Homelessness is one of the most complex issues facing communities today. For Wayne Walker, CEO and Pastor of OurCalling, this challenge is a personal mission. His journey, from a foster family upbringing in East Texas to founding a groundbreaking organization serving the unsheltered homeless in Dallas County, is a story of empathy, innovation, and faith in action.
In this episode of Decision Points, Wayne shares the inspiration behind OurCalling, a nonprofit that combines compassion with cutting-edge technology to create personalized exit plans for individuals experiencing homelessness. With a team of 3,000 volunteers and a systematic, data-driven approach, Wayne and his organization are helping approximately 1,100 people annually transition off the streets.
Wayne discusses the harsh realities of homelessness—how 80% of the unsheltered population remains beyond the reach of traditional shelters—and the innovative strategies his team employs to meet these individuals where they are. From leveraging AI to evaluate mental health and physical needs to crafting comprehensive plans for long-term stability, OurCalling is redefining how we address this systemic issue.
But this conversation isn’t just about programs and numbers. It’s about the heart behind the mission: the importance of seeing the humanity in every person and building a community that cares. As Wayne says, “Our biggest challenge is not a homeless person refusing help—it’s the rest of the community choosing not to.”
Whether you’re a business leader looking to create impact, a community member wondering how to help, or simply curious about how technology and compassion intersect, this episode will leave you inspired to take action.
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