Dallas Veterans Community Project Greenlit by City Council

This week, the Dallas City Council gave its OK to an agreement that will bring a transitional housing community for veterans experiencing homelessness.

The city put out a press release with the details after the vote on May 27. According to the release, the agreement allows the Veterans Community Project and its affiliates to develop a traditional housing community for veterans experiencing homelessness.

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As part of the agreement, the city will convey approximately 7.33 acres of land located west of St. Lancaster Rd., south of Mentor Ave., and east of Denley Dr. That land is located in District 4, which is represented by Council Member Maxie Johnson.

In exchange, the developer will construct and operate a village of small residential units, a community center, and on-site supportive services designed to help resident veterans transition out of homelessness.

The city has owned the property since 2015 and issued three requests for proposals over the past decade seeking private development opportunities for it. None of those solicitations resulted in a completed agreement or project.

Following the conclusion of the most recent request for proposal process, the City Manager's Office directed the Office of Economic Development to explore new partnership opportunities for the property. Over the past six months, OED has collaborated with Johnson to assess the feasibility of a veterans-focused, nonprofit-led housing development.

Veterans Community Project then emerged as a potential partner capable of delivering a proven model that combines transitional housing with wrap-around supportive services. Veteran's Community Project's approach is recognized rationally for its effectiveness in reducing veteran homelessness and providing long-term stability for its clients.