Better data leads to better decisions. Better decisions lead to better outcomes.
At CPAL, data is central to everything we do. We bridge information gaps by delivering actionable data to families, partner organizations, and local government.
Our work in action
A sampling of published media + data
Housing Remediation as an Effective Intervention for Pediatric Asthma
This issue-brief describes the impacts of asthma in Dallas and how home repair can better asthma outcomes, increase economic mobility, and improve the quality of life for children
- Asthma is a leading cause of school absenteeism and is costly. In 2023, Dallas County children experienced 1,036 asthma inpatient hospital visits. The combined costs of these visits were ~$10.3M, for an average cost of $9,966 per visit.
- The Green and Healthy Homes Initiative estimates that 40% of all asthma episodes are caused by preventable home-based asthma allergens, like dust, pests, and mold.
Role of Junk Fees in the Dallas Rental Housing Market
During summer 2024, CPAL began to explore the role of junk fees in the rental housing market in Dallas.
- 56 out of 60 apartment complexes surveyed charged mandatory monthly fees (i.e., “junk fees”), in addition to the base rent.
- These fees cost renters, on average, $756 to $984 per year, further eroding housing affordability.
Housing Stability for School Success Toolkit
This framework has been piloted with DISD since 2021-22 on two elementary campuses working with district administrators.
- This toolkit was designed to equip school district staff to implement family-centered interventions for families that may be at risk of or currently experiencing a housing-related issue.
- The toolkit includes open-source resources (e.g., family enrollment postcards) and data tools that can be adapted by local school districts and nonprofit organizations working with housing insecure families.
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CPAL Launches Mobile Clinic to Enhance Family Planning
In partnership with Parkland Health, CPAL's Trust Her team launches a mobile clinic to enhance family planning services for Dallas College students.
- Partnering with Parkland Health Foundation, Dallas College, and philanthropic partners led by the W.W. Caruth, Jr. Fund at Communities Foundation of Texas, a Trust Her mobile clinic has been launched in North Texas to continue CPAL’s work to improve maternal health by helping ensure women and families have the resources they need to plan for their futures.
- This barrier-free clinic is designed to meet women literally where they are, and to provide same-day access to birth control regardless of ability to pay.
Eviction less likely for Dallas County tenants who get a lawyer — but most don’t have one
CPAL's data analysis shows that eviction chances fall dramatically when tenants have legal representation.
- Law students at SMU observed nearly 1,300 eviction hearings across five of Dallas County’s ten justice of the peace courts from November 2022 to April 2023, representing about 10% of all initial eviction cases heard in those courts.
- Renters who had lawyers lost their cases just 7% of the time, whereas renters without lawyers lost their case – and, typically, their home — nearly 70% of the time.
Dallas must get every penny of federal infrastructure funds
CPAL leadership will guide a working group aiming to maximize Dallas’ share of available federal infrastructure dollars.
- Dallas is eligible for an estimated $4 billion in formula funds from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the CHIPS and Science Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act.
- The group will coordinate with officials to give voice to constituent concerns and leverage existing funds, with a goal to improve infrastructure across the city for future generations.