Longview Housing Authority brings resources and information to Panola County property owners

Published 4:41 pm Friday, July 11, 2025

The Longview Housing Authority (LHA) is helping expand affordable housing options in Panola County through programs designed to support veterans, former foster youth, and low-income families. These programs provide rental assistance and other services, and LHA is now urging local property owners to participate by listing available properties.

The cornerstone of LHA’s work is the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program, which provides income-based rental assistance for qualified families. Tenants can choose their own housing in the private market, including homes, apartments, or duplexes in their own local communities. The Panola County Chamber of Commerce has also joined in supporting these efforts by opening the door to collaboration with the local housing market.

While the HCV waitlist is currently closed, it’s expected to reopen briefly sometime between October and December. “When we opened it for just four hours, we had over 900 people apply,” said LHA caseworker Yolanda Lawson. “We have to go through every one of those applications before we can open it again. We’re down to the last 50 or 60. The smaller the pool, the sooner we can help more people again.”

Not all programs have a waitlist. The HUD-VASH program, which serves veterans facing or experiencing homelessness, currently has vouchers available. It pairs housing support with services from the VA. “Those vouchers are sitting there, but without available landlords or properties, they go unused,” Lawson said. “We’re trying to fast-track our veterans.” She added that if a property owner reaches out with an available rental, she can relay that directly to VA caseworkers.

The Foster Youth Initiative (FYI) program is another open and available option. It serves young adults ages 18 to 24 who have aged out of foster care or are at risk of homelessness. LHA is one of the only housing agencies between Longview and Dallas with access to this program. Like HUD-VASH, it operates by referral through partners like ATA in Longview or BFCS in Tyler.

For those wondering what it’s like to work with the housing authority, Lawson was candid during LHA’s recent “Lunch and Learn” event, which was hosted in partnership with the Panola County Chamber of Commerce and held at the Chamber office on July 8. She and other LHA staff met with landlords, real estate agents, and property managers to explain the process and answer questions.

Working with LHA offers steady, guaranteed rent—even when a tenant’s income changes. “If they lose their job, your rent is still guaranteed,” Lawson told attendees. “In the private market, that’s not always the case.” Property owners can still screen tenants and are not obligated to accept any applicant.

LHA requires regular inspections to ensure units meet safety and habitability standards. These include things like visible house numbers, working smoke detectors, and proper ventilation. While some property owners worry about paperwork, LHA clarified that getting started requires fewer than 10 pages.

There’s also a homeownership program for eligible participants. Property owners with homes for sale may consider this as another way to partner with LHA, helping renters become homeowners.

Housing is one of the biggest needs. LHA urges property owners to reach out, “Let us know what’s available,” Lawson said. “That way, when someone is approved, we can place them.”

For individuals in need of housing assistance, eligibility and referral requirements vary by program. Veterans and foster youth must go through partner agencies, while families seeking general rental help can apply when the HCV waitlist opens. For full details, visit the Longview Housing Authority’s website or follow them on social media.

Interested property owners and managers can call LHA at 903-237-1235 or email lha@LongviewTexas.com. For veteran housing inquiries, call 903-237-1239.

In a rural community like Panola County, housing needs can be hard to see, but they are very real. The Longview Housing Authority is building bridges between local property owners and people who need a place to call home. Whether you’re offering a spare unit or just looking to learn more, now is the time to get involved.