Press Releases

The Irving Community Development Corporation (ICDC) hosted a paint giveaway last month to benefit homeowners in Irving. The project was organized by the ICDC’s summer intern Leah Looten. She was hired by ICDC through the ExxonMobil Community Summer Jobs Program (CSJP). The primary project undertaken by this summer’s intern was a paint give away. This project required the intern to solicit donations of paint and materials and also coordinate a neighborhood and a group of volunteers with the objective of improving the appearance of local neighborhoods.

“I believe we achieved our goal and went beyond all expectations,” says Leah. “Sales Manager Cameron Gratton, of Kelly Moore Paints, generously donated all of the paint and helped to get us donations of materials. While searching for a neighborhood to benefit from the project, we met with Guy Henry and Terri Ramirez from the City of Irving’s Code Enforcement. He was as excited about this project as we were.” This was an initiative that would help homeowners while achieving goals established by the city.

Together with Code Enforcement, ICDC’s paint give away targeted helped a target group of homeowners who needed assistance. Some were elderly and could not physically take on the task of painting their homes; others were in code violation but couldn’t afford the expense of paint and materials.

“Overall we have done more than giving away paint, we have brought together the city, a nonprofit and a local business into an ongoing partnership that we hope will continue to benefit the residents of Irving.”

The internship sponsored by ExxonMobil is designed to give valuable experience and insight about nonprofit careers to college students so that they can make an informed career decision. For Leah, she says that this summer has helped give her direction and a goal following her graduation. “I feel that I have finally found a career that I have a passion for and will enjoy.”

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August 2008 - Paint Restores Owner's Pride in Home, by Jess Paniszczyn, The Irving Rambler

Homeownership is part of the American Dream. However, for some local homeowners, limited funds, illness, and advanced age have hindered their ability to take care of and maintain their homes. Unlucky homeowners have found themselves in a vicious cycle of
being cited and/or fined for not keeping their homes in compliance with the City’s codes.

Recently the Irving Community Development Corporation (ICDC), Kelly-Moore Paints and several City departments have joined together to help homeowners in special circumstances paint the exterior of their homes to bring them into code compliance.

“This project is part of my summer internship with ExxonMobil’s Community Summer Jobs Program,” Leah Looten said. “I was hired by ICDC to organize a paint giveaway. It was my job to go out into the community and ask people to donate paint and to volunteer
to help. So, we have been talking to a lot of people.

“We spoke with Cameron Gratton at Kelly Moore Paints and asked for 60 gallons of paint. He went over and beyond. He offered us 80 gallons of paint. Then he said could provide us with rollers and gift cards. He has been really great.”

The City’s Code Enforcement Department helped identify homeowners who could benefit
from the program. “We are working with Code Enforcement to use the code violations
process to find those people in particular who need the paint and volunteers to help them. These are the people the Code Enforcement Officers hate to write-up, but they have to because it is part of their job,” Leah said.

“These people are in violation of the City Code because their homes are not weather proofed. Their homes have exposed wood, or their paint is chipping, something that will eventually cause structural damage if it is not taken care of. Usually these situations can be resolved with a good coat of paint.

“Many of the people we are helping are elderly or disabled. We don’t deal with all code violators. We only work with people who have special circumstances. When you are faced with a code violation, it is either fix it or get fined $500. If you can’t afford to buy paint in the first place, this is an ideal way to have your house painted.”

Her internship has given Leah direction for her future. “My internship has been like
This Old House and public relations mixed together. I came into the internship really scared. I wasn’t sure what to do, and I didn’t know what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. Now that the internship is nearly complete I want to go into non-profit management. I want to work with community development and with cities. This has been really great in helping me find my path. I could not have asked for anything better,” she said.

Fifty years ago, Margorie Magar owned the grandest house on the block. Today confined to a wheelchair, she struggles to make ends meet. Margorie and her best friend, Marty, recently made a special trip to Kelly-Moore. They have a plan to get her garage painted,
Marty will do the painting and Margorie will make all the iced tea he can drink.

“My house was built in 1950, so it is pretty old. It was the first house built on that street.

“I think this is wonderful. I just got a reverse mortgage, and I had to have the house either painted or sided. Whatever I decided on took away from the money I was supposed
to get. I decided to have the house sided. But this paint is for the garage,” Margorie said.

Susan Steele, ICDC’s Executive Director, contacted Cameron Gratton, a sales representative with Kelly-Moore Paints at the best possible time.

“Susan called me and asked if I could help her resolve some code violations in the city of Irving. If Kelly-Moore was in a position to full community effort. We hope that the community will come out and show their care for the Trinity.”

