Our Austin office participated in the Real Estate Council of Austin’s Christmas in October event benefiting the Blackland Community Development Corporation (CDC). Nearly 100 volunteers redesigned and renovated the Blackland CDC’s shared conservatory and play spaces, giving residents a better place to spend quality time with their family, friends, and neighbors. Volunteers constructed a gazebo and neighborhood entryway, installed new swings, painted houses, and constructed picnic tables, flower beds, and gardens. More than $92,000 was raised in cash and in-kind donations leading up to the volunteer event.

The Blackland CDC was created in 1983 to provide neighborhood stability through transitional and permanent supportive housing for families of moderately low to very low incomes. Its mission is to retain the Blackland neighborhood as an inclusive, affordable place families can thrive through a variety of social services and housing options. Much of their funding comes from private donations and city administered HUD funds, which have been used to acquire and/or build 56 units scattered throughout the 28-block neighborhood on the east side of I-35 in Austin.