Dallas City Homes Inc
About Dallas City Homes Inc
Dallas City Homes works in the part of housing that usually gets skipped over, the long haul. It develops and preserves affordable homes in Dallas, manages affordable rental communities, and pairs that with resident services like academic support, skills classes, summer camp, breakfasts, and senior luncheons. For donors, the appeal is simple: this is housing work that stays rooted after the keys are handed over, with neighborhood events and resident support built around the homes themselves.
What sets Dallas City Homes apart is how directly it ties housing to what happens next. Through the Connected Communities Initiative, the organization brings resident services, neighborhood capacity building, and community events into places like Queen City, Hillburn Hills, West Dallas, and La Bajada. That gives its housing work a local, lived-in feel instead of stopping at construction or property management.
Programs
The concrete work this nonprofit runs. Each program may later become a fundable project.
Affordable housing development and preservation
Develops and preserves affordable housing in Dallas through new construction, renovation, and redevelopment.
Affordable rental housing management
Manages affordable rental homes and communities across Dallas.
Single-family home development and sales
Participates in the construction, renovation, development, and sale of homes for long-term stability.
Resident services and social programming
Provides on-site academic support, skills curriculum, arts and crafts, enrichment activities, summer camp, breakfasts, senior luncheons, and practical assistance for residents.
Connected Communities Initiative
Coordinates community engagement, resident services, and neighborhood capacity building around housing developments.
Neighborhood capacity building
Supports resident-led leadership, local organizing, community-driven activism, and neighborhood associations such as the Queen City Neighborhood Association.
Community events
Hosts and sponsors neighborhood events and celebrations such as National Night Out, seasonal festivals, and resource gatherings.
Homebuyer assistance
Provides homebuyer assistance through a housing trust fund connected to neighborhood development.
About this work
In their own words — what they do, who it reaches, and what your dollars actually fund.
Mission
To optimize the human and physical potential of neighborhoods through the provision of housing, commercial space, and the collaborative delivery of resident services.
Who they serve
Low- and moderate-income individuals and families in Dallas, including residents of affordable housing communities, youth, adults, seniors, and neighborhood associations.
Their impact
- 333+ homes built for families
- 664+ mixed-income apartments
- 1,660+ lives transformed through housing
- More than 2,400 apartments developed or preserved for affordability
- More than 350 homes for sale participated in through construction, renovation, or development
- Manages 300+ affordable rentals across Dallas
- Hillburn Hills redevelopment included 191 single-family homes and 157 rental units
- Established a $1 million housing trust fund for homebuyer assistance
- Nearly 300 homes sold between 2000 and 2012 appreciated by more than $16,000,000
- DCH Spring Festival 2023 welcomed 75 neighbors, sponsors, community resources, and friends
- National Night Out 2023 drew over 150 people
How your donation helps
- Affordable housing development and preservation
- Resident services and community programming
- Community events and neighborhood engagement
- Connected Communities Initiative activities, including digital literacy and wellness efforts
- Neighborhood capacity building and support for resident-led organizing
Our story
In 1989, local leaders saw a need to transform disinvested neighborhoods and keep housing affordable in Dallas. Dallas City Homes began by acquiring rental properties in some of the city’s most distressed areas and turning them into safe, stable rental communities, while also developing homes for sale and working with neighborhood organizations, businesses, and national partners. Over time, that grew into resident services, community engagement, and the Connected Communities Initiative.
Stories
The people behind the work.
In their words
I’m in this position now because of someone that came to my career day back in middle school who was just talking about their involvement in commercial real estate and their niche in the market.
For a lot of us, we’re figuring this out as we go, and it's traditional bootstrap without the resources.
give back and to allow the next generation to stand on her shoulders to be able to reach for the stars.
Events
National Night Out
annualA neighborhood gathering with vendors, resources, food, music, safety conversations, and family activities.
North Texas Giving Day
annualAn annual day of generosity used to raise funds and support local causes.
Back To School
annualA community event for families and neighborhood engagement.
Thanksgiving Feast
annualA seasonal community gathering for residents and neighbors.
Christmas Celebration
annualA holiday community event for residents and neighbors.
Halloween Fun
annualA seasonal community event for families and children.
Spring Break
annualA community event for residents and families during spring break.
Summer Bash
annualA family-friendly summer community celebration.
Ways to help
Concrete needs and volunteer roles Dallas City Homes Inc has shared.
Volunteer opportunities
- Host or support neighborhood events
- Support community celebrations
- Help with financial literacy workshops
- Assist with community cleanups
- Help with resource fairs
- Support seasonal festivals
- Join the volunteer interest list
Recognition & press
Awards & recognition
- Jason Brown, Dallas Business Journal's 40 Under 40, 2024
- Karen Brooks-Crosby, Juanita Craft Foundation award, 2021
- Elise Howard accepted into the Leadership Arts Institute by the Business Council for the Arts, 2021
In the media
- Dallas Free Press, feature on the six-year effort to open Armonía Apartments in La Bajada
- NBCDFW, coverage of a Dallas initiative bringing minority developers to the forefront
- HousingWire, coverage of a strategic coalition fighting homelessness in Dallas
Press & mentions
Partners & funders
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this nonprofit and how its work happens.
What kinds of housing does Dallas City Homes develop?
Dallas City Homes develops, preserves, and manages affordable housing in Dallas, including rental communities, single-family homes, and mixed-income developments.
What is the Connected Communities Initiative?
It is the part of Dallas City Homes’ work that brings resident services, community events, neighborhood capacity building, and partnerships together around the places where it develops housing.
Does Dallas City Homes offer resident programs beyond housing?
Yes. It offers youth services, adult services, community events, digital literacy, wellness initiatives, and other on-site enrichment and support activities.
Who does Dallas City Homes focus on serving?
It focuses on low- and moderate-income individuals and families in Dallas, along with residents of its housing communities, youth, adults, seniors, and neighborhood groups.
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