often begins with assisting guests in obtaining essential documentation, such as Social Security cards and birth certificates, which are vital for housing applications and stability. Once stable housing is secured, individuals are better positioned to address the underlying issues that may have contributed to their homelessness. The innovative FIRE (Family and Individual Rapid Exit) program exemplifies this proactive approach, focusing on swiftly moving individuals experiencing homelessness into permanent homes by reducing and eliminating obstacles they encounter.
Alt text: UpSpire program participants at Presbyterian Night Shelter in Fort Worth TX, engaged in job training and skill development activities to promote employment and self-sufficiency.
Employment through UpSpire
Recognizing the transformative power of employment, Presbyterian Night Shelter operates UpSpire, a social enterprise that offers meaningful job opportunities to willing and capable guests. UpSpire is open to all individuals seeking employment and provides a supportive work environment with essential benefits, including access to health care, dedicated case management, and comprehensive job skills training. While employees are welcome to build long-term careers within UpSpire, the overarching goal is to equip them with the skills and experience necessary for a successful transition into the broader workforce, fostering independence and long-term stability.
