A few weeks ago, we asked our readers to suggest ways the city could allocate funding for community projects. A couple readers suggested more safe housing opportunities for people experiencing homelessness — which got us thinking — are there any affordable housing projects in the works right now?

The answer? At least two, which we're highlighting today.

Housing needs

Family homelessness is "at an all-time high," said Lauren King, executive director of the Tarrant County Homeless Coalition.

At the end of 2022, Fort Worth Housing Finance Corporation (FWHFC) — the city's housing development arm — counted 200 families struggling with homelessness in town, compared to 130 families at the end of 2021.

Casa de Sueños would be the second collaboration between FWHS and Ojala holdings, the first being Casa de Esperanza. | Photo by FTWtoday

Casa de Sueños | Las Vegas Trail

At today's City Council work session, Fort Worth Housing Solutions (FWHS) and Ojala Holdings will present a plan to convert the 83-room Express Inn (8401 West Freeway) into a permanent supportive housing project called Case de Sueños (House of Dreams) in far west Fort Worth.

The $11.9 million project will include 55 apartments, community space, a business center and computer lab, case management offices, and outdoor amenities.

Tarrant County, Ojala Holdings and FWHS have committed $8 million and are looking for another $2 million from the city. Next, the developers will raise philanthropic funding and submit for Community Block Development Grant funds at the April 25 City Council meeting.

One Safe Place and Tarrant County Samaritan house will own and manage the property. | Photo courtesy of the City of Fort Worth

Seminary housing | Rosemont

Last week, FWHFC agreed to a nonbinding purchase of 15 acres from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. The three-block McCart Avenue property will house 140 families experiencing homelessness. With duplex, triplex, and quadplex units, the property may also designate space for victims of domestic abuse.

The $11 million project will be a public-private partnership between One Safe Place and Tarrant County Samaritan House, with philanthropic funding from Rainwater, Morris, Amon Carter, Sid Richardson, and Paulos foundations.

Leases could begin this year after the city’s due diligence process.