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About us
For over 50 years, the Housing Authority of Travis County has empowered low-income families by connecting them with safe, decent, and affordable housing.
What we do
HATC helps people find stable housing and build stronger futures. We create safe, affordable, and livable housing options for families, seniors, and individuals across Travis County, and we connect residents to the rental assistance and housing programs they need to thrive. By working closely with property owners, landlords, and community partners, we help expand access to quality housing, remove barriers to stability, and open more doors to opportunity.
But our work goes beyond housing alone. We know lasting stability also depends on access to support, resources, and opportunities for growth. That’s why we connect residents to programs and services that promote self-sufficiency, including financial education, career development, and other community-based resources. Whether someone is searching for an affordable home, using rental assistance, or working to move beyond homelessness, HATC is committed to helping people build stronger futures and supporting more inclusive communities throughout Travis County.
For over 50 years, HATC has served as a trusted partner in the community, working to meet today’s housing needs while helping shape a stronger future for Travis County. Our mission is rooted in the belief that safe, stable housing can change lives. By pairing housing opportunities with thoughtful support and strong partnerships, we help individuals and families build security, pursue opportunity, and take the next step toward long-term success.
Reflecting over the last half-century
Our Executive Director Patrick Howard reflects on our half-century of service, and what's in store ahead.
As we enter a new year, we do so with optimism, purpose, and a renewed mission and vision guiding our work. This marks the Housing Authority of Travis County’s 51st year of service, following a meaningful milestone we celebrated just last month- 50 years of serving our community- commemorated with our first-ever gala.
We extend our sincere gratitude to our residents, sponsors, guests, partners, staff, Board of Commissioners, speakers, entertainers, banquet staff, and all who contributed to making this unforgettable evening possible.
For more than five decades, it has been our privilege to serve this community and to continually expand and strengthen our resident services. We were honored to hear a special toast from our guest speaker, Mark Thiele, CEO of NAHRO, who so eloquently recognized this milestone.
We look ahead to 2026 with enthusiasm, focused on enhancing the resident experience, strengthening partnerships, and continuing our daily commitment to addressing the needs of our community and unhoused.
Cheers to a new year and the work ahead.
Sincerely,
Patrick B. Howard
CEO and Executive Director
Our 51st year
As we begin our next half-century of service, we are:
Equipping residents with personalized coaching and practical tools to reach their financial goals
Nourishing seniors with free monthly fresh produce and community support
Engaging seniors through community activities to foster friendship and overall wellness
Supporting students with financial assistance to reward academic excellence and community leadership
Guiding youth through supportive mentorship to build confidence and unlock future possibilities
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Supporting residents with free daily bus passes to access employment and essential services
Rewarding students for academic achievement to encourage educational success
Preparing high school seniors for higher education through comprehensive planning support and incentives
Learn more about our vision and goals in our 2026-30 Strategic Plan
Strategic Plan →Our mission & vision
The principles that guide our work to build stronger, more inclusive communities.
Mission
Vision
Our core values
Learn about the values that guide us as an organization.
Integrity
Excellence
Sustainability
Innovation
Transparency
Respect
Empathy
Our impact
We're proud of the difference we've be able to make on the lives of the individuals and families we've served.
74 Families & Individuals Housed
6 Affordable Housing Communities
700+ Families Supported with Rental Assistance
Our journey
From our earliest days to our most recent achievements, this timeline celebrates the people and events that make HATC what it is today.
1970s
Housing Authority created
First major developments break ground
“
We have found that there are many low-income people who prefer to live outside the city. One of our criteria was to locate the housing in a neighborhood, so the residents could go to the schools there and attend the churches there and be integrated into the neighborhood.
— Mary Lee Claborn, founding executive director of HATC
”
1980s
Summit Oaks opens
Alexander and Eastern Oaks open
“
We tried to make the duplexes blend in and not say ‘We are low-rent housing’.
— Mary Lee Claborn, founding executive director of HATC
”
1990s
Voucher program established
Carson Creek Homes expands HATC’s footprint
Shelter Plus Care program established
“
The Housing Authority gave me a place not just to live but to be alive.
— David Martinez, CoC program participant
”
2000s
Manor Town Apartments opens for seniors and people with disabilities
“
We had good neighbors. Nobody bothered nobody... It was pretty. We had pretty hedges, the lawn and everything was nice.
— Mrs. Barbara, Manor Town resident
”
2010s
RAD conversion secures long-term affordability
The HATC Foundation is established
“
Recognizing the need for a platform to serve as a springboard to empower HATC residents and improve their quality of life, I realized that HATC required a dedicated entity to promote resident self-sufficiency. This understanding inspired the creation of the HATC Foundation.
— Patrick Howard, HATC Executive Director & CEO
”
2020s
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Moving to Work designation expands innovation
Groundbreaking of Manor Town II
Family Self-Sufficiency program established
Manor Town II opens
Carson Creek completes renovations
“
It’s great to be back, great to be back in my new home. You’ve done a fantastic job, making it happen.
— Robert Kittling, Carson Creek resident
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