DHA AND BRIDGE BUILDERS LOOK TO THE FUTURE
DALLAS—The Housing Authority of the City of Dallas, Texas (DHA) and Hope In Salvation Bridge Builders—part of Prestonwood Baptist Church, will hold its “Vision for the Future Eye Clinic” Open House
at 10 a.m., Nov. 18, 2003. The event will mark the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between Bridge Builders and the University of Houston College of Optometry.
This partnership models the plan President George W. Bush outlined in his 2001 Executive Order establishing Faith-Based and Community Initiatives as a way to help the federal government meet the
social needs in America’s communities. Bridge Builders formed a relationship with DHA eight years ago to encourage and motivate DHA residents to fully utilize the community resources available to them.
This is the second year the organization has offered low-income individuals free eye examinations and glasses, and the first year for ophthalmic training. The University of Houston staff operates the
eye clinic and instructs educational programs through Bridge Builders.
“Working with Bridge Builders provides our residents an opportunity to acquire skills that will assist them in becoming self-sufficient and economically independent,” said DHA President and CEO
Ann Lott. “We are fortunate to also work with the University of Houston College of Optometry for producing cutting edge vision training and technology.”
Each year this faith-based partnership will provide 2800 pairs of free glasses, valued at $700, 000 and training to 26 low-income residents.
Bridge Builders President and CEO Mike Fechner founded the faith-based not-for-profit organization in 1995 after befriending a former DHA resident. The organization strives to empower and equip
low-income families with the necessary skills to attain and retain full-time jobs in the field of optometry, Fechner said. Currently, Bridge Builders operates on-site at two DHA developments and will
expand to two additional sites in 2004.
Created in 1938, DHA offers housing assistance to low-to-moderate income families. Some 450 employees provide housing opportunities to more than 53,000 people through public housing developments
and 17,000 Section 8 rental vouchers. DHA provides quality, affordable housing to low-income families and individuals through the effective and efficient administration of housing assistance programs
by creating and cultivating opportunities for program participants to achieve self-sufficiency and economic independence.
The Open House event will be held at DHA’s Resident Employment & Training Center located at 2525 Lucas Dr., for more information call 214-528-7354.
###
