Austin, Texas: A New Hope for Affordable Housing
As we all know, the cost of living is skyrocketing in many places across the country, and Austin, Texas, is no exception. This vibrant city, which attracts newcomers with its lively music scene and tech job opportunities, is facing a serious challenge with its affordable housing supply. With the population increasing at an astonishing rate, issues like homelessness, traffic congestion, and gentrification have become increasingly concerning.
But don’t fret, Austin residents! Local leaders are stepping up to tackle this pressing problem head-on. Among recent initiatives is the Bailey at Berkman, a brand new affordable housing project that aims to support some of the city’s most vulnerable citizens. This project, which comes with a hefty price tag of $17 million, is set to provide much-needed housing solutions and help change Austin’s often troubling housing narrative.
Transforming Lives and Spaces
The Bailey at Berkman is part of Austin’s larger HOME Program initiatives, recently passed by city council members under the direction of Mayor Kirk Watson. Watson successfully dodged a run-off election and is on track for reelection in the upcoming election. Earlier this year, the city clinched its largest operating budget to date, allocating a long overdue $121.2 million for affordable housing projects.
Local affordable housing consultant Structure Development brought in National CORE, a nonprofit committed to affordable housing, to lead the charge on this new project. They snagged $5.5 million from the City of Austin through its Rental Housing Development Assistance (RHDA) Program. The remaining funds are coming from tax credits provided by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, ensuring those in need don’t have to wait too long for a place to call home.
A Place for Everyone
The Bailey at Berkman will feature 104 efficiency or studio apartments, with income and rent restrictions designed to keep things affordable. Out of these units, 26 will qualify for project-based vouchers from the Housing Authority of the City of Austin (HACA). This means a safety net for those making just 30% of Austin’s area median income, which averages around $26,500 a year. In a city where the area median household income is a staggering $126,000, this support is vital.
“These units are tailored for people experiencing homelessness or those at risk,” shared Oscar Paul, National CORE’s development manager. Providing aid to the most vulnerable members of the community is the priority here.
For residents earning between 50% and 60% of the area median income, a monthly rent of about $1,100 to $1,300 is expected. Each unit will offer around 500 square feet of living space and access to community laundry facilities, alongside a host of amenities aimed at making residents feel right at home.
Going the Extra Mile
Recognizing that some residents may come with few belongings, National CORE is committed to providing essential move-in kits for those needing a little extra support. “We want to go beyond just providing a roof; we want to ensure it’s a comfortable place to live,” said Paul.
This new community will feature a clubhouse, a fitness center, and office spaces where residents can access vital supportive housing services through the Hope Through Housing Foundation, a sister nonprofit of National CORE. “We are delivering high-quality social services to those who need it most,” Paul explained.
A Vision for the Future
Paul emphasized the goal of helping individuals move along the continuum of housing towards independence and even homeownership. “Our aim is to empower residents to ultimately stand on their own feet,” he added.
Situated at 6405 Berkman Drive in the Windsor Park neighborhood, the Bailey at Berkman has received an enthusiastic welcome from the community. National CORE consulted with locals before moving forward with the project and secured a letter of support from the neighborhood. “We planned this together, and it feels great to have their backing,” Paul said.
Building a Sustainable Future
Moreover, the project is working towards the city’s SMART Housing initiative, which mandates certain accessibility and environmental standards. With plans for solar panels and energy-efficient designs, the Bailey at Berkman aims to check all the right boxes for sustainability.
Construction is expected to kick off in August 2025, aiming for completion by December 2026. It’s a long wait, but for many, it could mean a bright new beginning. Austin is taking actionable steps to make a difference – one affordable housing project at a time!
