Housing First makes housing last.
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It Takes a Village - Sam's Story
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For over five years, Sam had been homeless, living in a tent under an overpass on I-30. His homelessness had begun in a common way, with the loss of his job. His mental health issues and other factors allowed Sam to slip into homelessness and a situation he couldn't get out of by himself.
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DRC case manager David Paniagua first met Sam while out visiting campsites with MHMR and the Catholic Charities SOS team. Several agencies had tried to help Sam, but his chronic forgetfulness often resulted in missed appointments and lost opportunities.
For two years, David worked with Sam, visiting his campsite, ensuring he made his appointments, and building a relationship with him. DRC critical document specialist Denise Yeager helped Sam replace his identity documents, and case manager Cindy Wright helped him apply for Social Security benefits.
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Then one day this summer, an opportunity opened up for Sam a
The Palm Tree Apartments. The only problem was, now Sam was nowhere to be found!
For several days, DRC staffers searched all over for Sam. Cindy eventually located him just as he was released from a local hospital after an illness. Sam returned to his tent and was surprised when David showed up with DRC case manager Nubia Munoz and DRC director of client services to tell him the good news: He had an apartment waiting for him!
He could hardly contain his excitement! His new apartment was fully furnished, stocked with groceries, and he even received new, clean clothes. Sam was introduced to his new neighbors and welcomed into The Palm Tree family.
Because of your support, Sam is safe in his own home now and part of a community of people who understand where he has been and can help him stay on track.
Says Sam, "
Thank you for not forgetting about me."
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World Renown Blues Guitarist to Play Cypress Street Cafe
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On Thursday, August 22, world renown blues guitarist Buddy Whittington will be the musical guest for Cypress Street Cafe. We are thrilled to welcome Buddy Whittington & Friends for a night of music and fun!
Buddy Whittington regularly tours with “the Godfather of British Blues,” John Mayall, and has performed with Eric Clapton, BB King, and many others. He returns to the US from a recent tour in Spain this month.
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Whether you like to boogie woogie, do the twist, or bust a move, you’ll have a great time at Groovin’ to Move In!
When: Monday, October 21, 2019
What Time: 7 to 11 pm
Tickets: $15 in advance, $20 at the door
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Donate something groovy to the raffle!
Help us make Groovin' to Move In a fun and successful event by donating to the raffle!
If your company doesn't have a product or service of your own to donate, but you'd still like to be involved, consider purchasing and donating a prize.
You'll still get the exposure and add to the excitement of the evening.
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Our Housing First Friday educational luncheon series continues!
We would love to have you join us on
Friday, September 6 for lunch and discussion of the topic "
Community Impact of Homelessness: A look at the financial and social impacts of homelessness in Tarrant County."
Lunch is free, but registration is required.
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Welcome New Office Volunteer
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Join the DRC in welcoming our new office volunteer, Linda Vick!
Linda first learned about the DRC through
Breakfast with the Mayor this past January, and has attended our
Housing First Friday luncheons throughout the year. After a career serving the people of the United States through various agencies within the federal government in a finance role, Linda is now giving her time to help make our city a better place for all.
We are excited to have Linda as part of our DRC family!
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The DRC is the housing placement and site-based case management services partner for the
Palm Tree Apartments
, an award-winning permanent supportive housing community developed by the Paulos Foundation in partnership with the DRC and Fort Worth Housing Solutions.
The complex, which has received national recognition, provides safe, long-term housing for people who face the greatest challenges in putting homelessness behind them. Twenty-four households made of up individuals and families who were homeless an average of eight to nine years are part of the Palm Tree Apartments community.
To date, the Palm Tree Apartments have made the following difference:
- Crimes against persons and property have fallen below city-wide rates;
- Crimes against property have decreased 23% from 2015 levels;
- 90% of project participants have remained housed three years later, whether they have stayed at the Palm Tree or moved on to other permanent housing placements.
The Palm Tree Apartments are just one example of how Housing First works - for residents and for the community!
If you're intersted in learning more about The Palm Tree Apartments, contact Liesl Manone at 817-575-7948 or
lmanone@drc-solutions.org
. Group presentations and tours available by appointment.
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You all are AMAZING!
Our 2019 Summer Water Drive is still going strong, but we wanted to give you an update.
So far, you all have given
over 40,000 bottles of water to help ensure the people in our community who must be out in the heat of the summer all day have access to clean, cold water. Additionally, you've given
over $7,000 to ensure that we are able to purchase water when necessary - and believe it or not, even with these thousands of bottles coming in, we have had to purchase water a few times.
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Each day, approximately
350 to 500 are distributed, so water goes quickly in this heat, and you all have risen to the occasion and really made an enormous difference in the lives of real people, right here in Tarrant County.
You have saved lives this summer! THANK YOU!
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North Texas Giving Day is Thursday, September 19, 2019, and the DRC will once again participate.
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Breakfast with the Mayor returns Friday, February 7, 2020.
We'll be returning to River Crest Country Club again this year, and we hope to see you there!
Individual tickets will go on sale at a later date. Watch for more information!
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August 2019
September 2019
October 2019
November 2019
December 2019
January 2020
- Monday, 1/13 - Bruce Frankel to speak to the Handley Neighborhood Association
February 2020
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If your group is looking for a speaker, we've got you covered!
We're happy to visit with your members and share about homelessness in Tarrant County, the Housing First philosophy, and the efforts of the DRC.
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