Access to safe and affordable housing is necessary to support families in Dallas, Texas. Despite this, many families with limited financial resources face barriers when searching for housing that meets their financial needs. The lack of affordable housing creates challenges for low-income families throughout the Dallas community. Dallas is the third-most-populous city in Texas, and it has become harder for low-income families to maintain affordable housing. In Dallas, 59% of renters are identified as low-income, and half of renters spend more than 30% of their earnings toward housing expenses (Child Poverty Action Lab, 2026). The City of Dallas is experiencing a shortage of about 46,000 reasonably priced rental units for families with very low incomes (Child Poverty Action Lab, 2026). Difficulty accessing affordable housing can increase financial stress for families and limit their ability to afford basic necessities. The purpose of this petition is to raise awareness about the shortage of affordable housing in Dallas and support efforts to increase access to quality housing at an affordable price for low-income families in the Dallas community. 

Housing costs remain unaffordable for many low-income families in Dallas, Texas (Child Poverty Action Lab, 2026). Although housing assistance is available for some low-income families, a gap can exist between what working families earn and what they can afford to spend on housing. Ezzet-Lofstrom and Murdoch (2006) note that providing affordable housing for low- and moderate-income families can be difficult. They also found that certain Dallas County workers, such as police officers and teachers, may have limited housing options in the communities where they work. 

The strategy is to use community advocacy to encourage specific action on the shortage of reasonably priced rental units in Dallas. First, residents can sign and share the petition with neighbors, community groups, social service organizations, and local housing advocates to increase awareness of the issue. Second, community members can attend Dallas City Council meetings, contact local officials, and communicate their concerns about the limited availability of rental units for families with low incomes. The petition can call on local decision-makers, including Dallas City Council members Lorie Blair and Cara Mendelsohn, to support the development and preservation of rental properties with below-market rents and strengthen programs that help families manage housing costs (City of Dallas, n.d.). Social workers and community organizations can support these efforts by identifying families who need assistance, providing information about available resources, and helping residents participate in local advocacy. 

Building on these efforts, addressing the shortage of reasonably priced rental units can help Dallas families maintain stable homes while continuing to afford food, transportation, healthcare, and other basic needs. Collaboration among residents, social workers, community organizations, housing advocates, and policymakers can help develop practical solutions and improve access to stable housing for families with limited financial resources.