Texas Foundations Fund: Repairing Homes and Building Hope

February 22, 2016 | by Katie Claflin

Categories: Affordable Housing, Home Rehabilitation/Repairs, Homelessness, Homeownership, Texas Foundations Fund

Last week, TSAHC's Board of Directors approved publishing a draft of the 2016 Texas Foundations Fund Guidelines for public comment. The public comment period gives potential applicants and other stakeholders the opportunity to review our eligibility requirements and provide comment to improve the program before the application round opens in April.

With the 2016 application round right around the corner, we would like to share two more inspiring success stories submitted by our nonprofit partners.

Tashina’s Story
Nonprofit Partner: My Father’s House Lubbock
Lubbock, Texas

Tashina came to My Father’s House Lubbock’s (MFHL) transitional housing program in January 2013 with her two young sons. She had always dreamed of becoming a nurse, but as a single mom, she was having difficulty finding the time and money to go back to school.

MFHL provided Tashina with an affordable apartment and the support she needed to make her dream come true. Using educational resources and services funded by MFHL’s Texas Foundations Fund grant, Tashina was able to enroll in the Texas Tech Health Science Center School of Nursing. She will graduate this spring with her Registered Nurse (RN) degree.

MFHL also connected Tashina with a mentor who owned a bakery. Her mentor taught her how to bake and decorate cakes and cookies, a skill that she still uses today to relieve stress. Tashina's mentor also included her and her two sons in family activities, which gave them the opportunity to observe and participate in healthy family interactions.

Thanks to the support she received from TSAHC and MFHL, Tashina has grown in confidence and has learned how to handle deadlines, projects, and stress. She even made the Dean’s Honor Roll in Spring of 2015. Tashina is almost at the end of her journey at MFHL, and we are excited to see what the future holds for her.

Maribel’s Story
Nonprofit Partner:  Motivation, Education and Training, Inc.
Raymondville, Texas

Maribel lives in Raymondville with her parents and four younger siblings. The home they were renting was in severe disrepair, so they began to look for ways to buy a home. Maribel jumped at the opportunity to purchase a home at the Willacy County Tax Resale auction for $4,000, but the home needed significant repairs before it was safe to move in. She and her family were able to save some money to level the foundation, but they really needed help with the additional repairs.

With a grant from the Texas Foundations Fund, nonprofit partner Motivation, Education and Training, Inc. was able to perform the repairs that Maribel and her family needed to move in to their home. MET repaired the roof; replaced the flooring; installed new energy-saving vents, windows and siding; and completely rebuilt the kitchen. The home also had no bathroom, so MET installed a brand new bathroom, complete with a ceramic tile shower and energy efficient fixtures.

Maribel and her family are so grateful to MET and TSAHC for the repairs that have been done to their home. They especially love their new kitchen because they finally have space to prepare meals and store their food and dishes.

 

               

Maribel's Home, Before Repairs                               Maribel's Home, After Repairs

               

Maribel's Kitchen, Before Repairs                             Maribel's Kitchen, After Repairs

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On the House blog posts are meant to provide general information on various housing-related issues, research and programs. We are not liable for any errors or inaccuracies in the information provided by blog sources. Furthermore, this blog is not legal advice and should not be used as a substitute for legal advice from a licensed professional attorney.