Conroe Families Move Into New, Mortgage-Free Homes Through Federal Grant

After months of residing in a 150-square-foot storage shed behind her storm-damaged home in Conroe’s historic Dugan community, Barbara Jones expressed disbelief on Wednesday as she received the keys to her newly constructed house.

This week, four families, including the Jones family, were awarded new homes through the Community Development Block Grant program from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Since the 1990s, Conroe has been actively involved in the program, successfully rebuilding 86 homes so far.

The city has been allocated $839,236 in this cycle to demolish outdated structures and build 1,200-square-foot homes with fencing and landscaping. The residences are owned by the inhabitants and are provided without any mortgage obligations.

Deputy City Administrator Nancy Mikeska stated that the city transitioned from repairs to complete rebuilds years ago, as the expense of fixing deteriorating homes became high. The innovative strategy, she noted, provides families with a secure and enduring home environment.

“Having a home … is a privilege for any family,” Mikeska stated. “For our families with constrained resources, it feels like a true blessing.”

Alexander and Vivian Dublin are concluding a significant chapter of their lives, having spent over 40 years in a 1972 mobile home located on South 4th Street. Alexander, a veteran of the U.S. Army, diligently maintained and expanded his home over the years; however, the demands of upkeep eventually became too much to handle. Vivian expressed that their new house is the answer to years of heartfelt wishes.

“(This house) is a true gift,” she expressed. “The house we were in was leaning, and I found myself constantly praying, ‘Lord, we need a place to stay.’”

Vivian has set aside a room in her new home for neighbors seeking a place to pray. “I welcome everyone, everyone, to join us in our prayer room,” she stated.

Margaret Thomas described the new living situation as transformative; her family had lived in an 875-square-foot mobile home on Avenue F. “This is incredibly overwhelming,” Thomas said. “I’m truly grateful for this.”

The city’s seven-member Community Development Block Grant Board selects residents who must reside in the Dugan or Madeley Quarter neighborhoods.

Mary Howard, 70, initially qualified for the program in 2011 but chose not to proceed with a rebuild, as she preferred to remain on her family’s lot on Avenue I. As her 1965 home fell into disrepair, she submitted a new application and received approval. Howard expressed that relocating to her new residence signifies “everything” to her and affirmed her intention to celebrate Thanksgiving there. “God is good,” she remarked.

Councilwoman Shana Arthur emphasized that the event highlights the community's strength in collaboration. “These homes symbolize much more than just structures,” she stated. “They represent collaboration, resilience, and hope for the families of Conroe.”