Facts about DHA
Mission: The Housing Authority of the City of Dallas, Texas (DHA) provides quality, affordable housing to low-income families and individuals through the effective and efficient
administration of housing assistance programs; and by creating and cultivating opportunities for program participants to achieve self-sufficiency and economic independence.
DHA is about people: Created in 1938, DHA offers housing assistance to low-income families. Some 450 employees provide housing opportunities to nearly 60,000 people through
public housing developments and Housing Choice Voucher (formerly Section 8) programs.
As overseer of a budget in excess of $200 million, the housing authority operates in a professional and ethical fashion to ensure the success of its numerous programs. DHA provides quality
services to its clients with the assistance of private sector and public organizations. As the largest provider of affordable housing in Dallas, and the largest housing authority in north Texas, DHA
has extensive experience in the development, renovation and management of residential rental property.
DHA serves approximately 86 percent African Americans; six percent Hispanics; seven percent Anglos and one percent Asian Americans in nearly 5,400 housing units. There are approximately 10,000
individuals on the public housing waiting list and more than 18,000 on the housing choice voucher program waiting list. Historically, there is a two-year wait, however, DHA anticipates a three to
five-year wait. All programs are open except the housing choice voucher program, which has been closed to new applicants since June 2004.
About the President and CEO: Ann Lott, DHA's president and CEO, is committed to providing opportunities that lead to self-sufficiency. Lott began her career at the housing
authority more than 20 years ago. She reports to a five-member board of commissioners appointed by the mayor of the city of Dallas. Betty Culbreath is current chairperson and the first African
American female to lead the board.
Cultivating Economic Independence
Family Self-Sufficiency: The Family Self Sufficiency (FSS) program assists DHA clients in developing personal objectives, enabling them to become economically independent. Case
managers work with clients to develop long-term goals such as pursuing higher education, job skills training and homeownership. More than 30 FSS families purchased homes in 2004, and nearly 50 in 2005.
Homeownership: DHA is moving families to homeownership through its Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Homeownership and Resident Opportunities for Support Services (ROSS) programs. The
HCV Homeownership program allows first-time homebuyers to use vouchers towards the purchase of a home. Within six months of the programís existence, two families became homeowners. The homeownership
division holds ongoing seminars with clients, vendors, realtors, investors and property owners. Topics range from qualifying for a loan to financing and credit repair to fair housing practices.
Resident Employment & Training: The RET center serves as a liaison between DHA clients and the business community to ensure that all clients who want to improve their
quality of life are given an opportunity to succeed. Client's participation is voluntary. Pre-employment skills training, GED classes and job fairs that match individuals with employers, are just a few
of the services
offered. DHA partners with faith-based, grassroots and established businesses such as DISD, Dallas Morning News, H.I.S. Bridgebuilders, Drive Financial, Central Dallas Ministries, Marriott Pathways
program, Goodwill and Walgreens stores to help residents achieve their goals.
Creating Quality Housing
West Dallas: West Dallas was once held as one of the nation's largest concentrations of low-rise public housing units. Today, following a transformation led by DHA, Lakewest is
home to contemporary multi-family housing, single-family homes, a multi-purpose facility, business and commercial space. The entire revitalization effort is more than a $100 million commitment to West
Dallas.
The 225-unit, Hamptons at Lakewest was completed in 1998. A 196-unit family community called Kingbridge Crossing, formerly the old George Loving Place, was completed in 1999. The old Edgar Ward
and Elmer Scott developments also have been replaced with apartment homes. The 152-unit Lakeview Townhomes opened in 2001 and Villa Creek opened in 2004.
DHA also constructed 50 single-family homes for public housing families who are on the Family Self Sufficiency program. The 56,000-square-foot Lakewest Multipurpose Facility near Hampton and
Bickers was occupied in 2001. The facility includes childcare for 150 children, a police substation, a Parkland hospital health clinic, and one of the area's largest YMCAs with a junior Olympic-sized
pool.
The agency has experienced retail success with the purchase and renovation of the Lakewest Town Center, which appraises at $6 million. National chain tenants include Minyards' Carnival grocery
store and gas-on-the-go station, Subway, H&R Block and KFC/Taco Bell.
Greenleaf Village, a 305-homeownership community, is a national model for public/private partnerships, situated on 68-acres of land previously owned by DHA. DHA partnered with KB Home, American
CityVista and Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity. Houses range from $65 to $180K.
East Dallas: The Roseland HOPE VI development near CityPlace, including Roseland Townhomes, Roseland Estates, Roseland Gardens, Monarch and Carroll Townhomes, is DHAís
second-largest public housing development. Together, Roseland represents a $75 million investment in the community, $35 million from a HUD grant; the remainder leveraged with private funds. DHA
replaced outdated homes, built in 1942, with contemporary, quality public housing and market-rate townhomes, duplexes and single-family homes in an area that is experiencing gentrification. The $25
million Hall Street initiative with Central Dallas Ministries will make way for much-needed commercial and rental opportunities in an area in need of revitalization.
Southeast Dallas: DHA received a $20 million HOPE VI grant to demolish and rebuild Frazier Courts in southeast Dallas. Frazier Courts is a part of DHA's "Golden Triangle" master
plan to demolish Turner Courts and Rhoads Terrace housing developments, to give new life to an aging area. The Frazier commitment is a $60 million investment to that community. At DHA's request,
Antonio DiMambro, a renowned urban planner from Boston, has also developed a Master Plan for the surrounding southeast Dallas community. The project is expected to be completed by fall 2008.
Walker desegregation: click here
