About Us
Builders of Hope CDC is a non-profit, tax-exempted corporation that delivers quality affordable housing to stimulate the revitalization of West Dallas and develop a healthy and safe community.
Builders of Hope CDC is a Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) with the city of Dallas and a Certified Housing Counseling Organization with the State of Texas, Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), City of Irving, and local banks.
Our Mission
Builders of Hope CDC is a Christian Ministry transforming Dallas urban areas by building strong families and healthy, safe neighborhoods through discipleship, community pride, and development of quality affordable housing. This mission is driven by four main services we offer:
- Affordable Housing (which includes building new homes, revitalization of existing homes, and demolition and rebuilding substandard homes)
- Financial Fitness Education
- Family Support Services
- Community Mobilization
Focus Area
Currently, Builders of Hope CDC centers its efforts in the West Dallas area, where its main office is located.
History
In 1982, Voice of Hope Ministries (VOHM) was started to provide youth and families in West Dallas with resources and skills to overcome poverty. Voice of Hope Ministries’ programs included Bible clubs, after-school tutoring, summer day camps, recreation, SAT and college prep classes, life skills, emergency assistance, and a thrift store. Additionally, VOHM operated a housing development program.
In order to separate its housing activities from its ministry activities, the Voice of Hope Ministries Board of Directors decided to form a separate corporation called Voice of Hope Community Development Corporation. In November 1998, the new corporation received its 501 C-3 tax exemption from the IRS. From 1998 to January 31, 2001, Mr. Norman Henry served as the Executive Director of both organizations. On February 1, 2001, a new director was hired to oversee the VOHM to allow Mr. Henry to focus solely on the Voice of Hope CDC as its President/Executive Director. This was done to increase fund raising activities, especially with contributors who do not want to support an evangelical Christian ministry, and as a result increase the organization’s capacity to produce more housing and economic development opportunities. In 2002, the Voice of Hope CDC’s Board of Directors agreed to change its name to “Builders of Hope CDC” to better reflect its mission.
Affordable Housing
We strive to make West Dallas an affordable, attractive option for potential home buyers, as well as improve the living condition and value of existing homes. To accomplish this, our projects in this area include:
- building new homes at affordable prices on vacant lots
- demolishing and rehabilitating vacant, substandard houses
- helping senior citizens to repair or rebuild their homes
- purchasing and remodeling homes which were initially sold to low-income families
In addition to our goal of building new homes on infill lots per year in the West Dallas area, we also have two major future projects. One is to build an additional 100-unit transitional apartment complex. This multifamily “Community of Hope” will contain a social service center that will help families work toward achieving home ownership. Also, we plan to build a 72-unit single-family subdivision in the Eagle Ford area of West Dallas.
Home Buyer Education and Financial Fitness Education
Finding and purchasing the right home at the right price can be a challenge. Families on a limited budget, in particular, face barriers such as the shortage of gap financing, credit counseling, and special financing. To help potential homebuyers overcome these barriers and guide them toward making a well-informed investment, we offer classes in the following: home ownership, budgeting, obtaining a home loan, home maintenance, neighborhood clean-up, and other financial literacy classes. We also offer one-on-one counseling in all these aspects.
Family Support Services
In our community, we understand that each family has its own set of needs and challenges. In today’s uncertain economic times, some families face certain short-term needs that must be met in order to resume their progress toward longer-term goals. Among the support services we give to these families include rent and utility referrals, senior citizen support services, and minor housing repairs.
Community Mobilization
A major part of maintaining a safe and healthy community involves drawing upon the energy, ideas, and experiences of the residents themselves. That is why each month we hold community meetings to help resolve various issues. Through our partnerships with residents, the police department, and other city agencies, these efforts are helping to reduce criminal activity in our area.
