Realty Austin Pledges One Million Toward Affordable Housing

Realty Austin, the #1 independent residential real estate firm in Central Texas, pledges to donate $1,000,000 over the next four years to support Foundation Communities’ affordable housing and learning center expansion. In honor of this historic commitment to the community, Foundation Communities has announced one of its newest learning centers will be named the Realty Austin Learning Center. The new learning center will serve two housing communities, Laurel Creek and Juniper Creek, located on N. Lamar Blvd. The two communities will welcome home over 198 families and children.

Yvette Flores, co-owner of Realty Austin, said, “Every day we see the cost of housing going up, which is why we give back in various ways to keep Austin more affordable. Our agents care passionately about our community and volunteer in tremendous ways. This gift is from the hundreds of Realty Austin agents who make the American dream come true and then give a portion of their commission back to help others. This is for the thousands of neighbors who will use the learning center with hope for a brighter future.”

Over the next five years, Foundation Communities will open 1,000 new apartments for over 2,200 residents. The organization has eight brand new properties across Austin under development—including three new learning centers. As of May 25, Foundation Communities has raised 90 percent of the funding for its expansion projects and has $30 million left to raise.

Walter Moreau, Executive Director of Foundation Communities, said, “Instead of a property each year, for the first time in our history as an organization we have eight new affordable housing communities under construction or in design. I don’t need to make the case anymore that we need affordable housing in Austin. The average rent in Austin is at $1,500 per month or more and $15 an hour won’t cut it. We have about ten applicants for every available apartment. This just shows you the demand. If we want Austin to be an inclusive community for everyone and stay diverse and keep our creative edge, we’ve got to go to affordable housing.”

Foundation Communities is a local, homegrown nonprofit that provides affordable, attractive homes and free on-site support services for thousands of families with kids, as well as veterans, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. The organization offers an innovative, proven model that empowers residents and neighbors to achieve educational success, financial stability, and healthier lifestyles. They own and operate 23 communities all over Austin and three in North Texas. Foundation Communities has helped thousands of community members and families build and rebuild their lives through its affordable housing, educational programs, and financial services. 

Austin Mayor Steve Adler said, “It’s an easy choice and decision for the city. When you look at Austin we have a real apparent Achilles heel which is how expensive it is to live here and how increasingly hard it is for everyone to live here. We are all about the people. If we lose the diversity in this city we lose what makes us special. The work that Foundation Communities does to preserve this community is existential for us. We ask everyone to do good, find something in the community where you can help people.”

Today, Realty Austin has grown to a team of 630+ agents and 50 support staff who give back in meaningful ways to help with the housing affordability problem in Austin. Each year, Realty Austin agents build an Austin Habitat for Humanity home, and donate more than $200,000 of their commissions to support Austin Habitat for Humanity, Foundation Communities, Austin Children’s Shelter, and Community First! Village.