Austin officials honored Austin Habitat for Humanity’s 40 years of dedication to affordable housing as the nonprofit unveiled 12 newly completed townhomes in East Austin's Montopolis neighborhood Jan. 23.

“This whole experience has been about making dreams come true,” Habitat homebuyer Melissa Boweman said.



A closer look

Austin Habitat CEO Michele Anderson noted that the "American" homeownership dream has been lost for many people in the Austin area.


The organization makes homeownership a reality for the “working families,” Anderson said.

The recently completed townhomes add to the more than 100 homes built by the organization in Southeast Austin over the years, according to District 3 City Council member Jose Velasquez.

“It is a testament and a reminder of what we can do when we collaborate and come together,” Velasquez said in his remarks describing the city of Austin's joint effort for affordable housing opportunities.

Angel Leverett, director of marketing and communications for Austin Habitat, said that over the last decade, Austin Habitat has been able to scale up affordable housing options throughout the Austin area. Austin Habitat was recently selected to host the next site for the international Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project.


Recent announcements by the nonprofit include plans for hundreds of new affordable homes and apartment units across the metro in coming years.

Habitat homebuyer Erma Wilson said she is excited to finally own a home. She said she has been working through the process with Austin Habitat for the last two years.

“The best part of this is knowing that I own something, and leaving something behind for my kids and my grandkids,” Wilson said.

Wilson said she personally put in over 160 hours of her time and labor in the construction of the home she will move into this February.
Erma Wilson, now a homeowner, spent two years improving her credit and meeting the qualifications to purchase her new home through Austin Habitat for Humanity. She stands in front of the home she worked to make her own. (Haley McLeod/Community Impact)
What to know


All prospective partner families must meet the agency's minimum qualifications to participate in this program. Requirements include:
  • U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents
  • A credit score of 620 or higher
  • Ability to pay a mortgage
  • Meet the income requirements
  • Must live and work in our service area for the past six months
  • Must be a first-time homebuyer
Income requirements are based on the 80% median family income defined by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development.

To qualify for a house from Habitat for Humanity, a family's maximum annual income can be no more than $97,800 for a family of four. Find further income qualifications here.