“I hear more nos than I do yeses. It’s exhausting,” said a domestic violence survivor.
DALLAS — For Carol, 2024 was all about new beginnings. “I said I wasn’t going to say victim anymore. I’m a survivor,” said Carol.
For her protection, we have hidden her identity and real name because she’s survived 13 years of domestic violence. “I’ve worked too hard to get where I am right now just from being in a shelter,” said Carol.
In May, she moved into an apartment through the Shared Housing Center which supports homeless single-parent women with children and homeless older adults. The organization provides six to 12 months of Rapid Rehousing rental assistance or two months of Prevention Assistance financial aid while clients get back on their feet.
When Carol went to check on her payment for December, she noticed something different. “I noticed that the balance of their portion hadn’t been paid and that’s where my questioning came in,” said Carol.
She said her complex sent her a letter stating that the Dallas County Rapid Rehousing Program was ending on Dec. 31. “Had I known that, I wouldn’t even accepted an obligation to pay a one-year rent contract,” said Carol. “I feel like we’re misunderstood as survivors, and we’re just throwing things to satisfy us at the moment.”
She said she was also told that she was being evicted because she did not complete a program class due to her work schedule. “I want to know where did you all go wrong with the communication,” said Carol.
WFAA reached out to the Housing Center. In a statement, they said, “One of our largest government funding sources, the American Rescue Plan (ARP), is set to end in 2025. As programs wrap up, we are actively seeking other financial resources to continue our operations.”
“Everybody has a waiting list. I was at the shelter three months just to even get this program,” said Carol. “You cry out for all that help and just to have doors shut in front of your face, I’m tired.”
That is why this year, Carol continues her fight. “I’m just trying to have a voice, something that I feel like been taken away from people in my position for years,” said Carol.
She is starting off 2025 just as she ended 2024, as a survivor using her voice.
The Shared Housing Center said they serve more than 84 households, and approximately eight clients are impacted by this program ending. They also provided this list of some of the resources families can also consider:
- White Rock Center of Hope: 214-324-8996
- Wilkinson Center: 214-821-6380
- North Dallas Shared Ministries: 214-358-8700
- Under 1 Roof: 214-343-4000
- Housing Crisis Center: 214-828-4244