DHA FACT SHEET

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 was created in 1938 to offer housing assistance to low-income families
  • DHA provides housing opportunities to nearly 60,000 people through public housing developments and Housing Choice Voucher (formerly Section 8) programs
  • DHA serves approximately 86 percent African Americans, 6 percent Hispanics, 7 percent Anglo Americans and 1 percent Asian Americans
  • There are nearly 3,900 public housing units owned by DHA in the housing program, as well as more than 500 landlord properties under the voucher program with more than 12,000 units from which to choose
  • There are approximately 12,000 individuals on the public housing waiting list and more than 7,500 on the housing choice voucher program waiting list.
  • The estimated wait time for both programs is approximately 3-5 years with no new applications being taken.

Dallas Housing Authority Board Members:
The Board of Commissioners is responsible for establishing policies, as well as providing leadership and oversight to the organization. The board is composed of five members appointed by the mayor of Dallas. The members, who serve a two-year non-paid term, include:

  • Terdema Ussery, Joe Velazquez, Pedro Aguirre, Latrisa Davis, Thomas D. Karol
  • Terdema Ussery is the board chairman and Joe Velazquez serves as vice chairman
  • Board meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month at 3:00 p.m. From time-to-time the date and time may change. Meeting locations vary and are posted to the Web site on a monthly basis.
  • MaryAnn Russ, serves as president and CEO

Additional DHA Programs:

  • Family Self-Sufficiency Program - Family Self Sufficiency is a voluntary program designed to assist families in becoming economically independent and self-sufficient. With the support of local agencies, FSS combines case management, education, job training and homeownership. The program also provides ongoing assistance through support groups and other appropriate services.
  • The Phoenix Foundation - DHA established the Phoenix Self-Sufficiency Foundation in 1996 to encourage residents to further their education in college, trade or technical school. The mission is to provide financial assistance to DHA residents who are high school graduates or older students who choose college, trade or technical school. Many of the participating residents simply need a boost to help them pursue their educational goals, obtain a better paying job and reach self-sufficiency and economic independence.
  • Home Study Centers - the centers serve students from first grade through high school with educational support and after school supervision. The centers are equipped with computers, printers and a small library; provide area for students to study and complete homework assignments; and are a safe place for kids to go after school.
  • Resident Employment & Training (RET) - The RET department is responsible for assisting current DHA residents reach their goals of self sufficiency through employment. A DHA staff member performs a needs assessment to determine what specific employment and training areas need to be addressed in order for residents to become self sufficient.
  • Additional details on these programs can be found at: http://www.dhadal.com/housing.html

Walker settlement:
The case began in 1985 and as the result of a court ruling, DHA clients may now use vouchers to rent apartments and townhomes on privately owned properties throughout the city and its suburbs.