Dallas Real Estate Leaders Champion the Fight Against Homelessness: The Pacesetters and Incarnation House

Dallas, a city celebrated for its robust economy and dynamic urban landscape, also confronts significant social challenges, with homelessness standing as one of its most pressing issues. Recognizing the critical need for collaborative solutions, the city actively involves its community in finding effective ways to support its most vulnerable residents. Tonight, June 20, marks a pivotal moment as the first Dallas Commission on Homelessness Community Engagement committee convenes from 6 to 8 pm. Located at Dallas City Hall, L1FN Auditorium (1500 Marilla St., with convenient free parking available after 6 pm), this crucial meeting aims to “educate, engage, and gather feedback from the community to overcome challenges with homelessness in Dallas.” This initiative represents an essential step towards fostering a more inclusive and compassionate urban environment for every individual.

The discussion at tonight’s gathering will be led by a distinguished panel of experts, each bringing invaluable experience and profound insights into the complexities of homelessness. Their diverse perspectives are indispensable for developing robust and effective strategies to address this multifaceted issue:

Bob Sweeney, Executive Director, Dallas Life
Daniel Roby, Executive Director, Austin Street Center
Wayne Walker, Executive Director, OurCalling
Blake Fetterman, Executive Director, Salvation Army

Guiding this vital conversation will be Eric Nicholson, the highly respected Staff Reporter Extraordinaire for the Dallas Observer. Known for his comprehensive investigative journalism, including his immersive experience walking through Dallas’s former Tent City, Nicholson’s deep understanding of the issue from the ground up ensures a nuanced and informed dialogue, bringing crucial perspectives to the forefront.

The Pacesetters: Setting a New Standard for Community Engagement in Dallas Real Estate

Beyond the vital efforts of municipal commissions, the philanthropic heart of Dallas beats strongly within its private sectors. Among the city’s most dynamic and elite real estate networking groups, The Pacesetters have distinguished themselves through an extraordinary commitment to combat homelessness in Dallas. This formidable collective comprises 35 highly successful, top-producing agents drawn from an array of prestigious brokerages. Its esteemed members include industry leaders such as Bonnie Bauer, Sue Krider, Chris Hickman, Bob Moran, Anne Stewart, and Debbie Tolson, among others.

Founded in 2003, The Pacesetters operates as an exclusive, invitation-only organization, making membership a coveted achievement. While loosely inspired by the revered Masters of Residential Real Estate—often referred to as the “Old Guard,” consisting of 25 of the longest-tenured and highest-volume agents in town—The Pacesetters represent the vanguard, the next generation of real estate leadership. Members like Clay Stapp epitomize their forward-thinking ethos. In contrast to the Masters, who largely uphold established traditions, The Pacesetters are known as the “shake ’em up club.” They are characterized by innovation, a tech-minded approach, and a keen focus on the future trajectory of real estate, rather than being solely guided by historical practices. This distinctive spirit was memorably captured years ago in a playful branding photo, where agents donned tuxedos and evening gowns, mimicking Vanity Fair’s iconic Hollywood covers. This bold move, while initially causing a stir among some of the more traditional Masters, perfectly encapsulated The Pacesetters’ vibrant, modern, and audacious identity. Their most recent branding photo, proudly displayed at the top of this article, was taken at a magnificent Clay Stapp listing featuring what many attest is the largest balcony in North Texas, symbolizing their aspiration and extensive reach within the industry.

Despite their innovative spirit, The Pacesetters deeply value mentorship and continuity. Two esteemed members of the Masters of Real Estate, Ralph Randall and Joseph Guillano, graciously serve as mentors to the group, upholding a tradition of guidance that was once honored by the late, legendary Ebby Halliday herself. This blend of respecting tradition while embracing innovation truly defines The Pacesetters. Their mission transcends mere networking; it actively encompasses nurturing emerging talent and providing comprehensive training. Their recent actions speak volumes about their collective identity: a progressive force dedicated to enhancing Dallas, acutely aware of community needs, and committed to leveraging their considerable resources for tangible social good, rather than purely for self-promotion.

A Powerful Partnership: The Pacesetters Support Incarnation House

In a profound demonstration of their philanthropic commitment, The Pacesetter Group recently made a substantial donation of $3,000 to Incarnation House. This significant contribution, thoughtfully allocated from their print advertisement budget, is set to directly impact the lives of some of Dallas’s most vulnerable children. The funds are specifically designated to procure essential school uniforms and backpacks for the 20 to 25 children who, on an average evening, find a temporary haven and much-needed refuge at Incarnation House. This vital support extends from after-school hours until approximately 9 o’clock at night, directly addressing a critical need by providing both stability and dignity to children navigating the daily challenges of functional homelessness and unstable housing situations.

