A Dallas program designed to help homeowners repair and preserve their homes will open soon to assist 449 residents.
The nonprofit Volunteers of America Texas is taking over the Dallas Home Improvement and Preservation Program, which was previously administered by the Dallas Housing Department.
In November, the Dallas City Council approved the two-year agreement with Volunteers of America Texas to manage the $11.7 million program. The investment combines federal Community Development Block Grant funds with local Tax Increment Financing resources.
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The program is a vital tool for stabilizing neighborhoods, preventing displacement and preserving affordable homeownership for low- and moderate-income Dallas families, said City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert in a press release.
“This partnership with Volunteers of America Texas allows the City to help deliver critical home repairs more efficiently to the residents who need them most,” Tolbert said.
The Home Improvement and Preservation Program offers three home repair programs:
Emergency Home Rehabilitation: provides grant assistance to homeowners who need emergency repairs. Assistance will be in the form of a grant up to $10,000.Dallas Tomorrow Fund: provides grant assistance to homeowners needing exterior code violation repairs. Assistance will be in the form of a grant up to $20,000.Major-Systems Repair Program: provides forgivable loan assistance to homeowners needing systems rehabilitation to their home. Assistance is an interest-free, forgivable, self-amortizing loan in an amount subject to the city’s assessment of needs, not to exceed $24,000.Volunteers of America Texas
Volunteers of America Texas is a longstanding, faith-based nonprofit that combines affordable housing development, home repair and workforce and reentry programs.
Angela King, president and CEO of the organization, said it is committed to ensuring homeowners can remain safely in the communities they have built.
“For many Texans, a home repair is the difference between stability and displacement,” King said. “Volunteers of America Texas is excited to partner with the city of Dallas to preserve homeownership, protect seniors and families and strengthen neighborhoods through safe, reliable housing.”
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Under the agreement, the nonprofit will manage program operations, including homeowner intake, eligibility verification, property inspections, contractor coordination and construction oversight.
Repairs will focus on essential health and safety needs, including major systems such as HVAC, electrical and plumbing, as well as roofing, accessibility improvements and code-related repairs.
The organization will coordinate the transition of existing home repair projects and begin construction on homes already in the pipeline. The program is expected to open in the following months.
Volunteers of America Texas will work with local nonprofits to host community meetings in English and Spanish to engage with as many community members as possible.