Introduction
Created by the Dallas Public Library's Urban Information Center, this page describes resources available in the Dallas / Fort Worth area to help locate and obtain affordable housing. In addition, it discusses options for those needing assistance or repair to their homes, as well as sources for emergency housing. The last section includes information for developers of affordable housing. If you notice omissions or have ideas or suggestions, please send us an email.
1. Information for Homebuyers
housing Programs, agencies & Organizations
The majority of these programs provide low-interest mortgage loans or assist individuals or families to qualify for traditional, bank loans.
- ACORN (Nonprofit)
- American Dream Downpayment Initiative (US Dept. of Housing & Urban Development)
- Center for Housing Resources (Nonprofit)
- Dallas County Health & Human Services (Dallas County)
- Dallas Housing Authority (City of Dallas)
- Dallas Housing Department (City of Dallas)
- Habitat for Humanity (Nonprofit)
- Homebuyer Assistance Programs (City of Dallas)
- Homebuyer Assistance Programs (Texas Department of Housing)
- HUD Homes (US Dept. of Housing & Urban Development)
- Housing Choice Vouchers [formerly Section 8] (US Dept. of Housing & Urban Development)
- North Texas Affordable Housing Coalition (Nonprofit)
- Good Neighbor Next Door (US Dept. of Housing & Urban Development)
- Texas Veteran's Land Board (State of Texas)
- Texas Dept. of Housing & Community Affairs (State of Texas)
- Vecinos Unidos (nonprofit)
consumer resources
The sources linked below provide consumer education and advice:
- Community Affairs Office - Dallas Federal Reserve (U.S. Federal Reserve Bank)
- Federal Citizen Information Center (US General Services Administration)
- Homebuyers (U.S. Dept. of Housing & Urban Development)
- Homeownership (FreddieMac)
- Homebuyers Resources (FannieMae)
- Real Estate Espaņol (Nonprofit)
Online Publications
The annual program guide from the Texas Housing Department, linked immediately below, is a comprehensive directory of State and Federal housing-related programs, including homebuyer assistance, home repair assistance, rental assistance, emergency assistance, homeless services, housing and community development and more.
BOOKS
For books, search the Library catalog using the subject heading "House Buying -- United States" or "Residential Real Estate -- Purchasing -- United States". You can also get free, printed home buying guides from the FannieMae Foundation.
Beware of so-called predatory lenders. They specialize in loaning money to people with poor credit. They frequently charge hidden fees and interest rates that are way above the average. Local nonprofit housing counselors who can help you steer clear of predatory lenders are listed on the websites of FannieMae and the U.S. Dept. of Housing & Urban Development.
regulatory agencies & local ordinances
The following are government agencies that regulate different aspects of the housing, lending and insurance industries, along with local ordinances.
- Dallas City Code (City of Dallas)
- Fair Housing Office (City of Dallas)
- Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner (State of Texas)
- Office of Fair Housing & Equal Opportunity (U.S. Housing & Urban Development Dept.)
- Office of Thrift Supervision (U.S. Dept. of Treasury)
- Texas Attorney General (State of Texas)
- Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (State of Texas)
- Texas Department of Insurance (State of Texas)
- Texas Real Estate Commission (State of Texas)
- U.S. Housing & Urban Development (Dallas Office)
2. Information for Renters
Several local agencies provide assistance to renters, including counseling, help with locating a subsidized apartment, and legal advice regarding landlord / tenant problems.
Agencies, Programs & Organizations
- Dallas County Health & Human Services (Dallas County)
- Dallas Housing Authority (City of Dallas)
- Housing Choice Vouchers [formerly Section 8] (US Dept. of Housing & Urban Development)
- Housing Crisis Center/ Dallas Tenants Association (Nonprofit)
- Housing Department (City of Dallas)
- Legal Aid of Northwest Texas (Nonprofit)
- Rental Help (US Dept. of Housing & Urban Development)
- Renter's Kit (US Dept. of Housing & Urban Development)
- Texas Tenants Union (Nonprofit)
- Texas Low Income Housing Information Service (Nonprofit)
Online Publications
- The People's Lawyer: Landlord & Tenants Rights
- Texas Property Code (see Chapters 91 & 92)
NOTE: The publications linked above are provided for information only and are not meant to be comprehensive or to convey legal advice. Other laws and regulations may apply, and you are advised to seek the assistance of a competent legal attorney.
