On Thursday, April 3, 500 community members gathered for the 20th Annual Keyholder Breakfast, presented by The Branch Church, celebrating two decades of preventing homelessness in North Texas. Guests learned about the event’s history and the impact of funds raised over the years.
Long-time emcee Mike Doocy, sports director for Fox 4, recognized the breakfast’s founders and four dedicated volunteers: Annemarie Griffith, Marilyn Horton, Trinidad Martinez, and the Rev. Dr. Richard Shelby. These four volunteers received the President’s Volunteer Service Lifetime Achievement Award, each volunteering over 4,000 hours with Metrocrest Services.
The morning’s keynote address, delivered by Ashley Owen Brundage, CEO of Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity, brought a sharp focus to the critical issue of affordable housing in the Dallas area. Brundage painted a stark picture of the growing crisis, revealing that by 2035, 15 affordable three-bedroom rentals will be available for every 100 families making $55,000 per year or less.
“Families, seniors, and individuals we serve are not in crisis because of a lack of effort,” Brundage shared. “They’re in crisis because the system isn’t building housing that fits their lives—or their futures.”
Despite the gravity of the challenge, Brundage offered a message of hope, highlighting the innovative solutions being championed by local nonprofits like Metrocrest Services and Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity. She emphasized the crucial role of preventative measures in keeping individuals and families stable.
Raising over $189,000, the 20th Annual Keyholder Breakfast was the most successful to date. These funds will provide temporary rent assistance to more than 500 area residents—people like Kimberly, who shared her story of support from Metrocrest Services during the event.
Kimberly, a single mom of three, faced eviction after a difficult divorce. Thanks to the temporary rent assistance she received from Metrocrest Services, she and her children could remain in their home, allowing her son the opportunity to graduate from the school he currently attends and focus on his goal of attending a military academy and studying bioengineering.
“Metrocrest Services is beyond grateful for the support of our community,” said CEO Tracy Eubanks. “YOU are the key to preventing homelessness and unlocking potential for neighbors in need.”
In 2006, Metrocrest Services (then Metrocrest Social Services) launched its annual Keyholder Breakfast. The name pays homage to the original Metrocrest Services logo, which featured a key and the tagline, ‘the key to preventing homelessness.’ As Metrocrest Services continues to grow and develop in the community, the Keyholder Breakfast celebrates the agency’s roots and asks everyone to remember that community support is KEY to creating a thriving community for all.
The success of the 20th Annual Keyholder Breakfast was made possible through the generous support of its sponsors, including presenting sponsor, The Branch Church; legacy sponsor, Sam Pack Auto Group; video sponsor, Verity Instruments; and gold guardian sponsors, Citi, Frost Bank, Southwest Airlines, TXU Energy, and Western Extrusions.
About Metrocrest Services
Founded in 1971, Metrocrest Services’ mission is to empower individuals to achieve self-sufficiency and foster independence. The award-winning non-profit agency offers a wide range of services, including access to nutritious food, homelessness prevention resources, short-term financial assistance, financial education workshops, employment coaching, nutrition education, healthcare guidance, and specialized services for seniors. Serving the Metrocrest areas of Carrollton, Addison, Farmers Branch, Coppell, and residents of Dallas who live in Denton County (75287), Metrocrest Services is building a thriving community for all. For more information, please visit metrocrestservices.org.