According to Housing Crisis Center Board Chair Carolyn Goelzer,
“The mission of the Housing Crisis Center is to prevent homelessness, respond to the immediate needs of those facing crisis, and sustain their stability in safe, affordable, and permanent housing while empowering them to solve their housing problems in the future.
“That’s a mouthful! Yet, Housing Crisis Center (HCC) is taking care of families, individuals and veterans every day. Each year, HCC provides services to more than 10,000 households through a combination of resource referrals, legal resources and a myriad of vital services that enable clients to live in a safe environment.
“Founded in 1978, Housing Crisis Center (HCC) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization working to prevent homelessness and to stabilize those at risk of becoming homeless. The two aspects of what we do are: Homeless Assistance and Homelessness Prevention Services.
- “Homeless Assistance — Utilizing “scattered-site” apartment homes, we provide safety and shelter to Veterans, single-parent families, dual-parent families and other individuals, that have been referred to us through a Coordinated Assess System of the Continuum of Care. We have Rapid Rehousing and Permanent Supportive Housing programs. In addition to housing, we provide coaching sessions and other vital support services to help participants address the issues that contributed to them becoming homeless, and empower them to solve their own housing problems in the future.
- “Homelessness Prevention Services — Three distinct services are a part of our prevention efforts. Qualified participants may apply to receive rent/mortgage and or utility assistance to help prevent being evicted from their housing.
“HCC also hosts a free legal clinic where eligible participants can learn more about their rights, and Texas landlord tenant housing laws. This is an advice only opportunity to meet with an attorney to discuss specific tenant related concerns. Our legal program has been cited by the State Bar of Texas for outstanding service.
“HCC’s vision is to create a world where the homeless and nearly homeless are not just housed but also embraced by a network of care and support that transcends the physical walls of shelter, firmly rooted in the belief that restoring dignity to those facing their darkest hours uplifts the entire community.
“Fast forward: We have very exciting plans for 2025 as we strengthen our commitment to those who need our services, revitalize our fund-raising event(s) and announce ‘a new look, a new logo and an empowered vision.’ In the meantime, we invite you to visit hccdallas.org and see how you can help Housing Crisis Center continue this important mission as we put the finishing touches on our upcoming plans!”
* Graphic courtesy of Housing Crisis Center
