Like many city-center libraries, the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library in downtown Dallas attracts a large number of unhoused residents who don't know where to go, need to escape the elements, or are simply using library resources. Dallas Public Library's Homeless Engagement Initiative has been working for 10 years to provide an appropriate response to this special population through partnerships with homeless service providers, aggregating referral information and training staff on empathy as well as de-escalation. The library's efforts to engage with the homeless population have made DPL a trusted space for this vulnerable group. However, the perception of the library as unsafe or "a de facto homeless shelter" persists, including among some city leaders.

The On the Block podcast features current and formerly unhoused customers who have built trusting relationships with library staff. They talk about the experiences that led to their homeless situation, the struggle of living in a shelter or on the streets, the barriers to accessing services and, if achieved, how they got out of the situation. The stories highlight how lack of support, bad decisions and/or bad luck can tip someone into homelessness.

Since it's release in late February 2024, the podcast has been played 565 times on Spotify. It was named Best Local Podcast by D Magazine in their August 2024 Best of Big D issue.