A Homegrown Nonprofit Supports Austinites with Essentials.

Words by Guadalupe Triana Photos by Eric Morales

From the outside, a Foundation Communities apartment complex looks like any other apartment building in the city, but inside, something special is taking place. One individual at a time, Foundation Communities is providing people with more than a safe place to call home. For many, the organization offers community, along with a sense of empowerment.

Foundation Communities (FC) is a local organization that provides affordable housing, along with free on-site support services to families, veterans, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. The nonprofit owns and operates 23 communities throughout the Austin metro area and in North Texas.

Elle is a resident who turned to Foundation Communities as she and her son were escaping domestic violence. Once in contact with FC, Elle was able to secure safe housing and continue growing her career as a professional makeup artist. As a result, she says she and her son have felt the positive impact of stability in their lives.

“It was so smooth and effortless,” she says. “When things are meant to be how they are meant to be, they just unfold how they’re supposed to unfold.”

Elle notes that one of the more powerful aspects of finding a home through FC is being able to live in a beautiful, modern complex where both she and her son can thrive safely. “Austin itself has been a really soft place to land,” she says. “[I’m] just full of gratitude.”

Founded in the 1980s, the nonprofit came to fruition when several UT students started a local housing program for low-income families who would later become Foundation Communities.

In the past few years, affordable housing has become a hot-button issue for many in the city. This past March, Austin City Council proposed using $64 million in bonds for the development of three new affordable housing units. The number of homeless individuals in Austin has grown by one-third in just four years.

Waterloo Terrace is one of FC’s newest complexes. The building had over 1,300 applicants for its 132 spaces, proving demand for affordable housing is at an all-time high. Zilker Studios is the latest community of 110-unit studio apartments currently being built.

For Elle, having a safe, secure place to call home is something she’s grateful for every day. Now as she and her son continue growing and finding their place in the community, Elle is excited to take on new personal and professional projects. Soon she plans to launch her own skincare line.

“I’m working on this glow serum. It’s incredible,” Elle smiles. “I’m working with local farmers for some of the facial oils for a really clean, [natural] product.”

Though her triumphs come from much of her own efforts, Elle says she could not have actualized them without the support from Foundation Communities. She emphasizes, “They are a critical piece of my life and the life of my son, forever.”

Did You Know?
Foundation Communities’ sustainable business model allows the organization to continue their important work today; it confirms the nonprofit isn’t stopping anytime soon. About 80% of the nonprofit’s budget comes from rent the residents pay, which is then used to cover operating expenses for the communities.

Contact:
(512) 447-2026
3000 S IH 35, Ste 300
foundcom.org
@foundationcommunities