Our History

Family Gateway evolved from a1985 mayoral task force study of Dallas' growing problem of family homelessness.  In 1986, then Mayor Pro-Tem Annette G. Strauss spearheaded the effort to build a refuge for an increasing number of families living on the streets, victims of the collapsed Texas economy. 

The vision was a facility where homeless families could stay together as a family unit.  A coalition of congregations responded, and Family Gateway Center opened its doors in 1986 to serve 30 families per day, or approximately 100 children and adults.  In September 2000, the Center was rededicated as the Annette G. Strauss Family Gateway Center, in honor of Annette’s commitment, time and effort to helping homeless families in Dallas.

The Gateway Apartments were added in 1990, providing 25 units of transitional housing.  Qualified families leaving the Family Gateway Center can reside at the Apartments for up to one year while paying an affordable rent.  Children and parents are able to continue counseling and building life skills to ensure their success and self-sufficiency.

Gateway to Jobs began in 1994 to offer job readiness classes and job search assistance to parents. 

In February 1995, Family Gateway launched its Community Transition Services program to provide one year of continued assistance to families who completed the residential and job search programs. 

Family Gateway celebrated 20 years of exemplary service to Dallas’ homeless families in 2006.  In October of that year, Family Gateway dedicated the Chi O KidZone at the Annette G. Strauss Family Gateway Center in downtown Dallas.  This new outdoor playground serves as a safe, outdoor recreation area for the children staying in the Center. 

On November 1, 2006, the City of Dallas honored Family Gateway with a Mayoral Proclamation, recognizing the “vital contribution of Family Gateway in the effort to aid homeless families with children, and saluting this model of public and private partnership.”

The Family Gateway Culinary Arts Training program launched in 2009.  Students interested in culinary arts learn skills and gain practical experience enabling them to gain employment with restaurants, caterers and resorts.