Austin Street Center has partnered with the Communities Foundation of Texas and other groups to provide six months of rent and other support for families displaced after last week’s fatal apartment explosion in Oak Cliff.
A gas leak Thursday led to an explosion at The Clyde apartment complex, killing three people and injuring several others. As the explosion leveled the apartment building, 19 families, totaling 46 individuals, were displaced, according to city documents.
After the explosion, the city of Dallas and Catholic Charities immediately provided temporary housing for families at a nearby hotel. The city later reached out to Austin Street Center for assistance with finding the families permanent housing, said Austin Street Center CEO Daniel Roby.
Roby said Communities Foundation of Texas was the first to “raise their hand” when it came to leading funding efforts with the housing solutions.
“It is beautiful to feel the support of the community and the city administrators,” said The Clyde resident Onesimo Mendoza, 52, in Spanish. “They are reiterating their support, their solidarity and right now the support on the rent helps us tremendously.”
The organizations were able to find housing options for the families within the neighborhood, with the help of Barrett Linburg of Savoy Equity Partners, who owns properties about a half a mile from The Clyde. Residents are able to stay at other housing options if preferred, and will still be given about $1,000 for rent each month.
“It’s been amazing so far just seeing how everyone has stepped up to help,” Roby said. “In times of crisis like this, it takes everybody doing what they’re good at, and I think we’ve seen that here. We’ve seen a generous Dallas community.”
The groups also plan to help with transportation support and other essential services.
Communities Foundation of Texas is the lead funder of the initiative, with support from The Dallas Foundation, Muse Family Foundation, the city of Dallas, Catholic Charities, Society of St. Vincent de Paul, American Red Cross and Mission Oak Cliff.
“We are grateful to all the donors who have joined thus far and hope others will be inspired to support our neighbors in need,” Robert Kent, chief philanthropy officer at Communities Foundation of Texas, said in a statement.
Austin Street Center is an emergency shelter that has helped those who experience homelessness for over 40 years. Communities Foundation of Texas supports North Texas by collecting donations to fund local nonprofits.