Dallas nonprofit gets big boost to expand homeless Rapid Response program

A North Texas nonprofit is getting a major boost to help people in crisis.

Homeward Bound, a behavioral health provider serving North Texas, announced a three-year, $5.9 million partnership with QuikTrip to expand its Rapid Responder program. It’s an initiative that meets people where they are, offering help to those experiencing homelessness, mental health crises, or substance use issues.

"We go out from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. into the community, working with folks who are in distress, who are sleeping on the streets, and encampments who are calling us for help,” said Homeward Bound founder and executive director Doug Denton.

Founded more than 40 years ago, Homeward Bound provides treatment for substance use disorder, mental illness, and related crises, regardless of a client’s ability to pay. Denton says the organization was built on a simple mission – to never turn anyone away.

"We go to them and help them get to the next place," he said. "If we can stabilize somebody who's having mental health problems, then we can step right in and start that process immediately. It's really, since we offer comprehensive treatment services, we can respond to people's needs."

The Rapid Responder program deploys five teams across Dallas and eastern Tarrant County every day. These specialists assist people living on the streets or in encampments, providing services like transportation to shelters, food, clothing, and even family reunification. They also connect individuals to Homeward Bound’s full continuum of care—from detox to long-term recovery support.

Since outreach began in 2024, Rapid Responders have had nearly 2,800 encounters and provided more than 6,400 services, including diverting 577 emergency 911 calls. Denton says the program is making a measurable impact.

“Last month alone, they engaged 220 people on the streets,” he said.  "If we need to transport somebody to the hospital, we can do that. If we need to take somebody to a psychiatric center, we can do that. Or we can stay with that person, keep them stable until 911 can respond."

Convenience stores often serve as first points of contact for people in crisis. Before this partnership, store managers with stores like QT frequently had to call police for help but in recent years, they’ve been building a partnership with Homeward Bound to them instead when non-emergency situations arise.

“We diverted 110 police calls last month,” Denton explained. “We can arrive within 15 to 20 minutes, assess what’s going on, and determine whether this needs police intervention, medical intervention, or if we can handle it ourselves.”

QuikTrip’s investment will help the team expand, including the replacement of aging vehicles. Denton said some responders were having to use personal cars to continue their work. The funding also strengthens efforts to improve public health, reduce recidivism, and support sustained recovery.

“This investment allows us to reach more people and strengthen programs that help reduce recidivism, improve public health, and support sustained recovery,” Denton said.

Homeward Bound has admitted more than 200 people into treatment through Rapid Responders and continues to partner with courts, law enforcement, hospitals, and shelters to connect people with care rather than incarceration when appropriate.

To learn more or get involved, click here. Donations, volunteer support, and spreading awareness all help the nonprofit reach more people in crisis.