Following a unanimous vote by the Tarrant County Commissioners Court, Center for Transforming Lives has been awarded $2.3 million of the Community Outreach Fund to provide critical rental and utility assistance to approximately 2,000 low-income households facing eviction, utility disconnection and homelessness.
As one of the oldest nonprofits in North Texas, Center for Transforming Lives has long been a reliable source of support for households experiencing financial insecurity, often due to unforeseen life experiences, such as job loss or a medical emergency.
“For families living paycheck to paycheck, one unexpected medical bill or job loss can trigger a devastating cascade of missed rent, eviction notices and ultimately homelessness,” said Carol Klocek, CEO of Center for Transforming Lives. “This funding will allow us to step in at that critical moment and provide not just financial assistance, but a comprehensive support system to help families regain their footing and build long-term stability.”
Center for Transforming Lives currently serves more than 3,000 women and children annually through integrated programs including housing support, financial and career coaching, early childhood education and clinical counseling. With a focus on economic mobility, the nonprofit addresses the root causes of financial instability rather than providing temporary fixes.
“I have full confidence in Center for Transforming Lives and their ability to effectively distribute $2 million in assistance funds to our community,” said Roderick Miles, Jr., Tarrant County Commissioner. “Under the leadership of Carol Klocek, who brings over 25 years of experience in community support services, Center for Transforming Lives has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to Tarrant County residents.”
For individuals and families like those served through Center for Transforming Lives’ existing Rapid Rehousing and Transitional Housing programs, the difference is measurable. The Community Outreach Fund will provide one to three months of rent and/or utility assistance along with resource navigation for those who need additional support.
“We know that a family struggling to pay rent this month likely needs more than just this month’s rent check,” Klocek said. “Our case managers work alongside families to address the underlying challenges, whether that’s connecting them to job training, helping them access child care so a parent can work, or providing financial coaching and entrepreneurship courses to build emergency savings.”
Founded on the belief that every family deserves the opportunity to thrive, Center for Transforming Lives has spent decades creating pathways out of poverty and homelessness. This new partnership with Tarrant County expands that mission, allowing the organization to serve an additional 2,000 households who might otherwise face displacement.
The one-year contract includes options for two additional one-year extensions, with the potential to serve 6,000 families over three years if funding continues.
Center for Transforming Lives expects to begin accepting applications on Nov. 1. For more information, please visit www.transforminglives.org.
Source: press release
