DALLAS — On Park Row Avenue in South Dallas, neighbors said the quality of life is challenging day and night.

“During the day, you see it, but at night it’s a whole different world where it’s Gotham City,” said Ms. Ruggs, a community advocate.

The 1800 block is less than a mile from the historic South Boulevard Park row. The street stretches 800 feet, where vacant lots and makeshift shelters outnumber homes. Residents and advocates said it is plagued by visible drug activity and individuals selling sex to survive. It happens at night and in broad daylight.

“It’s like fight or flight,” Ruggs said.

Louis Harrell, founder of the Men of Nehemiah , a Christian addiction treatment program for men, called the area “where warfare happens.” His group uses military-style discipline to address

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