Suicide Prevention Week 2022

Housing Program Manager
jtorres@dallashopecharities.org

Biography

Jordan Rodriguez Torres joined the Dallas Hope Charities team in the summer of 2023 to become more involved with the LGBTQIA+ community. They have a passion for helping others and have been able to assist with a variety of individuals including special education programs in school districts, caregiving for geriatrics in assisted living facilities, foster care, and The Department of Family and Protective Services.

Jordan has a background in behavior management and received a BS in Applied Behavioural Analysis from Purdue Global. Their partner has experienced homelessness in the past, thus Jordan has a drive to assist those in the LGBTQIA+ community so that the impact of homelessness can have a lessened effect on them. They are committed to serving Dallas Hope Charities housing program by helping it grow and thrive amidst this political climate.

Jordan was born an Airforce Brat, as others would call it, in England and have lived in several states in North America before settling in Texas. When they are not growing DHC’s housing program, you can find them playing Magic: The Gathering at their favorite game stores, or at home with their partners and dogs, playing video games, board games, or watching anime.

Board Chair

Biography

Before being asked to serve as the Board Chairman, Rex had been a member of Dallas Hope Charities’ board since April 2021. A recurring investor in media and emerging technologies, Rex seems to prefer working behind the scenes. He has consistently poured his resources into companies, individuals, charitable organizations, and civic causes alike out of his love for the city of Dallas and heart for serving the community.

He envisions the role of board chair as primarily a supportive one. Rex sees Dallas Hope Charities’ CEO, Tamika Perry, as a strong leader and looks forward to working closely with her on expanding the transitional housing program and various programmatic partnerships.

Addressing the recent renovation of the Hope Center—DHC’s transitional living center—Rex stated “the hope is we’ve renovated a place where our participants can really get a firm footing, get involved in the programs that we offer, and have a great launching pad for their lives.

Rex knows firsthand the impact that a safe, affirming house can provide. For over 20 years he and his partner Chris personally opened their home to folks in need of a place. Through word of mouth and referrals, Rex and Chris provided housing and mentorship while the individuals went through school, securing a profession, or simply stabilizing their life. Reflecting on it, Rex’s smile continues to grow, and you can sense the support and affection he must have for these friends, mentees and in some cases, chosen family.

When asked why he freely gives so much of his time and energy, Rex puts it simply: “I care about the impact we can make in a life and our city by what we do.” While Rex shares that his family was supportive when he came out as gay, there were still identity struggles to contend with, so his care runs deep in lived experience. “I care about the fact that some of our LGBTQ+ community is suffering. I’ve been there. It’s very difficult to know that we have human beings that are struggling with the kinds of things they are, and you really want the best for them, quickly. Sometimes it takes longer than expected so we must have patience.”

When Rex and his partner Chris find downtime, they enjoy family, travel, gathering with friends, attending artistic events, and eating out at locally owned restaurants. Naturally, everything comes back to community.