Originally published in the 2025 DRC Annual Report
For more than 10 years, Diana lived unsheltered in Fort Worth, camping in parks and surviving on the streets. Estranged from her family due to a serious addiction and minor criminal offenses tied to her homelessness, she had no steady income and little support. Stability felt out of reach.
In May 2023, Diana was assigned to DRC Solutions’ Scattered Site Housing Program. Despite having no income and continuing to battle addiction, the DRC case management team began working to secure appropriate housing. By August 2023, Diana moved into her own apartment.
Her case manager, David, met with her two to four times per month. Early progress was uneven. Often, Diana would not open the door because unauthorized occupants were inside and she did not want David to see she was still struggling with addiction. David consistently offered supportive services and encouragement, but she declined help. Eventually, the property issued a notice of non-renewal. The apartment had become severely unclean, unauthorized guests were frequently present, and lease violations continued. The situation was urgent.
David brought Diana to the office for a difficult and honest conversation, joined by his supervisor, Cindy. Together, they explained that she was at risk of losing her housing and that DRC could not reverse the decision given the apartment’s condition and ongoing violations. To underscore the seriousness, Diana was told she would need to locate a new apartment that would accept her voucher. She was given two weeks.
As Diana searched for an all-bills-paid apartment willing to overlook her rental history and background, she found that no property would accept her. The barriers were overwhelming. Faced with the possibility of returning to homelessness, Diana made a decision.
She called David and told him she wanted to change and would prove it.
David responded with encouragement and practical support. He provided cleaning supplies and answered her text messages with steady reassurance. Within two weeks, he visited again—and this time, Diana opened the door.
The transformation was clear. The apartment was clean and orderly. Unauthorized guests were gone. Diana had told them her home was no longer a place to gather or use drugs. She had set boundaries and committed to doing better. David met with the property manager and owner to advocate for her. They agreed to reconsider the non-renewal if her improved behavior continued.
It did.
Diana has now been clean for over two months. She has applied for several part-time jobs, following David’s advice to start slowly after many years without employment. With documented progress, the property approved her lease renewal.
Today, David checks in weekly to offer continued support and connection to services. Diana has gained weight, looks healthier, and carries renewed hope. She has reconnected with family and is determined to move forward. David’s refusal to give up, combined with Diana’s decision to change, resulted in more than a lease renewal. After more than a decade living unsheltered, Diana now has not only housing, but a second chance at the life she wants to build.
