Building Hope One Brick at a Time

by Veronika Waksmundzki and Taylor Bunn

Many people have heard the term “housing crisis,” but what does it actually mean, and why should it matter to you?

At its core, the housing crisis refers to the growing mismatch between the number of families who need affordable homes and the number of homes available at prices they can actually afford. Across the country, but especially in Texas, the dream of homeownership is slipping further out of reach for low- and moderate-income families. Even renting has become difficult, with prices rising faster than wages. This means that people are spending more and more of their income just trying to keep a roof over their heads.

According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, there is no state or county in the United States where a person working full-time at minimum wage can afford a modest two-bedroom rental without being cost-burdened (NLIHC, 2024). In Texas, the shortage is especially stark: for every 100 extremely low-income renter households, only 29 affordable and available homes exist (NLIHC, 2024). The lack of attainable homes for purchase compounds this issue, leaving families with few options for long-term stability. But what does that mean for our communities, and how can we change it?

Why Homeownership Matters

Homeownership isn’t just about having a place to live; it’s about building a future. For many families, buying a home is one of the most important milestones in life. It’s a symbol of security, accomplishment, and independence. But it’s also a practical investment with wide-reaching economic and social benefits.

Economic Benefits

Owning a home helps families build wealth over time. Rather than paying rent that disappears every month, mortgage payments build equity—an asset that can be passed down to future generations. Homeownership also comes with tax advantages, such as deductions for mortgage interest and property taxes (Hu & Ye, 2020). Over time, a home can appreciate in value, offering even greater financial returns.

In contrast, renters are vulnerable to rising costs and displacement, which can make it difficult to save or plan for the future. Homeownership provides more predictable monthly costs, often with fixed-rate mortgages that make budgeting easier and allow families to build financial resilience.

Social and Emotional Benefits

Studies have shown that homeownership is correlated with greater happiness, better health, and stronger social ties (Mueller & Tighe, 2022). People who own their homes tend to be more invested in their neighborhoods. They’re more likely to form relationships with neighbors, participate in community events, and contribute to the well-being of their surroundings.

A recent example in the DFW area highlights how important these relationships can be. After an extreme hailstorm caused widespread property damage, neighborhoods banded together to help each other recover by checking on elderly neighbors, pooling resources, and providing emotional support. These tight-knit communities don’t happen by accident. They’re built over time by people who have the stability and security to stay and invest in the place they call home. Additionally, homeownership has been associated with higher self-esteem, improved mental health, and greater feelings of success and control over one’s life (Hu & Ye, 2020). It provides a sense of permanence and ownership not just of property, but of one's place in the world.

Barriers to Homeownership

For many families, the path to homeownership is blocked before it can even begin. Rent prices have climbed to historic highs, making it nearly impossible for lower-income households to save for a down payment. Rising construction costs and limited inventory have pushed home prices higher, shrinking the pool of affordable homes even further. In Dallas County, the median home price now hovers around $350,000. For families earning less than $61,000 annually—roughly 80% of the area median income—these prices are simply out of reach.

The psychological toll of this housing insecurity is immense. Families living paycheck to paycheck often feel overwhelmed and powerless, worried about how they’ll cover next month’s rent or whether they’ll have to move yet again. The stress caused by housing instability can affect every area of life: school performance, job stability, relationships, and health (Hulse et al., 2009).

The Alice Court Project: A Blueprint for Community Empowerment

Hope 4 All, a certified Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO), is partnering with the City of Grand Prairie, Dallas County, Housing Channel, and the Grand Prairie CHDO to create real solutions to the housing crisis. We're starting with a new development called Alice Court. This neighborhood is more than just a collection of houses. It’s a thoughtfully designed community with 10 brand-new homes that prioritize both affordability and quality. Alice Court is a bold step toward making homeownership achievable for families who have long been priced out of the market.

Features of the Project

Each of the homes includes:

• Three bedrooms and two bathrooms

• A two-car garage

• Architectural styles including farmhouse, craftsman, and traditional

• Energy-efficient construction and modern amenities

Hope 4 All's three homes are being built with care and intention by Brickman Homes, offering comfort, durability, and a sense of pride for the families who will one day call them home.

Who Is Eligible?