3. Minor Home Repairs & Utility Assistance
Programs aimed at assisting the needy, elderly or disabled with fixing up their houses or providing adaptive aids (e.g. wheelchair ramps or grab-bars) are listed below. Some groups also help with short-term utility assistance or provide help to make your home more weather tight, which can reduce your utility bill.
Agencies, Programs & Organizations
- Center for Housing Resources (Nonprofit)
- Dept. of Aging & Disability Services (State of Texas)
- Emergency Home Repair, Inc. (Nonprofit)
- Weatherization Assistance Program (Dallas County)
- Dallas Ramp Project (Nonprofit)
- Dallas Urban League - Energy Assistance Referrals (Nonprofit)
- Habitat for Humanity (Nonprofit)
- Home Repair Assistance & Weatherization (Texas Department of Housing & Community Affairs)
- Minor Home Repair Coalition (Community Council of Greater Dallas)
- People Helping People (City of Dallas & Local Nonprofits)
- Social Services Units (City of Dallas)
Be aware that unscrupulous individuals often prey upon homeowners in the wake of a natural disaster, such as a hurricane. The Federal Trade Commission has published an informative online alert, After a Disaster: Repairing Your Home, which explains how to avoid getting ripped off. The Federal Emergency Management Agency maintains a useful website with information about what to do after a natural disaster.
4. Where to turn in an emergency
If you are at risk of harm, call the police at 911. If you are experiencing a personal crisis and are about to lose your housing or need to seek emergency shelter, the resources highlighted below may be of use to you.
FINDING EMERGENCY SHELTER
- 211 - Human Services Information Hotline (Community Council of Greater Dallas)
- Crisis Intervention (Community Information Database)
- Domestic Violence Shelters (Community Information Database)
- Homeless Resources (Community Information Database)
- Housing Crisis Center (Nonprofit)
- How to Avoid Foreclosure (HUD)
- Interfaith Housing Coalition (Nonprofit)
- Metro Dallas Homeless Alliance (Nonprofit)
- Shelters & Social Services (Dallas Housing Authority)
FINDING AFFORDABLE HOUSING
- Center for Housing Resources (Nonprofit)
- Dallas Housing Authority (City of Dallas)
- Dallas HUD (US Department of Housing & Urban Development)
- Health & Human Services (Dallas County)
- Housing Crisis Center (Nonprofit)
- Housing Department (City of Dallas)
- Texas Low Income Housing Information Service(Nonprofit)
5. Developing Affordable Housing
The City of Dallas devotes a percentage of HOME grant funds to local Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDO's), defined by HUD as "a private nonprofit, community-based service organization whose primary purpose is to provide and develop decent, affordable housing for the community it serves." The Texas Department of Housing maintains a list of certified CHDOs.
Government Agencies & Programs
- Community Development Block Grants /CDBG (HUD)
- CDBG Eligible Census Tracts Map & Table(City of Dallas)
- Community Housing Development Organizations (Texas Dept. of Housing & Community Affairs)
- Community Renewal Initiative (HUD)
- HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HUD)
- Homeownership Zones (HUD)
- HOPE VI (HUD)
- Faith-based & Community Initiatives (HUD)
- Self-help Homeownership Opportunity Program (HUD)
- Government Loans for Housing
Useful Websites - Nonprofit
- Affordable Housing Resource Center
- Consumer's Union: Manufactured Housing
- The Campaign for Affordable Housing
- Community Action Partnership
- Enterprise Foundation
- FannieMae Foundation
- Knowledgeplex
- LISC Home Ownership Center
- National Association of Housing & Redevelopment Officials
- National Housing Trust
- National Low Income Housing Coalition
- North Texas Housing Coalition
- Texas Association of Community Development Corporations
- Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation
Books & Other publications
- Developing affordable housing : a practical guide for nonprofit organizations by Bennett L. Hecht. (333.7315 H447D 2006)
- Encyclopedia of Homelessness (362.50973 E56 2004)
- Low-income homeownership : examining the unexamined goal by Nicolas P. Retsinas and Eric S. Belsky (Eds.) (363.50973 L912 2002).
- Texas Dept. of Housing & Community Affairs Program Overview (State of Texas)
News
Laws and programs are constantly changing. The following sites are a good place to stay current with news about affordable housing.