Three years ago, Arlington Life Shelter noticed a drastic shift in the demographics of people that sought refuge at the center. More families walked through the doors, tiny children clutching the hands of their parents, a group desperate for shelter, food and any work.

An old and dilapidated room marked the spot where residents lined up to not only vie for computer time, but also have an understanding that in a modern digital era, a secure job means a ticket out and hope for the future.

“There could be even more homelessness (in the coming months),” said Jim Reeder, executive director at Arlington Life Shelter. “Evictions tend to be released and begin to happen.

“If jobs don’t come back, there could be a bigger demand soon.”

Arlington Life Shelter leaders recognized the need for technology advancements years ago, but they needed capital, support and assistance to bring their renovation dreams and vision to life. They heard about the Mavs Foundation’s grant process, applied, and were eventually selected – putting in motion plans for a new Mavs Computer Lab at the facility.

There was no way to predict that a novel pandemic would soon rock the globe and plunge the local economy into even more uncertain times, leaving thousands of North Texans without jobs or homes.

The timing for the new lab was perfect, Reeder said.

This week the Mavs Computer Lab at the Arlington Life Shelter officially opened its doors and now provides valuable resources to both homeless individuals and impoverished families. Residents have a bright, uplifting space to work on their resumes, life skills and communicate with potential employers, a lifeline for people and families to find work amid a global crisis.

“We are so excited that we can still unveil this space,” said Katie Edwards, Dallas Mavericks senior vice president of external affairs and president of the Mavs Foundation. “Even though we can’t do it all together and cut the ribbon like we usually do, we still get to virtually unveil the space.

“The shelter doesn’t close. There are still individuals there and we really wanted to make sure we can still support them.”

The sparkling new Mavs Computer Lab at Arlington Life Shelter is the 45th learn and play space donated by the Mavs Foundation in the last 24 years. It boasts brand-new desktop computers, headphones, desks, chairs and other digital gadgets. A brilliant 14-foot mural is splashed across the wall with vivid words that say, ‘Learn from yesterday. Live for today. Hope in tomorrow.’ It’s the mission and vision of Arlington Life Shelter, a place that seeks to promote self-sufficiency for North Texans impacted by homelessness.

“Resource centers like this is something that we’ve done for many, many years and we’ve created computer labs at other shelters throughout North Texas,” Edwards told media during a Zoom press conference Thursday morning. “Technology is costly and it’s also something that has to be continually updated.

“So being able to provide connectivity and access to technology that is up-to-date and state-of-the-art is certainly something we’re interested in providing, and we hope to support many nonprofits similar to Arlington Life Shelter.”

Edwards noted that along with the updated technology and furniture, the pristine computer lab will include sanitation stations, supplies and other personal protective equipment (PPE). The Mavericks recognize and appreciate the endless hours of dedication the case managers, resident assistants and other front-line workers continue to put into the homeless shelter, she added.

The PPE was put in place to further serve the community and slow the spread of COVID-19.

Megan Waguespack serves as COO at Arlington Life Shelter and oversees client services and operations. She said there are many success stories of those who seek resources at ALS and a woman named Julie is a great example.

Julie was a substitute teacher, but due to decreasing hours she was unable to keep up with her rent and was evicted from her apartment. Waguespack said Julie took advantage of the services offered at Arlington Life Shelter like case management and financial stability classes.

“After residing at the shelter for a few months, she was able to obtain permanent stable work and find her own apartment,” Waguespack enthusiastically shared. “She contacted her case manager a few months ago to let ALS know how great she was doing on her own.  Julie is now looking to start her own non-profit to help others in need.”

The Mavs Foundation has long served the North Texas community, but the global pandemic and social justice unrest has propelled Mavs community leaders into a unique role during recent months. Edwards, along with the Mavs community relations team of Hannah Sherertz, Emily Luth, and Cory Carter, have been forced to adjust on the fly and answer the ever-changing needs of families, organizations and businesses across the region.

This is new territory for everyone, Edwards noted, and she understands the mighty role the Mavericks play in the community.

The Dallas Mavericks and Mavs Foundation have pumped over $1-million into the community in recent months, donating thousands of PPE items to the medical community and creating initiatives like the Mavs Take ACTION plan to address racial inequalities and drive sustainable change. The Mavs have also quietly pledged a minimum $5-million dollar investment toward the DFW community in the next three years and committed to 10,000 employee volunteer hours to meet critical needs for underserved people.

“Today’s unveiling of the Mavs Computer Lab got us back to our roots and allowed us to tangibly and physically see hard work come to life,” Edwards said. “We hope this space provides much needed technology to take steps toward ‘A New Day. A New Home. A New Life.’ But that it also provides hope and encouragement as we walk beside them in a new journey.”

The revamped Mavs Computer Lab is part of a larger $5 million Arlington Life Shelter project unveiled in June. The new 12,000 square foot, two-story facility features expanded space and additional services to families challenged by homelessness, as well as contemporary design to promote an atmosphere of dignity, inspiration, safety and hope. Dallas Mavericks leaders said it was important because they wanted a heavy Dallas Mavericks presence and theme in the lab to remind residents that their hometown basketball team is committed to their future and rooting them on every step of the way.

“From Arlington Life Shelter, we really appreciate what (the Mavericks) have done,” Reeder said. “This is going to make a huge difference in what we are able to do.

“Over the three years that we have been doing this, being over in Arlington, it’s important to mention that the Mavericks were involved in this. The applause that we got in nearly every presentation was positive to see the Mavericks coming across county lines to join us in this project. We are extremely thankful.”

@TamaraJolee

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CALLING ALL MFFLs! WANT TO HELP ARLINGTON LIFE SHELTER? HERE’S HOW: 
Megan Waguespack with Arlington Life Shelter says the facility is in desperate need of hand soap and hand sanitizer right now.

In addition, the following items are in urgent need (July 2020)

  • Undergarments- (bras, underwear) All sizes and genders, especially larger sizes.
  • Paper Towels
  • Drink Mixes (lemonade, tea, crystal light, etc)
  • Lysol Products
  • Disposable Masks

To learn how to contribute your donations: visit here.

 

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