August/September 2019
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
Calling all landlords!   We are always looking for partners for the Housing Choice Voucher program and now is a great time to join us!  We'd love to see you at our Aug. 16 Landlord Fair where you can meet with prospective tenants and take applications on the spot.

Landlords in the voucher program benefit from timely rent payments and direct deposit, courtesy inspections to handle complaints, tenant pre-screenings and excellent customer service. We have formed a Landlord Advisory Committee and host Landlord Appreciation luncheons a few times a year. All clients participate in a Good Tenant/Good Neighbor class before using their vouchers.

A family's zip code matters. That's why we recruit property owners from every corner of the City of Fort Worth and why we've worked for nearly two decades to diminish pockets of poverty and deconcentrate low-income housing. 

For questions about becoming a landlord, email [email protected]. We'd love to hear from you!

Mary-Margaret Lemons

Little Kendrick Richardson weighs in on ideas for a playground at a redeveloped Cavile Place
Envisioning a redeveloped Cavile Place neighborhood

Building on the vision and goals of the 2013 Stop Six Transformation Plan, Fort Worth Housing Solutions and its partners have begun a process to update and refine the plan's key elements in preparation for a HUD Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant application.

This highly competitive grant program provides $30 million for targeted investments in housing, supportive services and critical community improvements, all aimed at transforming dis-invested neighborhoods. We have assembled an experienced team of affordable housing developers, architects, urban planners, and consultants to assist in this process.  Read about our plans here. 
Spotlight on Mercedes Ayala 

Mercedes Ayala isn't messing around. Recently the 24-year-old mother of two finished her first semester at Texas Wesleyan University after graduating from Tarrant County College in December.

In May she relocated with her children from Cavile Place Apartments in the Stop Six community to a new home at Woodmont Apartments, a beautiful FWHS property in south Fort Worth. (All 252 apartment homes are affordably priced for households earning 60 percent of the Area Median Income.) And all this time she has worked at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tarrant County's Eastside location.

Mercedes hopes to teach first grade at Logan Elementary School after graduating from Texas Wesleyan.   "I plan to move forward with educating the children and families in the Stop Six community where I have lived in for years," she says. "Being able to relate to some of the obstacles families face day-to-day, I understand the importance of education, community support and family." 
Your gift can be the turning point

Former FWHS president, Barbara Holston (featured on the right), is the fund's namesake.
Education and training are key to advancing a person's prospects for a job that pays well. This is why FWHS created the Barbara Holston Education Fund, a 501(c)(3) charity, five years ago.

The fund awards $1,000 scholarships to participants in our housing programs who are pursuing a college degree or vocational certificate at an accredited, nonprofit institution. We are awarding five scholarships this year.

Will you help us double the number of scholarships in 2020? Your gift can be the turning point that sets someone on the path to self-sufficiency. Please make your gift today.  Any dollar amount is greatly appreciated!
Landlord Spotlight Award goes to Ramu Mysore

Fort Worth Housing Solutions has begun recognizing property owners with outstanding management practices in the Housing Choice Voucher program.

The first award goes to Ramu Mysore, who rents six houses in Southwest Fort Worth to families with vouchers. "It starts with the selection process," says, Mysore, who rarely has turnover. "I have to feel comfortable with the tenants. I should feel glad to see them and they should feel glad to see me."

While typically his tenants bring issues to his attention right away, Mysore appreciates the free inspections provided by FWHS. "It helps me stay on top of things," he says.   Mysore says the subsidy amount he receives for rent is "very reasonable."

FWHS inspector Bernard Combs noted Mysore's empathy when nominating him for the honor. Mysore views his tenants as an extended family, he says. "I take care of the properties as if I lived there," he says.

Interested in becoming a landlord with HCV program? We hold landlord orientation sessions the second Tuesday of every month at 9 a.m. at 1201 E. 13th St. in Fort Worth.   Come to our Landlord Fair Aug. 16 from 9-11 a.m. and meet with potential tenants!  Email us anytime: [email protected]. 

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