The East Texas Shared Housing Network held its first meeting Wednesday in Tyler, signaling a coordinated effort to tackle the region’s growing low‑income housing shortage. According to KLTV, JDE CEO Jessilyn Edwards noted that East Texans are increasingly unable to afford rent and mortgages, a concern underscored by the Texas Demographic Center’s finding that one in 10 Americans lives in poverty and Texas ranks 11th highest in the nation.
Attendees heard firsthand accounts from residents who have benefited from JDE Housing Solutions. Scott Baker, 66, explained that health issues forced him to quit his job and he could no longer cover the $1,300‑plus monthly rent on his one‑bedroom Tyler apartment. “The rent was going up again… it was really eating me alive. I had to break the lease,” Baker said, adding that without JDE’s help he feared ending up on the street.
Arthur Spaulding, another JDE resident, described how a background‑check barrier had left him without housing options. He told KLTV that without the program he would “probably end up back in jail honestly,” and that the assistance allowed him to begin rebuilding his life.
Realtor Phyllis Roberts, a network member who collaborates with the City of Tyler, explained that the Housing Choice Voucher program can provide up to $25,000 for new homes and about $15,000 for existing homes. Roberts emphasized that rising gas and food prices force families to choose between shelter and basic necessities, noting, “People are having to choose whether or not they can afford housing, decent housing for their family or whether they need to sleep in their cars and buy food in order to take care of their family.”
The network is seeking additional organizations to join its effort and meets the first Wednesday of every month at Oak Street Health in Tyler. Community groups interested in supporting the initiative are encouraged to contact the network for partnership opportunities.