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June 2008 - ICDC Hosts Foreclosure Prevention Workshop

Together with the North Texas Housing Coalition, the Irving Community Development Corporation hosted a Foreclosure Prevention Workshop at the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church on June 21st. The participants began the morining by learning the basics of foreclosure. From there they had the opportuntiy to meet with their providor or with foreclosure counselors who would act as the middleman between themseleves and their lendor.

As the first foray into foreclosure prevention events, the June 21st workshop was very succesful. The ICDC realizes that with the rising foreclosure occurences, this event was just the first of many to come.

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September 2007 - ICDC can now provide HOME warranties as an official builder

The Irving Community Development Corporation has announced its approval for membership in the HOME/RWC of Texas warranty program. HOME/RWC of Texas provides extended insured 10 year written warranty protection on new homes throughout the state.

To qualify for HOME/RWC of Texas membership, a builder must have a successful track record in customer service and quality construction. ICDC has met these qualifications and can now provide this 10 year new home warranty plan.

This added dimension of HOME/RWC of Texas protection is the buyer's assurance that they are receiving the best value for their investment.

ICDC feels its buyers should expect the best in value and construction while maintaining affordability. That is why they have chosen to offer the HOME/RWC of Texas 10 Year Warranty providing peace of mind to their home buyers. For more information, contact us at 972-253-8336 or visit our website at www.irvingcdc.com.

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August 2, 2007 -New homes built by ICDC create opportunities, By Jess Paniszczyn, The Irving Rambler

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July 13, 2007 - Wet weather hasn't stopped home helpers, By Deborah Fleck, The Dallas Morning News

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July 2007 - Irving Community Development rises above unique challenge

Like most folks in the home construction business in North Texas, the Irving Community Development Corporation spent much of April 2007 anticipating the good weather that May and June normally bring. ICDC, which has been in the affordable housing business since 1995, was issued a permit to start construction for its West Pioneer Project on May 4. Soon afterwards, the “monsoon” started, producing 21 rain days in May and 15 days in June. Many construction superintendents would have recoiled at the prospects for pushing on and meeting a tight deadline for four new homes. But, that is not ICDC’s Sam Jackson.

Jackson is a veteran superintendent and has determination and faith. Buoyed by Jeff Hill, an ExxonMobil college intern, and ICDC board members, he pushed hard and has the four homes essentially on schedule despite the highest level rainfall in 25 years.

“The project is now roughly 70 percent complete. ICDC has received the cooperation of the subcontractors, suppliers, our staff, board members and a lot of others in order to get to this point. Just about everyone worked in wet and muddy conditions”, remarked Jackson. “I can’t say enough, however, about the construction intern, Jeff Hill. Hill hit the ground running and is doing hands-on supervision and construction work. Hill also helps to insure that the quality we want is achieved”, continued Jackson.

ICDC is particularly appreciative of The Volunteer Center of North Texas and the ExxonMobil Corporation for selecting the organization for the second consecutive year to receive a grant under the Exxon Mobil Community Summer Jobs Program. ICDC is one of two nonprofits in Irving awarded grants to hire a college student intern for the summer. Moreover, ICDC is the only community development corporation in the Metroplex to have been awarded the grant.

When the houses are completed this summer, four first time homebuyers will move into the homes located in the 4100 block of West Pioneer Drive, just east of Esters Road. The homes are one and two story floor plans and range from approximately 1500 to 1750 square feet with three and four bedrooms. ICDC purchased the land for this project and is the builder and is a contractor of the Irving Housing Finance Corporation (IHFC). Funds from the IHFC and ICDC were utilized to build these homes which are in compliance with all federal and City regulations.

ICDC is a nonprofit organization that has served Irving for nearly 12 years. Its mission is to make home ownership more affordable by providing single-family homes and selling the units to first time homebuyers with low to moderate incomes. Since its inception, ICDC has provided down payment assistance to approximately 100 families From 2002 to 2006, the organization built 17 affordable homes, renovated two houses and rehabilitated 15 owner-occupied homes.

Persons interested in new homes, making a tax deductible contribution, or volunteer opportunities at the Irving Community Development may contact the organization at 1425 W. Pioneer Drive, Irving, Texas, Suite 239, or 972-253-8336 or Irvingcd@irvingcdc.com. The web site address is www.irvingcdc.com

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January 2007 - The West Pioneer Project will be launched the first week of 2007

Irving Community Development Corporation will start construction on its 4 home project the first week of January 2007. After much planning and preparation, the soil on that land will finally be moved. Most importantly, the four families that are already approved for these homes get to see their new homes built from the ground up.

