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Snapshots of Texas C-BAR Referrals
October 2001

Since our kickoff in October 2000, Texas C-BAR has referred more than 160 pro bono legal matters. The following are snapshot descriptions of some of the pro bono referrals we have made and the nonprofits our pro bono attorneys have assisted:

• Blackland Community Development Corporation, Austin
  Blackland CDC has rehabilitated 28 properties for rental to low income families and elderly persons in the Blackland neighborhood of Austin. C-BAR volunteer attorneys with Dell Computer Corporation have assisted the nonprofit with real estate and closing documents for the sale of the homes. Another attorney is currently assisting the nonprofit obtain clear title to vacant land to allow the nonprofit to build more single-family housing for low income families in the neighborhood.

• Organizacíon Progressiva de San Elizario (OPSE), El Paso County
  With the help of C-BAR attorneys, OPSE recently embarked on a self-help housing program by which families in the colonias of El Paso County earning less than $16,000 will receive training, materials, and funding to build their own homes. Through C-BAR, attorneys assisted OPSE with closing and loan documents for some of the homes.

• Pineywoods HOME Team, Lufkin
  Pineywoods HOME Team is one of a limited number of community-based nonprofits engaged in community development in the rural communities of East Texas. Through Texas C-BAR, attorneys with the Austin office of Brobeck Phleger and Harrison helped Pineywoods set up a separate nonprofit corporate entity that will operate a community development financial institution (CDFI) providing low interest lending services to low income households purchasing homes in East Texas.

• The Acres Homes Community Development Corporation, Houston
  The Acres Home CDC works to improve social, economic, and housing conditions in a low-income neighborhood in Houston. Attorneys with Conoco Corporation have been matched as a Community Counsel Partner with Acres Home to serve as general counsel and address a wide range of transactional legal needs, including providing legal advice about environmental issues and reviewing standard contracts.

• West Dallas Community Development Corporation, Dallas

The West Dallas CDC was formed by neighborhood residents in 1994 to address the needs of low income families residing in West Dallas, with a special emphasis on business development, job training, and homeownership in the Westmoreland Heights area. Attorneys with Patton Boggs have assisted the nonprofit on a wide array of transactional matters including the review of a proposed partnership agreement, the drafting of a property transfer agreement, and assistance in setting up a community land trust.