Business Details
41 Years
experience
Affordable Homeownership & Housing Solutions in Austin
Austin Habitat for Humanity has been dedicated to building Homes, Communities, and Hope since 1985. Our mission focuses on providing affordable homeownership opportunities, critical home repair services, and comprehensive housing counseling to low-income families in Central Texas. Through partnerships with local volunteers, donors, and community organizations, we construct energy-efficient homes starting at $152,000 while preserving existing affordable housing stock. Our Home Repair Program addresses safety and accessibility needs for seniors and individuals with disabilities, ensuring dignified living conditions. We offer financial education and credit counseling to prepare families for sustainable homeownership.Operating across Bastrop, Blanco, Caldwell, Hays, and Travis counties, we leverage private-sector collaborations through our HomeBase initiative to expand housing solutions. Our ReStore locations divert over 52 million pounds of materials from landfills annually while funding our programs. With a team of experienced professionals and 10,900+ annual volunteers, we maintain strict adherence to quality standards and community needs. Our commitment to transparency, ethical practices, and measurable impact has earned us trust as a leading housing nonprofit in the region. We continuously seek innovative approaches to combat the affordable housing crisis while maintaining fiscal responsibility and donor accountability.
Services
Homeownership Program
Home Repair Program
Housing Counseling
HomeBase Initiative
ReStore Operations
Details
- Year established: 1985
Highlights and features
- We offer affordable homeownership opportunities starting at $152,000 with down payment assistance
- Our Home Repair Program addresses critical safety and accessibility needs for vulnerable populations
- We provide HUD-certified housing counseling and financial education programs
- We've built 570+ energy-efficient homes meeting Austin Energy Green Building standards
- Our team includes NMLS-certified professionals and experienced construction specialists
Services
Homeownership Program
Our Homeownership Program provides affordable housing opportunities through new construction and down payment assistance. We offer homes starting at $152,000 with predictable payments to help families achieve long-term stability. Our program includes mandatory homebuyer education and financial counseling to ensure readiness for homeownership responsibilities.
Home Repair Program
The Home Repair Program addresses critical safety and accessibility issues in existing homes for low-income owners. We perform essential repairs like roofing, plumbing, electrical upgrades, and accessibility modifications to ensure safe living conditions for seniors and individuals with disabilities.
Housing Counseling
Our HUD-certified counselors provide comprehensive financial education and personalized housing counseling. Services include credit improvement strategies, budget planning, mortgage preparation, and foreclosure prevention assistance to help families achieve and maintain homeownership.
HomeBase Initiative
HomeBase expands affordable housing options through private-sector partnerships while maintaining quality standards. This initiative increases housing availability by leveraging external resources and expertise to deliver more homes for Central Texas families in need.
ReStore Operations
Our three ReStore locations sell new and gently used home improvement items at discounted prices. Proceeds fund our housing programs while diverting over 52 million pounds of materials from landfills annually through sustainable retail operations.
People
Michele Anderson
Chief Executive Officer
Michele Anderson leads Austin Habitat with over 20 years of nonprofit leadership experience, focusing on strategic growth and community impact in affordable housing initiatives.
Wayne Gerami
Chief Operating Officer
Wayne Gerami oversees daily operations with extensive experience in organizational management and program implementation for large-scale housing development projects.
Billy Whipple
Chief Impact Officer
Billy Whipple directs program strategy with a focus on measurable outcomes, ensuring our housing solutions create lasting positive change in families' lives.
Don McPhee
Chief Financial Officer
Don McPhee manages financial operations with NMLS #1436154 certification, maintaining fiscal responsibility and transparency in all organizational financial activities.
Amy Jackson
Chief Development Officer
Amy Jackson leads fundraising initiatives with expertise in donor relations and resource development to support our expanding housing programs and community partnerships.
Questions
What income requirements must I meet for homeownership?
Applicants must earn 80% or below the Median Family Income, which ranges from $72,950 for single-person households up to $137,550 for eight-person families in 2025.
Do you offer home repair services for seniors?
Yes, our Home Repair Program prioritizes seniors and individuals with disabilities needing critical repairs to maintain safe living conditions in their owned homes.
What types of housing counseling do you provide?
We offer pre-purchase education, credit counseling, budget planning, foreclosure prevention, and post-purchase support through HUD-certified counselors.
How do I apply for a Habitat home?
Start by completing our online interest form, then complete financial screening and submit required documentation when invited from our waitlist.
What areas do you serve for home repairs?
We serve Austin city limits, Kyle, Bastrop, Blanco, Caldwell, Hays, and Travis counties for home repair programs.
Are your homes energy efficient?
All new construction meets Austin Energy Green Building standards with energy-efficient features included in every Habitat home.
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