FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 14, 2025

Austin Habitat for Humanity Receives $1 Million Matching Gift from Michael & Susan Dell Foundation to Build 25 Affordable Homes

Austin, TX — For the first time, Austin will host Habitat for Humanity’s signature Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project, a national build that brings thousands of volunteers together in one community for a single week. To support this historic opportunity, the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation has committed a $1 million matching gift to Austin Habitat for Humanity, enabling the construction of 25 affordable homes during the Carter Work Project. Every donation through September will be matched dollar for dollar — doubling the impact and bringing stable homeownership within reach for more Central Texas families.

“Stable homeownership creates a foundation for families to invest in their futures,” said Michele Anderson, CEO of Austin Habitat for Humanity. “It allows parents to build financial security, helps children succeed in school, and strengthens the entire community. This matching gift isn’t just an investment in affordable housing. It’s an investment in the long-term strength of our region.”

The Carter Work Project, taking place Oct. 26-31, will mark Austin Habitat’s expansion into eastern Travis County, with homes built in Whisper Valley — the first fully geothermal neighborhood in the United States. By pairing geothermal heat pumps with solar panels, each home will produce more energy than it consumes, lowering utility bills and improving long-term financial stability for homeowners.

Austin Habitat’s high-quality homes are intentionally priced to be attainable for middle-income earners, including first-time buyers earning between 60% and 80% of the area median income. These future homeowners include teachers, service industry workers and families with children, residents who are essential to Austin but often excluded from traditional homebuying options.

With less than three months until construction begins, the matching gift from the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation sets the stage for the community to help reach Austin Habitat’s fundraising goal and deliver stable, affordable homes for Central Texas families. Donations made now will go twice as far in helping families build stability and long-term financial security.

The 2025 Carter Work Project is made possible through the generous support of several major sponsors who have invested deeply in this effort, including the Musk Foundation, the Adam R. Scripps Foundation, Travis County, Wells Fargo, Delta Airlines, GAF, H-E-B, MasterBrand, St. David’s Foundation, Frost Bank and Whirlpool.

For more information on sponsorship opportunities for the 2025 Carter Work Project visit https://austinhabitat.org/get-involved/carter-work-project-2025/ or email CWP@ahfh.org.

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About Austin Habitat for Humanity

Throughout its 40-year history, Austin Habitat for Humanity has built over 570 new homes and repaired more than 435 homes across Bastrop, Blanco, Caldwell, Hays, and Travis counties. As part of the global Habitat for Humanity network, the organization is dedicated to its mission of building homes, communities and hope. Each year, with the support of volunteers, community partners, and donors, Austin Habitat provides affordable homeownership opportunities, critical repairs, and financial education, empowering families to create lasting change for themselves and future generations. In 2025, Austin will have the honor of hosting the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project, furthering its commitment to building a stronger Central Texas and honoring the Carters’ extraordinary legacy. Learn more at austinhabitat.org to get involved.