AUSTIN, Texas — The need for affordable housing in Austin continues to grow, and one nonprofit is trying to bring more options to the city's east side.
Foundation Communities is building a 156-unit complex called Norman Commons, next to Norman Sims Elementary. There will also be 32 for-sale units built by the Guadalupe Neighborhood Development Corporation.
Austin secured $58 million to construct Norman Commons, with the complex expected to be completed within two years.
It's the 30th property for Foundation Communities. Ellie Acuna is a mother of two who lives at one of their properties near Norman Commons.
"Had we not had this opportunity, we would have had to leave the city," Acuna said. "That would have presented its own challenge for my family. I have two girls. My youngest has significant special needs. This happened to be affordable and next to Dell Children's."
Acuna works part-time and goes to graduate school to support her family. Her property, which is run by Foundation Communities, allowed her to qualify for a three-bedroom apartment for $1,200 a month. Acuna said she's thankful for her current housing situation.
"Oh, it's unlivable," Acuna said. "I think single-parent families are starting to live together with other single-parent families to make rent."
But there's still a big need for housing in District 1. According to HousingWorks Austin, the City of Austin is behind its 10-year goal to build more than 7,000 units by 2028. Currently, Austin is at just 2,100 units, which is about 31%, five years in. Citywide, there is a goal for more than 20,000 units at 60% Medium Family Income or less. Current numbers show just over 6,800 units are complete.
"Not surprising, there is a huge need and we are behind in every district," Foundation Communities Executive Director Walter Moreau said.
The nonprofit said it will continue to build housing to help in this affordability crisis.
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