Housing Authority created
After Travis County Housing Coordinator Mary Lee Claborn urged the Commissioners Court to form a countywide housing authority, the court unanimously approved and appointed a five‑member board. HUD ratified the new Housing Authority of Travis County on December 23, 1975, establishing HATC’s mandate to pursue federal resources and deliver affordable housing across Travis County.
First major developments break ground
In 1979, HUD cleared the way for HATC’s first major developments by approving sites for Summit Oaks and Eastern Oaks. Construction launched soon after, signaling the Authority’s transition from concept to bricks-and-mortar delivery. These communities laid the foundation for HATC’s long-term portfolio and offered new, stable homes for families outside the City of Austin’s public housing footprint.
Summit Oaks opens
The first resident moved into the newly-built Summit Oaks property, marking the beginning of a community and the fulfillment of HATC's core mission to provide stable, welcoming housing.
Alexander and Eastern Oaks open
The opening of Alexander and Eastern Oaks brought, along with Summit Oaks, a total of 105 units to the community.
Voucher program established
With approval from HUD, HATC established its Housing Choice Voucher program. This program provided families with a voucher, empowering them to choose their own home in the private market. For people, this meant the freedom to live in a neighborhood that was closer to a new job, had better schools for their children, or was near family support.
Carson Creek Homes expands HATC’s footprint
Amid the federal wind‑down of failed savings-and-loan assets, HATC received 16 duplex-style units in the Carson Creek Homes community from the FDIC acting for the Resolution Trust Corporation. The transfer expanded HATC’s reach in southeast Travis County and preserved existing affordable housing at a moment when many similar properties were being lost to market pressures and redevelopment.
Shelter Plus Care program established
HATC embraced the federal Shelter Plus Care program (the precursor to today's Continuum of Care), creating a vital safety net for homeless individuals living with disabilities.
Manor Town Apartments opens for seniors and people with disabilities
HATC opened Manor Town Apartments, a 33‑unit community designed for seniors and people with disabilities. With a mix of one- and two‑bedroom homes reserved for residents at or below 30% and 60% of area median income, Manor Town added deeply affordable, age-friendly housing outside central Austin, bringing services, accessibility, and long-term affordability to a growing part of eastern Travis County.
RAD conversion secures long-term affordability
Building on HUD’s RAD initiative, HATC completed its conversion of 105 former public housing units at Alexander Oaks, Summit Oaks, and Eastern Oaks to long-term Project‑Based Rental Assistance on November 1, 2016. The shift created stable operating subsidies and reinvestment tools, protecting affordability while enabling modernizations that would have been difficult under the traditional public housing program.
The HATC Foundation is established
Recognizing that stability requires more than just housing, the HATC Board of Commissioners created The HATC Foundation. This step established a nonprofit arm dedicated to providing supportive services to residents.
Moving to Work designation expands innovation
HATC was selected by HUD for the Moving to Work (MTW) Expansion, Cohort 1, a designation reserved for innovative small agencies. MTW status grants flexibility to test locally responsive rent policies, streamline administration, and expand housing choice while meeting federal objectives. The designation allows HATC to tailor solutions to Travis County’s needs and reinvest savings into resident outcomes.
Groundbreaking of Manor Town II
HATC held a groundbreaking ceremony for Manor Town II, a promise to the community's seniors that more safe, beautiful, and affordable homes were coming, allowing them to remain in the community they love.
Family Self-Sufficiency program established
HATC launches its Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program, a powerful tool for economic empowerment. This voluntary program provides coaching and financial incentives to help families achieve their goals.
Manor Town II opens
Fulfilling the promise made in 2023, HATC welcomes the first residents to the newly completed Manor Town II. This beautiful new building is more than just apartments; it's a place for residents to thrive, socialize, and age with the dignity they deserve.
Carson Creek completes renovations
HATC completes a major rehabilitation of the Carson Creek community, transforming the homes of existing residents. This project represents a profound investment in the people who already call HATC home. For families at Carson Creek, the end of construction reveals modern kitchens, energy-efficient upgrades, and improved community spaces. It’s a renewal that brings not only a higher quality of life but also a renewed sense of pride in their homes and community.
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