Press Release

Haynes Boone Team Guides H.E.A.R.T. in Securing $790,000 from the City of Houston for Facility Upgrades

January 15, 2025

Haynes Boone is proud to have provided pro bono support to the Houston-based nonprofit Housing, Entrepreneurship and Readiness Training (H.E.A.R.T.) Program in its mission to provide workforce development and job training for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. With the assistance of a team of Haynes Boone attorneys, H.E.A.R.T. secured $790,000 in funding to facilitate crucial renovations to its facility, ensuring compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and creating a more accessible and functional space for its trainees.

Since purchasing its facility in 2018, H.E.A.R.T. has worked tirelessly to address structural and accessibility challenges at their complex. This recent funding from the City of Houston will support ADA compliance work, helping H.E.A.R.T. create a safe and inclusive environment for their trainees.

The Haynes Boone team was led by Fund Finance Partner Brent Shultz and Real Estate Associate Caite Evans, with assistance from Partners Kraig Grahmann (Energy) and Gilbert Porter (Finance), Counsel Edward Bontkowski (Finance) and Associates Joseph Collins (Estate Planning) and Tatum Trolinger (Finance).

“We contacted Haynes Boone a few years ago, and their attorneys have gone far above and beyond anything that we ever could have asked for,” said Seth Malin, executive director of H.E.A.R.T. “They have handled everything from contract reviews to negotiations with attorneys, both from the city and hired by the city, leaving no doubt they were committed to seeing this through.”

The renovations funded through this collaboration will be transformative for H.E.A.R.T.’s facility and programs. Improvements from the additional $790,000 will include repairs to a leaky roof, upgrades to air conditioning and modifications to doorways and concrete surfaces, ensuring that trainees can move safely and comfortably within the building.

“Our team is honored to have played a role in helping H.E.A.R.T. advance its mission, as we see the tremendous impact H.E.A.R.T. has on the Houston community,” said Shultz. “This project reflects Haynes Boone’s dedication to giving back to the community and using our legal skills to make a positive impact. We are proud to support their efforts to create a more inclusive and empowering environment for their trainees.” 

To learn more about H.E.A.R.T. and its initiatives, visit heartprogram.org.