Dallas County may add a £5 monthly tax to combat homelessness
A new proposal could introduce a small monthly tax for Dallas County property owners to tackle homelessness. The plan, put forward by Housing Forward and the All Neighbors Coalition, would add about £5 to annual tax bills. County commissioners will now decide whether to move it forward for a public vote.
The tax aims to create a long-term fund for housing and support services. If approved, it would not be compulsory—residents would have the option to opt out. Housing Forward and its partners currently help thousands of people leave homelessness or avoid overcrowded shelters. But steady funding remains a challenge. The proposed tax, structured like a bond election, would provide reliable financial support for outreach and housing programmes.
The idea was submitted to Dallas County officials this week. Before reaching voters, it must first be added to the court agenda by commissioners. If approved there, it would then appear on the election ballot.
The £5 monthly charge has been compared to a voluntary donation someone might give to an unhoused person. Unlike a one-off gift, however, this tax would create a sustainable source of funding. Dallas County and the City of Dallas have already committed £10 million each to Housing Forward in previous agreements.
A separate proposal for a childcare tax will also be discussed at the upcoming meeting. Additionally, the plan will be presented to the Continuous Improvement Steering Committee and Collin County for further review. The next step depends on the county commissioners’ decision. If they approve, residents will vote on whether to introduce the tax. Should it pass, the fund would support ongoing efforts to reduce homelessness across the county.
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