Texoma Housing Partners to Become Standalone Organization

TCOG's Public Housing Program - Texoma Housing Partners Kick off Summertime
TCOG’s Public Housing Program – Texoma Housing Partners Kick off Summertime
June 5, 2017
TCOG 9-1-1 Program Implements New Equipment
TCOG continues its push for region-wide next generation 9-1-1 system
June 9, 2017
TCOG's Public Housing Program - Texoma Housing Partners Kick off Summertime
TCOG’s Public Housing Program – Texoma Housing Partners Kick off Summertime
June 5, 2017
TCOG 9-1-1 Program Implements New Equipment
TCOG continues its push for region-wide next generation 9-1-1 system
June 9, 2017

Texoma Housing Partners to Become Standalone Organization

Texoma Housing Partners Earns High Performer Rating

Texoma Housing Partners Earns High Performer Rating

News Release
For Immediate Release

TCOG Recognized as Instrumental in Growing Program

Our ability to support our programs to the degree they are in a position to stand on their own is indicative of better leadership, which is what we strive for at TCOG.

Cooke County Judge Jason Brinkley, TCOG Board President

June 6, 2017 – In a meeting On June 5, 2017, THP Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to move away from the administrative contract with TCOG with an effective date of August 31, 2017.

In a statement, Mr. Marty Burke, THP Board Chair, said, “The growth in staffing over the last year and the recent addition of the Leonard Housing Authority has simply tipped the scales. TCOG has grown our program to such a level that we are now able to manage it ourselves.”

TCOG has operated the public housing program since 1993 when the organization administered individual contracts with seven housing authorities. That number grew to 13, and after the Quality Housing Work Responsibility Act (QHWRA) legislation was passed by Congress in 1998, the 13 housing authorities from Fannin, Grayson, Collin and Hunt Counties joined forces to create the nation’s first public housing consortium in 2000. That same year, the multiple administrative contracts were reduced to one agreement between TCOG and THP, and since then 6 more cities have joined the consortium bringing the total to 19. Over the years, TCOG and THP have enjoyed a positive and productive partnership focused on the provision of safe, decent and affordable housing across Texoma.

“Our ability to support our programs to the degree they are in a position to stand on their own is indicative of better leadership, which is what we strive for at TCOG,” stated Judge Jason Brinkley, TCOG Board President. “We are very proud to have been of service to THP for so many years; we wish them well and look forward to continuing our partnership.”

TCOG has a long history of training staff and growing programs that eventually spin off to become their own organization. The COG has played a role in the creation of several agencies in the Texoma region. Workforce Solutions Texoma and Meals on Wheels of Texoma started off as COG programs, grew to become self-sustainable, and spun off as standalone agencies. Other organizations like Home Hospice and the Texoma Regional Blood Center benefited from the COG’s financial and managerial support as they built their organizations.

TCOG’s Executive Director, Susan B. Thomas spoke to this track record noting, “We have a rich history at the COG of growing and supporting effective regional programs and organizations. THP’s decision to stand-alone is another feather in TCOG’s regional leadership cap and another step forward in the pursuit of our vision Better Leaders Building Better Lives. Leadership cultivates growth and helps build quality of life; THP is an example of our vision at work in Texoma.”

The Texoma Council of Governments is a voluntary association of the local governments in Cooke, Fannin, and Grayson Counties. Established in 1968, the Texoma Council of Governments promotes economy and efficiency in the coordinated planning and development of the tri-county region through its community and economic development activities. Either directly, or through contractors, the Council provides housing, utility assistance, and weatherization services for low-income citizens in the region and assists the elderly through a variety of Area Agency on Aging programs. The Council also facilitates the delivery of grant funding for homeland security and criminal justice.