Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
Affordable housing is a critical issue affecting communities across the United States, and the Rio Grande Valley and South Texas are no exception. However, there often needs to be more clarity and misinformation surrounding the work of organizations like the Housing Commission and Affordable Homes South Texas. This article aims to clarify what affordable housing means in McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley and how Affordable Homes of South Texas plays an essential role in supporting the community.
Master of Ceremonies for the program organized by Marcy Alamia, the Executive Director and VP of the Rio Grande Valley Builders Association, Inc., welcomed Bobby Calvillo, the Executive Director of Affordable Homes of South Texas. She introduced him as a passionate and devoted leader deeply committed to advancing the cause of affordable housing. During his speech, Calvillo eloquently discussed the region’s celebrated history and the profound positive changes brought about by initiatives aimed at making housing more accessible and affordable.
Calvillo highlighted the historical roots of affordable housing in South Texas, dating back to the 1970s. During this era, neighborhoods in McAllen like La Paloma and College Heights were plagued by horrible living conditions, where families resided in substandard housing with dirt floors and no inside plumbing. He told the audience that recognizing the urgency of the situation, community leaders took proactive steps. They launched a fundraising campaign that relied on private donations from local businesses and individuals to address this pressing issue. This initiative culminated in the creation of McAllen Housing Services in 1976, marking the inception of affordable housing programs in the region.
Affordable Homes of South Texas has evolved over the years, expanding its range of services to cater to the community’s diverse needs. In addition to home rehabilitation, the organization engages in subdivision development, home construction, mortgage lending, and counseling services. This comprehensive approach to the home-buying process reflects a commitment to making families not just homeowners but successful homeowners.
He said that one of the most significant challenges Affordable Homes of South Texas faces is the financial disparity between families’ income levels and the cost of housing. Many families in the region earn less than $20,000 per year, making the traditional housing market financially unattainable. The issue of affordability is paramount, and addressing it requires subsidies to assist families in qualifying for housing opportunities.
To tackle this challenge head-on, Affordable Homes of South Texas offers an array of counseling services. These services encompass credit repair, homebuyer education, post-purchase support, basic home repair classes, and guidance on insurance, including flood insurance. These resources empower families with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the complexities of homeownership successfully.
Calvillo told the audience, that Affordable Homes of South Texas has also ventured into social enterprises, including the ownership of a for-profit C corporation overseeing various companies with specific purposes. These endeavors include an insurance agency, a real estate company, a subdivision development company, property management, and a Medicare supplement program. These entities provide valuable services to families while upholding a mission of serving the underserved in the market.
Calvillo’s presentation gave a wider picture of the situation making clear that Affordable housing is not just a pressing issue; it is the cornerstone of a thriving community. The work carried out by organizations like the Affordable Homes of South Texas plays a crucial role in creating stable and sustainable living conditions for families in McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley. Their dedication to providing opportunities, bridging financial gaps, and empowering families to become successful homeowners is commendable.
Calvillo has served as the Executive Director of Affordable Homes for an impressive 27 years, and when he first joined, the annual home production stood at a modest 23 homes. Now, this organization has undergone a remarkable transformation since Calvillo assumed the role of director for the nonprofit home builder.
Today, Affordable Homes handles every aspect of the housing process in-house. They take on construction, mortgage lending, counseling, and various other essential services. This holistic approach is designed to alleviate the intimidation often associated with the complex process of securing a home. The organization’s goal is to make this journey less burdensome for individuals and families navigating the intricate pathways of home ownership.
Calvillo is originally from Weslaco, and Elva humorously claims that he could have done better in getting to McAllen sooner, and following closely behind by former McAllen Mayor and current Hidalgo County Judge Cortez’s footsteps. In addition to his role as CEO, Bobby is also involved with TU CASA Investments, a for-profit corporation that falls under the umbrella of Affordable Homes’ social enterprises. Texas Border Business takes immense pride in recognizing Calvillo for the exceptional work he has accomplished throughout his dedicated tenure.
As the issue of affordable housing continues to loom large across the nation, the South Texas community can take pride in the progress to address this challenge head-on. Bobby Calvillo’s final message resonates strongly: “The commitment to affordable housing is a commitment to the well-being and prosperity of the entire community.”