Understanding the Hidden Crisis: Youth Homelessness in Dallas

The issue of homelessness in Dallas is multifaceted, with youth homelessness representing a particularly heartbreaking and often overlooked aspect. As the Dallas Commission on Homelessness will undoubtedly emphasize, one of the fastest-growing segments of the homeless population consists of single women and, by direct extension, their children. While many professionals in the Dallas real estate community routinely showcase exquisite homes featuring luxurious en suite bathrooms and state-of-the-art amenities, a starkly different reality exists for numerous children who reside in dwellings without consistent access to running water, or for whom the very concept of “home” is transient. These children frequently move from one temporary apartment to another, or even between motels, lacking the fundamental stability of a consistent, safe place for rest, security, and respite from the world. This profound instability severely impedes their educational progress, emotional well-being, and overall development.

The Pacesetters, through their daily work in the housing market, are acutely aware of this jarring disparity and felt a compelling call to take meaningful action. For many years, Bonnie Bauer, a dedicated and compassionate agent with Ebby Halliday, passionately championed the idea for The Pacesetters to adopt a strong philanthropic identity and actively contribute to the community. Her persistent advocacy finally galvanized the group, directing their collective energy towards this crucial cause.

“I just felt that working on homelessness would be so appropriate because we are in the business of buying and selling homes and helping families get into homes,” Bonnie articulates with conviction. “You have to have a nest to come home to, to spring from, so to speak. I looked around, and then someone told us about Incarnation House. Sue Krider made a call, and then we realized that it was a new program in the embryonic stages. I would so much rather help these youngsters with this incredible, incredible program.” Her words eloquently capture the profound ethical connection between their profession—which centers on providing homes—and the urgent, fundamental human need for stable shelter for children.

Incarnation House: A Beacon of Hope for Dallas Youth

Incarnation House commenced its impactful journey in 2012, originating from a collaborative partnership between the Church of the Incarnation and the Dallas Independent School District (DISD). It initially launched as a vital “Drop-in Friday” program at North Dallas High School. The pressing need for such a program was starkly evident: at North Dallas High School, a staggering 80% of students were identified as economically disadvantaged, 71% were classified as high-risk, and approximately 150 students were recognized as having no permanent home. Designed specifically to support students experiencing homelessness or unstable housing situations, the program’s immediate and overwhelming success quickly underscored its critical importance. What began as a weekly initiative rapidly expanded to operate every night of the week. On January 6, 2016, Incarnation House proudly opened its newly renovated permanent center, providing children with a dedicated “drop-in home” after school each evening—a consistent and reliable sanctuary.

“Our vision is for all young people to reach adulthood healthy, supported and with full opportunity to thrive in life.”

While initially conceived and brought to life by the Church of the Incarnation, the program has since evolved into an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. This transition signifies its robust and sustainable model for community support, ensuring its long-term viability and impact.

Empowering Leadership: Teresa A. Keenan at the Helm

The beautifully executed concept of Incarnation House is skillfully brought to fruition under the inspiring leadership of Teresa A. Keenan, a former executive from Verizon. Teresa made a deliberate career shift in 2010, leaving the corporate world to dedicate herself to non-profit work, initially leading City House, another organization committed to assisting homeless teens. Her extensive experience and deep empathy for the challenges faced by vulnerable youth make her an exceptionally effective and compassionate leader for Incarnation House. As a resident of the Uptown community, she embodies a hands-on approach, frequently walking to work each day, which further reinforces her direct and tangible connection to the community she diligently serves.

“These teens have had people in their lives who have let them down. They are looking for caring adults,” Keenan emphasizes, highlighting a core aspect of their mission. “We have the ability to pull an entire community together to be a part of the solution.” Her philosophy centers on providing not just essential services, but genuine care and stable adult relationships—critical elements that many of these children desperately lack.

Teresa further elaborates on the profound essence of the center: “This is a home for children after school or sports activities, where they can find enrichment activities and stimulation. Our hope is to permanently change the course of an at-risk child’s life.” This ambitious vision extends far beyond offering temporary relief, aiming instead for long-term, transformative impact that reshapes futures.

A Comprehensive Sanctuary: Vital Services at Incarnation House

The brand-new, brightly decorated Incarnation House center is much more than just a place to stay; it is a vibrant, comprehensive sanctuary thoughtfully designed to meet the holistic needs of its young visitors. For children whose homes frequently lack basic amenities, the center provides an array of crucial resources, fostering both their physical and emotional well-being:

