DHA’s Innovative Approach Enabled Rapid Distribution of Rent Relief to Thousands Affected by Pandemic

DHA leveraged innovative technology and a data-focused approach to deliver rent relief to over 6,000 families affected by COVID-19.

DALLAS – FEBRUARY 15, 2024 – DHA, Housing Solutions for North Texas, played a critical role in assisting low-income families impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Authorized by the City of Dallas to help distribute federal rent relief funding to households struggling to afford their rent payments, DHA provided up to 18 months of rental assistance to applicants and landlords through the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP), spanning from 2020 to 2023. 

To distribute the funds quickly and fairly, DHA formed a team of experts led by Chief Research and Innovation Officer, Dr. Myriam Igoufe and VP of Policy Development and Research, Dr. Maggie Deichert. With expertise in geospatial analysis, urban planning, software development and public policy, the DHA team customized a SaaS platform to best connect with Dallas residents, allowing them to automate processes and identify applicants in the most economically vulnerable neighborhoods in the city.

The innovative approach and user-friendly platform allowed for an efficient and equitable application and review process, leading to the rapid distribution of $40 million in rent relief funding to 6,233 of the most vulnerable households over three years. This equity-focused model was so unique and effective that it was featured in the Wall Street Journal. 

“We take pride in the efforts of Dr. Igoufe and her team, who leveraged data and technology to automate and streamline the rent relief application and distribution process. Their efforts ensured swift and efficient delivery of funding to the families in the greatest need, saving critical time and setting a standard of how to best distribute critical federal funds,” stated Troy Broussard, president and CEO of DHA.

“It has been an incredible privilege to serve COVID-impacted residents of Dallas over the last four years. Very early on, our team recognized the dire need to deploy an innovative digital infrastructure to ensure the prompt delivery of critical emergency relief. We intend to continue investing in technology and innovative public policy to meet the pressing social challenges in North Texas,” stated DHA VP of Policy Development and Research, Dr. Maggie Deichert.

DHA is committed to adopting innovative and research-driven processes as it seeks to fulfill its mission of providing affordable quality housing and supportive resources across North Texas.