Celebrating 20 YEARS of developing affordable homes  

and improving Houston communities

When Aristeo and Maria Gallardo purchased their first home in 2008, they didn't imagine their sons would soon follow in their footsteps and purchase their own Avenue CDC homes in 2009 and 2010.  For the Gallardo Family, Avenue CDC homes have truly become a family tradition. 

Three years ago, Aristeo and Maria lived in an apartment in Downtown Houston with their two sons Aristeo Jr. and Adan.  The apartment was small and did not accommodate their growing family.  Aristeo and Maria recalled, "We were uncomfortable, there was no privacy.  We were tired of paying rent for something that wasn't ours.  We couldn't make any changes because it wasn't ours....and we wanted a safe place for our grandkids to play." 

One day, a friend told Maria about Avenue CDC's homebuyer classes, and she and Aristeo decided to go to an Avenue workshop at a local church.  "We were so excited to learn about what Avenue does and the down payment assistance programs, that we went to see the houses they were building that same day." Aristeo shared.  Maria and Aristeo immediately took the homebuyer class and chose an Avenue home, however the model they liked was already under contract.  Maria and Aristeo decided to wait the eight months it would take to construct another home, often visiting the site to see their home take shape.  Aristeo fondly remembers, "We even got to select the color of the carpet and paint!"

The Gallardo's are thrilled with their new home.  "It's been wonderful, " Aristeo said.  "It's spacious, and we have a backyard that's safe for our grandchildren to play in.  We put in our own garden, and have begun decorating like we'd always wanted."  

Within a few months, Aristeo Jr. and soon his brother Adan also began the homebuying process.  Both brothers had growing families, and they not only wanted more space and a safe place for their children, but also wanted the financial benefits of homeownership.  Adan's wife Maria explained, "Purchasing a home is an investment for our family's future.  We want to have a stable place for our kids, we don't want to pay rent for something that's not ours." 

When beginning their process, both brothers immediately went to Avenue CDC because they trusted the homebuyer counseling staff.  Now each owns their own home, and enjoys living in the Northside-minutes from their parents, the new Northline rail line, shopping and parks.  Most importantly, the Gallardo family has created a generational tradition of homeownership.  Aristeo put it best, "You have to make a decision and go for it.  Home ownership is a great opportunity for your family.  Avenue CDC will help you achieve your goal".    

Avenue CDC has added a new option for homebuyer education:  an on-line course developed by eHomeAmerica.   The goal is to provide access to homebuyer education for clients who cannot attend a traditional class due to work schedules or childcare challenges.  eHomeAmerica is a partnership between NeighborWorks America® and Community Ventures Corporation (CVC), a NeighborWorks® Chartered Member based in Lexington, Kentucky. 

For those who prefer a traditional classroom experience, Avenue CDC continues to offer weekly classes at our Neighborhworks Homeownership Center, 707 Quitman Street, Houston TX 77007.  And all  Avenue CDC clients continue to enjoy unlimited access to one-on-one counseling with Avenue CDC's homebuyer counselors.   

Houston's first subdivision of affordable LEED-certified single-family homes is now under construction at the former FedEx freight site on Irvington Boulevard.  The subdivision of 95 homes is adjacent to 144 apartments completed earlier this year, and includes an acre of parkland with a playground and walking trail for residents in and around the neighborhood.

"Avenue CDC is excited to be building to LEED standards at Avenue Place," noted Marilyn Vanderhider, Avenue's Director of Single-Family Housing.  LEED, the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is a third-party certification program and the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings. LEED promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability by recognizing performance in five key areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality.  Construction on the first phase of Avenue Place homes will be complete in Spring 2012. 

Avenue Terrace, the adjacent 144 apartments completed this spring, were leased within three months of opening.  Resident Emilio Aguilar told the Houston Chronicle, "It's been a total change for me and my family...we feel safe.  We have peace of mind...we have a washer and dryer, and everything else in between that we've never really had access to at an affordable price."  The apartments serve a variety of income levels, and amenities include a pool, fitness center, and playground.  

Avenue CDC's mission is to improve our community by developing affordable housing and economic opportunities, while preserving our area's economic, cultural, and historical diversity.

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