Dignity and Hygiene: The facility is fully equipped with clean, modern bathrooms and showers, a vital provision for children who may not have consistent access to running water at home. Additionally, a washing machine and dryer are available, allowing them the dignity of wearing clean clothes—a simple yet profoundly impactful aspect of self-esteem and normalcy for any child.
Nourishment and Comfort: Abundant, healthy snacks are always available, often serving as the first comforting stop for children arriving after a long school day. A warm, nutritious dinner is provided and delivered by 6:00 p.m. daily, meticulously ensuring that no child experiences hunger during their time at the center.
Enrichment and Development: The center proudly offers diverse programs meticulously designed to foster creativity, intellectual curiosity, and skill-building. Children can explore their artistic talents in the dedicated art room under the guidance of renowned Dallas artist Pamela Nelson, develop musical skills in a state-of-the-art recording studio with Gary Lee, or delve into high-tech learning opportunities in the computer lab with engaging video content and educational software.
Academic Support: Recognizing the paramount importance of education, students are provided a quiet, supportive environment where they can unwind, read, or concentrate on their studies. Dedicated staff members are always on hand to offer patient guidance with homework, clarify challenging concepts, or answer questions, acting as a consistent and supportive presence much like a caring parent or tutor would. The kitchen also occasionally hosts baking activities, adding a touch of home-like normalcy and encouraging camaraderie.
Life Skills Training: At 6:45 p.m. each evening, Incarnation House provides essential Life Skills training. These programs are carefully crafted to empower young individuals with practical knowledge, critical thinking, and valuable tools for navigating their present circumstances and preparing for a more stable future.
Safe Transportation: By 8:30 p.m. nightly, each child is safely transported home (wherever that may be across the expanse of Dallas, as these children are typically bused to school) in a private, secure car. This innovative transportation solution is expertly facilitated by a special arrangement Teresa brokered with Uber, guaranteeing their security and convenience. While children cannot spend the night at the center, they find immense comfort and stability in this warm, nurturing environment, benefiting from stimulating enrichment activities, plenty of healthy food, and consistent adult supervision during several crucial hours of their day.
Health and Wellness: Essential medical care is thoughtfully provided once a month via a specialized van from Parkland Health & Hospital System, and comprehensive dental care is similarly brought in by Baylor University. Crucial counseling services are also readily available, addressing the emotional and psychological well-being of these vulnerable youth.
Community and Mentorship: The Alumni Association of North Dallas High School further extends its invaluable support through mentoring and networking opportunities, connecting students with positive role models and opening pathways to future academic and career success.

When questioned about potential issues concerning rules, student behavior, or drug use, Teresa firmly shakes her head, stating emphatically, “No.” She explains, “There have been none. No issues. These students are sent to us by social workers at the school. If we did suspect drugs, the students would not be here.” This response speaks volumes about the careful selection process and the profound respect and appreciation the children demonstrate for the sanctuary Incarnation House provides.

The House Rules are refreshingly straightforward and require a signature from each participant, fostering a sense of personal responsibility and commitment:

Be at Incarnation House at least once a week.
Actively participate and explore the skills offered.
Be a team builder, contributing positively to the group environment.
Maintain open communication with the dedicated staff: Teresa Keenan, Program Manager Laura Fredericks, and volunteer A.J. Durr, a seasoned social worker.

Bonnie Bauer reflects on the immense scope of the need, stating with heartfelt concern, “When I first met Teresa, I asked her how many could use these services at North Dallas High. She said 200. Right now they can only handle 35. I hope The Pacesetters can help grow this wonderful program.” This aspiration powerfully underscores the ongoing need for expanded support and resources to reach every child in Dallas who desperately needs this vital lifeline.

A Testament to Impact: The Power of Sustained Support

The most compelling testament to Incarnation House’s profound and transformative impact emanates from the success of its inaugural program. Last year, all 12 functionally homeless seniors who actively participated in Incarnation House’s comprehensive program not only successfully graduated from high school but also achieved the remarkable milestone of enrolling in institutions of higher learning! This extraordinary accomplishment is a clear and powerful indicator of the program’s profound success in breaking debilitating cycles of instability and empowering at-risk youth to envision and pursue brighter, more promising futures. It unequivocally demonstrates that with consistent support, a nurturing and stable environment, and dedicated resources, children facing immense obstacles can not only overcome them but also achieve their highest aspirations and dreams.

Conclusion: A Community United for a Better Dallas

The concerted efforts of the Dallas Commission on Homelessness, the impactful philanthropic endeavors of visionary groups like The Pacesetters, and the life-changing, compassionate work of organizations such as Incarnation House collectively illustrate a powerful and undeniable truth: effectively addressing the pervasive challenge of homelessness requires a truly united and collaborative community. By seamlessly combining the substantial resources and influential networks of top-tier real estate professionals with the compassionate, comprehensive care provided by dedicated non-profits, Dallas is actively forging a robust path toward a future where every child has a stable, nurturing “nest” from which to grow, learn, and ultimately thrive. This collaborative spirit not only tackles an urgent and complex social issue head-on but also profoundly strengthens the very fabric of the entire city, proving unequivocally that when community leaders step up with vision and dedication, transformative and lasting change is genuinely possible for all.