Austin Habitat for Humanity's Triple Impact of Homes, Community and Hope with Michele Anderson

Did you know you could own a home in Austin for $152,000? Discover how Austin Habitat for Humanity is making the impossible possible for Austin's workforce. 
 
Join host Tamara Atkinson and Michele Anderson, CEO of Austin Habitat for Humanity, as they discuss Austin Habitat’s mission to provide affordable housing for the local workforce. Austin Habitat is ramping up efforts to build 75 homes per year for the next 7-10 years, focusing on making homeownership accessible to those earning $63K-$97K in median income. With homes starting at $152,000 for condos and $245,000 for single-family homes, Austin Habitat is helping essential workers like teachers, firefighters, and single parents achieve long-term financial stability. 

Michele also highlights the importance of community building alongside affordable housing. Austin Habitat homeowners gain an average of $45,000 in equity over seven years, a step toward building generational wealth. The upcoming 2025 Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project in October will further strengthen local communities by engaging volunteers to help build homes. With down payment assistance and credit programs, Austin Habitat is breaking down barriers to homeownership while creating stronger, more stable communities throughout Austin and Central Texas. 

Michele Anderson serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Austin Habitat for Humanity, overseeing operations across five counties, including Travis, Bastrop, Blanco, Caldwell, and Hays. After relocating from Virginia, Anderson has positioned Austin Habitat as a national innovator in affordable housing solutions, fostering partnerships between individuals, corporations, government entities, and developers. Under her leadership, the organization has committed to tripling its annual home production to serve more working families, helping them achieve financial stability through affordable homeownership and build generational wealth through equity.  

In This Episode: 

• (00:00) Meeting Michele Anderson, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Austin, and her first job working at her mother's fabric store 

• (04:10) Michele's journey from Virginia to Austin and her path to Habitat for Humanity 

• (07:56) The mission of Habitat Austin and their unique approach to affordable housing, tripling home production to 75 homes per year for the next 7-10 years 

• (14:01) Habitat’s new furniture-building project using recycled plastic, the volunteer building/buying process, homeowner teaching opportunities, and quality assurance 

• (20:11) Timeline for getting into a home and removing barriers to homeownership 

• (24:11) Building hope and community - stories from homeowners 

• (27:02) Affordable housing price points (starting at $152K) and serving single mothers, partnerships with local government and builders, The Carter Work Project announcement - building 25 homes in one week 

• (31:35) Takeaways, closing thoughts and check out homes on the Habitat website! 

• Like and subscribe to hear all of our informative upcoming episodes! 

 

Resources: 

Austin Habitat Homeownership Opportunities  

Austin Habitat for Humanity