Hope 4 All is committed to serving families earning 80% or less of the Dallas County median income for their family size. These limits are detailed in our housing application. This initiative isn’t just building houses, it’s building pathways to stability and generational wealth.

The program offers:

• First-time homebuyer classes from Housing Channel to help families navigate the process

• Down payment assistance of up to $7,500 fro the City of Grand Prairie

• Flexible financing options, allowing buyers to choose their lender

• Priority access for current participants in the Grand Prairie housing program and pre-qualified buyers

Local Impact and Sustainability

What makes the Alice Court project truly unique is its sustainable, community-centered approach.

Hiring Locally

We are thrilled to be working with Grand Prairie's own Brickman Homes and Construction. Founded in 2016, the team is led by Chris Brickman, a U.S. Army veteran with over 24 years of experience in real estate and a deep, hands-on understanding of construction. Through hard work and a commitment to learning every phase of the building process, Chris has grown his company to build custom homes—some valued over a million dollars—across Johnson, Dallas, Tarrant, and Ellis counties. Beyond construction, Chris is passionate about mentoring youth, giving back to the community, and helping clients navigate construction financing through his role on a local bank’s board of advisors.

As construction continues, we may have opportunities for local, low-income workers. When a project like this receives more than $200,000 in federal assistance, we're encouraged to share these opportunities with local residents and businesses to the greatest extent feasible. This helps open doors for people in the community whenever the project allows. Prioritizing the hiring of workers who live within a one-mile radius of the development keeps economic benefits within the community and gives residents a direct stake in the neighborhood’s growth.

Reinvesting in the Community

All proceeds from the sale of Alice Court homes will go directly toward building more affordable housing in Grand Prairie. It’s a self-sustaining model that will allow Hope 4 All to replicate this success in other neighborhoods.

This approach aligns with one of Hope 4 All’s key strategic goals: impact multiplication. By proving that community-driven housing development works, the organization hopes to inspire similar projects across the region, multiplying the benefits, including additional stakeholders, and transforming the future of affordable housing.

Laying the foundation for a family's dream home.

Why It Matters

Affordable housing isn’t just a political issue; it’s a human issue. When families have access to safe, stable homes, everything changes. Children do better in school. Parents are more productive at work. Health outcomes improve. Communities become stronger, more connected, and more resilient.

Hope 4 All’s vision is grounded in the belief that everyone deserves the chance to thrive. Our goal is to collaborate with others to implement sustainable programs that promote growth and well-being, and Alice Court is a shining example of that mission in action.

This initiative brings together partners, funders, and future homeowners in a shared journey toward a more inclusive and hopeful future.

How You Can Help

We hope to build a dedicated fund of $300,000 so we always have cash on hand for a future housing opportunity. These funds will go toward construction costs, land acquisition, and support services for participating families.

Here’s how you can be part of this solution:

• Donate: Contributions of any size make a difference. Donate online and designate your gift to "Affordable Housing in Grand Prairie."

• Spread the word: Share this story with friends, colleagues, and neighbors. The more people know about Alice Court, the more momentum we can build.

• Volunteer or Partner: Whether you're a business, church group, or individual, your skills and support will be needed. While we don't have an immediate need for volunteers, we hope to create opportunities in the future.

Together, we can create a future where homeownership isn’t a luxury, it’s a possibility for every family. The housing crisis may feel overwhelming, but it isn’t unsolvable. Projects like Alice Court show us that with the right vision, partnerships, and community support, we can turn vacant lots into vibrant neighborhoods and give families the keys to a better future.

References

• Bian, Y., & Zhu, X. (2024). Homeownership and pro-social behavior: Evidence from household surveys. Journal of Housing Studies.

• Hu, M., & Ye, W. (2020). The relationship between homeownership, self-perception, and community investment. Urban Economics Review, 45(3), 223–239.

• Hulse, K., Milligan, V., & Easthope, H. (2009). Secure occupancy in rental housing: A comparative analysis. Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute.

• Mueller, E., & Tighe, J. R. (2022). The social value of homeownership: A review of housing stability and neighborhood cohesion. Housing Policy Debate, 32(1), 54–75.

• National Low Income Housing Coalition. (2024). The Gap: A Shortage of Affordable Homes. https://nlihc.org/gap