ICDC hopes that these families of Irving will enjoy these homes by the end of the year. ICDC will build two 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 2 car garage homes. Additionally, two more 2-story homes will be built that will feature 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a 2 car garage as well.

These values of these homes are projected at $140,000 to $160,000. The families who have qualified for these houses will receive federal funds to assist the total loan amount they'll have to get. ICDC is also working closely with them to ensure that they not only get a mortgage, but that they succeed in purchasing a home.

ICDC is comprised of a ten member volunteer board that is tenured in real estate, architecture, construction, HUD, project management, and human resources. The Irving-based non-profit is well-equipped and experienced to handle the exiting challenges of the W. Pioneer Project.

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June 3, 2006 - Jeimmy Cesar selected as student intern for ICDC

The Irving Community Development Corporation (ICDC) has selected Jeimmy Cesar its 2006 Summer Student Intern. ICDC recieved a grant from the ExxonMobil Foundation for the position. The Volunteer Center of North Texas administers the ExxonMobil Community Summer Jobs Program (CSJP) on behalf of the ExxonMobil Foundation. Jeimmy will design a website for ICDC that will promote the non-profit's First Time Home Buyer Program and she will assist with other housing duties.

Jeimmy is a senior at Randolph-Macon Woman's College in Lynchburg, Virginia. She will graduate in 2007 with a Bachelor's Degree in Communications with a concentration in International Economics. Ms. Cesar, a Dallas resident, will bring valued skills sets to ICDC. She helped develop the website for the Dance Department at R-MWC, and has also served as a production intern for WDBJ Channel 7 News. During the past year at school, Jeimmy was President of Latina Students Association, a Delegate to the Model United Nations, and the founder of a group, Women Advancing the Interest of Dance. Jeimmy is on the Dean's List, a member of the Lambda Pi Eta National Communications Studies Honors Society and Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society.

ICDC is a nonprofit organization that has served Irving for over 10 years. Its mission is to make home ownership more affordable by providing single family homes and selling the units to first time home buyers with low to moderate incomes. ICDC provides down payment and closing cost assistance to eligible buyers through funds it receives from the City of Irving and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). ICDC also receives donations from private citizens, small companies, corporations and foundations.

For additional information about ICDC’s First Time Homebuyers Program or for volunteer opportunities, or to learn how to make a tax deductible contribution to this
501 3 C organization under the IRS tax code, contact Irving Community Development Corporation at 972-253-8336.

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April 17, 2006 - ICDC recieves Partnership Grant from Independent Bank of Texas

Brad Durham, CEO and President, of the Independent Bank of Texas presented a local non-profit organization, the Irving Community Development Corporation (ICDC) with a Partnership Grant for $4,000. The grant is part of a community investment program of the Independent Bank of Texas and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB) to support community-based organizations. The FHLB provided a 3:1 match for a grant that Independent Bank of Texas. Last year, the Independent Bank of Texas also presented ICDC with a $1,000 grant.

ICDC is a non-profit organization that has served Irving for almost 10 years. Its mission is to make home ownership more affordable, primarily by providing single family homes and selling these to first time home buyers with low to moderate incomes. ICDC also provides down payment and closing cost assistance to eligible buyers through grants it receives from the City of Irving and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

What started as an organization with a limited mission of providing closing cost assistance to homebuyers has grown into an organization with a mission that addresses the broader range of housing issues in Irving. ICDC Board Chairman Colvin Gibson notes that Irving has the lowest per capital home ownership ratio in the state as well as in one of the lowest in the nation, based on a recent study. This knowledge provides the incentive for organization’s all volunteer board and limited staff to work aggressively to locate land and help individuals become homeowners. Board Chairman Gibson notes that home ownership is critical to improving neighborhoods and the community

ICDC has also evidenced its commitment to improving neighborhood conditions in Irving. For instance, in the past five years the non-profit’s project included providing grant funds for minor rehabilitation for residents in the Grauwyler Heights neighborhood, a paint give-away to help improve neighborhood curb appeal, completion of an historic renovation project in downtown Irving, and taking an lot with a burned down apartment complex and replacing it with 7 affordable single-family homes. Since 2002, ICDC has built and sold almost 20 new homes to First Time Home-buyers with low and moderate incomes.

