Celebrating 80 Years of Transforming Lives

When HACA's doors opened in 1937, the agency was a pioneer in public housing – the first in the nation.

In our 80th year, our core values remain constant as we serve the neediest in our community while continuing to develop innovative housing solutions to help meet Austin's poverty challenges.

HACA was one of the first three housing authorities created in the United States as a result of the Housing Act of 1937, co-authored by Congressman Lyndon Johnson. Guaranteeing that Austin would always be able to boast having “the first housing authority in the United States,” Johnson ensured that the new housing authorities were listed in the statute alphabetically.

On December 23, 1937, HACA’s first organizational meeting was held, and the ground work began soon after for construction of its first public housing property. The first residents moved into Santa Rita Courts in 1939.

Later that year residents moved into Rosewood Courts, and in 1940 the last of the three original developments, Chalmers Courts, was ready for occupancy.

Today, HACA has 18 public housing developments with nearly 1,900 units, and administers the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program to subsidize housing in the private rental market for almost 6,000 low-income individuals and families. Many of HACA’s HCV special vouchers serve high-need populations.

In addition, HACA has added more than 2,000 high-quality affordable rental units to meet our city's housing needs through our nonprofit subsidiary Austin Affordable Housing Corporation.

From the Great Depression to the Information Age, HACA has given families and individuals a place to live that is more than just an address. The agency is creating and sustaining healthy, vibrant communities that promote individual responsibility, economic growth, human dignity and hope for the future.

Our residents toady are proud of the last eight decades. People who have lived and who now live in our public and affordable housing contribute to Austin's diverse social, cultural and economic tapestry. They have greater choice about where they live, and greater opportunity to achieve their dreams of self-sufficiency through education, workforce development and wellness programs.

We do everything in collaboration. HACA's impact is great because the agency, along with our community partners, stakeholders and residents, bring the community together. In the next decade, we look forward to building on the foundation that brings opportunity home.