The Herald | News from HATC

A quarterly publication of the Housing Authority of Travis County and its affiliate organizations

Volume III | Issue III | July 2020

Our mission is to preserve and develop affordable housing and vibrant communities which enhance the quality of life for all.

Housing Authority of Travis County

Recognizing 10+ Years of Service

June 30 ^th marked the end of a successful fiscal year-end, for HATC. A typical fiscal year-end, may look like a regular workday for some, but HATC has something more to celebrate.

On Friday, July 17 ^th the HATC celebrated not only its successful year-end, but its long-lasting relationships within the community as well as its employees, by recognizing staff with 10+ years of service.

Here is the list of HATC dedicated staff that reached the 10+ year milestone ( from left to right ):

Renea Frazier, Housing Specialist, 16 years of service;
Debbie Honeycutt, Sr. Administrative Assistant, 14 years of service;
James Torres, UPCS Inspector, 14 years of service.
Christina Montes, Director of Voucher Programs, 13 years of service;
Joanne Lopez, Housing Specialist, 10 years of service;
Alfred Galvan, Maintenance Lead,14 years of service;

“Nothing else can quite substitute for a few well-chosen, well-timed, sincere words of praise. They’re absolutely free and worth a fortune.” – Sam Walton, founder of Walmart

The HATC Foundation

HATC Awarded $40,000 Grant to Support COVID-19 Fund Efforts

St. David’s Foundation recently awarded HATC with $40,000 to support general operating expenses for HATC’s COVID-19 Recovery Funds.

Recognizing the tumultuous impact of the pandemic, St. David’s Foundation has created a COVID-19 Recovery Fund to support non-profits like HATC that are serving on the front line of economic hardships. Through the devoted and skillful efforts of more than 60 grant partnerships, St. David’s Foundation has raised over $75 million pledges to aid in the health of Central Texas.

In partnership with BCL of Texas and with fund contributions from the St. David's Foundation, HATC will provide a safety net for 100 HATC families affected by COVID-19. The safety net will provide emergency financial assistance to families in the unrestricted amount of $400 and financial capability coaching to help families build their assets and make smart financial choices.

Scholarship Recipients

For the third consecutive year, the HATC Foundation awarded scholarships to graduating high school seniors, currently residing within one of HATC’s affordable housing communities and in a Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) household.

This year, two well-received seniors, Ruby Villanueva-Kellough, and Tyina Terry were both awarded $2,500 scholarships. Ruby aspires to pursue a career in Neuroscience. Tyina has plans to become a Nurse.

Additionally, the Southwest Regional Council of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (SWNAHRO), provided scholarships to families that reside in, work with, or who otherwise receive housing benefits from one of the associate agencies of the Council via its Annual Scholarship Program. Selected to receive a $1,000 scholarship within the Scholarship’s Category 2- Child of an Agency Staff, Patricia Martinez daughter of HATC Maintenance Lead Juan Martinez, will utilize these funds as she enters her Freshmen Year at St. Edward’s University to pursue a degree in Forensic Sociology. Juan Martinez is thrilled with his daughter’s higher education pursuits.

Free Books for HATC Youth

In partnership with the Austin Public Library, and to prepare for the new school year, HATC youth living at Summit Oaks and Alexander Oaks Apartments will be receiving FREE books the first week of August. Families are welcome to stop by the bookmobile and receive free books at our outdoor table. These books are yours to keep forever, no need to return them to the library.

Summit Oaks Apartments Book Distribution

Tuesday, August 4, 2020 | 9AM–10AM

11607 Sierra Nevada

Austin, Texas 78759

Alexander Oaks Apartments Book Distribution

Thursday, May 28, 2020 | 3:30PM–5PM

6119 Valiant Circle

Austin, Texas 78749