ICDC recently celebrated the completion of its most recent project of three affordable new homes on Rawls Circle. Presently, the non-profit has one existing 4 bedroom home that is being renovated. The home will also be sold for $100,000 to a first time homebuyer with low to moderate income. Grant funds for downpayment and closing cost assistance are available to eligible buyers. For additional information about the First Time Homebuyers Program or for volunteer opportunities, contact the Irving Community Development Corporation at 972-253-8336.

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April 17, 2006 - ICDC recieves ExxonMobil Community/Volunteer Center of North Texas Summer Jobs Program Grant

The Irving Community Development Corporation (ICDC) received a grant from the ExxonMobil Foundation. Each summer, ExxonMobil Foundation provides 75 local nonprofit agencies funds to pay the salaries of summer interns. Student interns are introduced to various nonprofit organizations in the hope they will consider nonprofit careers or volunteer leadership positions when they graduate. The Volunteer Center of North Texas administers the ExxonMobil Community Summer Jobs Program (CSJP) on behalf of ExxonMobil Foundation.

ICDC will recruit and hire a student website designer. The student intern will design a bilingual (English/Spanish) website and perform other housing duties. Colvin Gibson, Chairman of the Board, states, “the goal of the website is to increase awareness about ICDC’s First Time Home Buyer Program, announce available new homes, and allow applicants to prequalify and sign up for the program via the internet.”

Chairman Gibson notes ICDC was one of only 12 first time applicants to receive the grant. Additionally, it was the only Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) selected in the 2006 recipient class and one of two nonprofits in Irving to receive the award. He further stated that the student intern will gain additional experience in their chosen technical field and obtain insight in the area of residential construction industry and affordable homes.

Since 1992, ICDC has built 17 affordable homes and renovated 2 existing structures. The nonprofit is staffed primarily by an all volunteer board of directors who have experience in construction, architecture, real estate, auditing, project management, human resource management, and small business. The hours volunteered by the board indicate the commitment to affordable housing in Irving.

Chairman Gibson also notes ICDC is planning a new project that will consist of 4-5 new homes. As with past programs, ICDC will provide assistance for down payment and closing cost to eligible buyers.

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September 9, 2005 - Irving Community Development Corporation (ICDC) seeks public input regarding ICDC and affordable housing in Irving

ICDC is holding an information session about ICDC's upcoming plans, to obtain public comment and input regarding affordable housing, and to learn how applicants can qualify for financial assistance to purchase a home.

The workshop will be held September 24, 2005 from 10:45 - 11:30 at the Salvation Army Building Conference Room (250 E. Grauwyler Road at Britain). For additional information, please call 972-253-8336.

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June 27, 2005 - ICDC celebrates completion of affordable home project

The Irving Community Development Corporation (ICDC) celebrated the completion of construction on its most recent affordable home project at Rawls Circle in south Irving. An open house was held Monday, June 20, 2005 to showcase the home and provide attendees, city council representatives, and neighbors additional information regarding ICDC's First Time Home Buyers Program and upcoming additional affordable housing projects.

ICDC is a non-profit organization that has served Irving for almost 10 years. Its mission is to make home ownership more affordable and help revitalize Irving neighbrhoods. Board chairman Colvin Gibson states that ICDC continues its commitment to providing more reasonable priced home to residents in Irving. The board is planning to begin another project later this year. All homes are being sold to first time home buyers with low to moderate income. Grant funds for down payment and closing cost assistance are also available to eligible buyers.

For the Rawls project, ICDC obtained grant funds from the City of Irving Grants Program to assist in construction of 3 new affordable single-family homes. Bank of the West also provided construction funding and is pleased to add ICDC to its list of community development projects. David Staley of Capital Corp was selected as builder, and has built several other affordable homes to ICDC. CapitalCorp brought many of the special touches he builds into his larger, custom style homes to the Rawls Street project to give each home an individual look. For additional information about housing projects, call ICDC at 972-253-8336.

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June 11, 2005 - Irving CDC completes Rawls Street affordable home project and plans open house

Residents are invited to join Irving Community Development Corporation (ICDC) in celebrating the completion of construction on its most recent affordable home project. Residents are invited to tour one of the homes and learn more about ICDC's First Time Home Buyers Program and upcoming projects.

This event will be held from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Monday, June 20, 2005 at 405 W. Rawls Street in south Irving.

ICDC is a non-profit organization that has served Irving for almost 10 years. Its mission is to make home ownership more affordable and to help revitalize Irving neighborhoods. Board chairman, Colvin Gibson states that ICDC continues its commitment in providing more reasonable priced homes to residents in Irving. The board is planning to begin another project later this year.

