Council approves transfer of two city properties for HUD-funded temporary shelters run by East Texas Cares

The Tyler City Council voted Jan. 8 to transfer two city-owned houses to East Texas Cares Resource Center so the nonprofit can operate them as temporary, non-congregate shelters for people who meet HUD qualifying categories.

Larry Everett, community development manager with the Neighborhood Services Department, told the council the properties would be used as temporary housing under the HOME/HUD funding framework and that East Texas Cares (the presenter identified itself as East Texas Cares Resource Center) would manage day-to-day operations. Everett said the units have multiple bedrooms (presentation materials and remarks described five bedrooms and three bathrooms per unit) and will be used primarily for families and single women; program staff said men and women would not be lodged together in the same building.

Jeanette Deans Calhoun, executive director and CEO of East Texas Cares Resource Center, described the nonprofit’s services and said the program would provide case management, food support, parenting services and partnerships to help residents secure housing and employment. She said the nonprofit would provide on-site security and cameras and would prioritize applicants who meet HUD’s qualifying populations: people lacking fixed income, families without resources, households facing imminent harm, and households with income below 30 percent of area median income.

Everett asked the council to transfer the properties and approve the resolution authorizing the transfer and use for temporary shelter. A council member asked about a privacy fence; Everett said improvements such as fencing would move forward after council approval. He said the East Texas Cares Resource Center would screen and refer eligible people; the nonprofit will coordinate intake, case management, meal service and other services and report to HUD as required.

Council action: a motion to accept M1 as presented carried. The motion was recorded in the public proceedings as moved by Councilmember McAllen and seconded by Councilmember Wynne; the mayor called for the ayes and the motion carried without a roll-call tally announced.

Why it matters: the action authorizes use of city property and HUD-related funds to provide non-congregate shelter capacity for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, with nonprofit management and HUD reporting requirements.

The council discussed the project’s operational details and oversight, but the meeting minutes and presentation did not provide a project timeline for occupancy or a full breakdown of funding sources beyond the presentation’s references to HUD and American Rescue Plan funds.