UFCU Fosters "The House That Credit Unions Built"

Austin Area Credit Union Collaboration with Habitat for Humanity is the First of its Kind in the Nation

Austin, TEXAS, October 28, 2020 — Credit unions everywhere share a commitment to social responsibility in their communities, but never before in the United States has a city’s credit unions come together as one to construct a home with Habitat for Humanity. They call it "The House that Credit Unions Built," inspired by UFCU's belief that the availability of affordable housing is a strong indicator of our community's financial health.

Turning its beliefs into action, UFCU formed a coalition of seven cooperatives and approached Austin Habitat with the idea of a group of local credit unions collaborating on a home build. There are seven principles all credit unions share, and this initiative brings two of them to life: cooperation among cooperatives and concern for the community.

The credit unions’ employees are doing physical, hands-on construction work together, forming bonds with one another while contributing to a deserving person's financial stability and security that otherwise couldn't afford a home of their own.

At the same time, the home build calls attention to the need for available, affordable housing for everyone. Along with education and employment, housing affordability is a pillar of UFCU’s social purpose: strengthening the financial health of individuals, and in turn, the entire community.

“We are proud to be part of the first collaborative credit union Habitat for Humanity build in the nation and to support the significant work done by this fine organization. The credit union movement was built on the philosophy of people helping people, especially those of modest means. This is just one way we are living our social purpose while standing with the volunteers, leaders, and organizations that uplift our communities.” said UFCU CEO and President Tony Budet.

This build is the first credit union team-up in the nation for any Habitat for Humanity affiliate. UFCU brought together the credit unions pioneering this build, including A+ Federal Credit Union, Amplify Credit Union, Austin Chapter of Credit Unions, Austin TELCO Federal Credit Union, Greater Texas Credit Union, and Velocity Credit Union.

“We are thrilled to partner with these seven credit unions for The House That Credit Unions Built. This is the first time in the nation that credit unions have joined together to build a home for a Habitat for Humanity affiliate. What a wonderful example of service and collaboration! It has been a joy to work alongside the credit union employees and witness their love of this community,” said Austin Habitat for Humanity CEO Phyllis Snodgrass.

The build is taking place from September 10 until November 19, with volunteers from the participating credit unions working on the construction site every Thursday during that time. The home is located in Austin Habitat’s Scenic Point neighborhood in Northeast Austin off Johnny Morris Road.

October 15 marked International Credit Union Day. At 12 PM, the seven credit unions hosted a car parade through the Scenic Point neighborhood to celebrate with the future homeowner and to raise awareness about the need for affordable homeownership in Austin and Central Texas.

About UFCU
As a Member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative, UFCU is passionate about changing lives and strengthening communities. With more than 320,000 Members in Central Texas and Galveston County and assets under management exceeding $3.7 billion, UFCU offers a variety of products, services, and education programs to empower Members in achieving financial health. To learn more, visit UFCU.org.

About Austin Habitat for Humanity
Driven by a vision that everyone deserves a decent place to live, Austin Habitat for Humanity builds strong, stable, and self-reliant communities in Central Texas. People partner with Austin Habitat for Humanity to build or improve a place that they call home. Through home, we empower.

If you would like to help fully fund this house for the deserving homeowner who otherwise would not have the opportunity to own their own home, you may do so here. Contact Andrew Donilon, Annual Giving Manager for Austin Habitat for Humanity, at [email protected] for more information.