For the Rawls project, ICDC obtained grant funds from the City of Irving Grants Program to assist in construction, down payment and closing costs for 3 new affordable single-family homes. Bank of the West also provided construction funding, and is pleased to add this to its list of CRA projects. David Staley of Capitol Corp was selected as builder. He brought many of the special touches he puts into his larger homes to the Rawls Street project to give each home an individual look. All homes are being sold to first time home buyers with low to moderate income.

Residents can view ICDC's accomplishments during its 10 year history and learn more about affordable housing programs in Irving. For additional information, call ICDC at 972-253-8336.

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December 6, 2004 - Irving CDC adds historic home to Irving's Heritage District

Virginia has its Monticello; the home of Thomas Jefferson. And, thanks to the Irving Community Development Corporation (ICDC), Irving has its Otis Brown Historic House; the restored early residence of the city's first mayor and co-founder. Originally constructed in 1928, it is now located at 303 South Hastings in the Heritage District. The holiday season is an excellent time for Irving citizens and visitors to stroll or drive through downtown and the Heritage District to experience a bit of nostalgia. Earlier this year, amidst a steady rain, a Centennial Marker was unveiled at the Otis Brown Historic House. The marker and the renovated exterior are visible from the sidewalk.

The late twenties Tutor style home was first built on the site that is now part of the Sonic Drive-In on Pioneer Drive. When the home was built, it was in the country and considered part of the first brick subdivision outside of city limits.

When Dick and Jolene Lear, franchisees of the Sonic Drive-In, purchased the lot in 2002, they donated the house to ICDC. The non-profit group and other officials saw an opportunity to save the home from being demolished. Agreement was reached to move the house to the Heritage District. The project staff worked to insure that the integrity and period flavor of the home were maintained. During the renovation phase, the square footage was increased from approximately 1200 to more than 1400 square feet and the home is complete with three bedrooms and two baths.

Board chairman, Colvin Gibson states that while the move to the Heritage District and renovation preserved an important part of Irving's history, ICDC remained focused on its mission. That mission is to help revitalize Irving's neighborhoods through the encouragement of new, rehabilitated and affordable single-family housing. Mr. Gibson stressed that the Brown Historical House is not a museum; it is an affordable single-family residence similar to other homes provided by ICDC.

For more information regarding the Otis Brown Historic House or other low-moderate income housing, call the Irving Community Development Corporation at 972-253-8336. ICDC's office is located at 1425 West Pioneer Drive, Suite 239.

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June 23, 2001 - Irving chipping in on housing project

In its first affordable housing project, the city is helping to fund construction of seven houses for moderate-income residents.

The nonprofit Irving Community Development Corporation is scheduled to break ground in August on the three-bedroom brick houses. The houses will cost about $80,000 each. They will face Larry Court, a new cul-de-sac off Larry Drive ad Sixth Street in south Irving. The city has also spent about $4 million repairing Sixth Street and will build a small park in the area.

"These are homes for moderate-income families,: said Jan Killen, executive director of ICDC. "It's the middle-income families who can't buy anything that they can't afford."

About 50 people have applied to purchase houses through the program. Those applicants include a retiree who is working part time, a family man who works for the Environmental Protection Agency, a man graduating from seminary who was recently hired as a counselor and several single mothers with one or two children, Killen said.

To qualify for the program, applicants must:

Get a pre-qualification letter from a lender and have been an Irving resident for at least a year.

Have income at 80 percent or 60 percent of the median area income. Five houses will be sold to families at the 80 percent level, and two houses will be sold to families at the 60 percent level.

Contribute up to 2.25 percent of the purchase price, including $500 earnest money. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development requires that no more than 30 percent of household income go toward housing.

According to HUD, the median income for a family of four in the Dallas Metropolitan Statistical Area is more than $64,000. HUD's income limit for a family of four at the 80 percent level is about $51,500, and the income limit at the 60 percent is about $38,625.

Property in Irving is becoming more expensive as the city runs out of undeveloped land, Killen said. The high land prices make it difficult for developers to create affordable housing, she said.

One of the goals of the Irving housing initiative is to rejuvenate older neighborhoods," Killen said.

"This project is right in line with the city's plan to encourage in-fill development and encourgage single-family housing in the city of Irving," said Barbara Van Der Loop, grants program manager.

The project is serving people who typically would not be able to afford a new house, said Reymundo Ocanas, executive director of Texas Association of Community Development Corporations.

"In terms of construction, you're probably not going to be able to build a house for less than $60,000 or $80,000," he said.

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Irving Community Development Corporation is a non-profit organization serving Irving since 1995. Applicants will recieve complete First Time Home Buyers Guidelines.

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