Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
Robert “Bobby” Calvillo, longtime CEO of Affordable Homes of South Texas (AHSTI), was recently honored posthumously as McAllen and Hidalgo County declared the first official “Robert ‘Bobby’ Calvillo Day.” The tribute celebrates a man whose “leadership, heart, and belief in people changed lives across South Texas.”
Calvillo, who passed away following a life dedicated to expanding affordable housing, died on May 19, 2025, at age 62.
On the morning of the dedication, Calvillo’s family and members of the AHSTI team joined the Hidalgo County Commissioners Court for a special proclamation. AHSTI shared that it was “a beautiful reminder of the respect and admiration Bobby earned throughout our region—and beyond.” A luncheon followed, described as “heartfelt,” with colleagues recalling Bobby not merely as their CEO, but as “our mentor, our friend, and the soul of this organization.”
Under his leadership, AHSTI built or rehabilitated an average of 100 homes per year—up from just 23 annually when he began—and expanded to include services ranging from mortgage lending to homebuyer education. NeighborWorks America honored him with its 2025 Founders Award. He reflected, “The relationships are important… These people become friends. It’s easier to come to work when you’re working with friends.”
The celebration of Bobby’s legacy continues through the “Calvillo’s Bench” initiative, ensuring that “he didn’t just build homes. He built people. And he built us into something stronger, more compassionate, more determined.”
Local institutions also paid tribute. The City of Mission mourned a “mentor, a friend, and a steady light in our community”, and the McAllen Chamber remembered him as a “thoughtful leader and a powerful advocate for families in our region”.
In conjunction with the dedication, the McAllen Housing Commission and AHSTI renamed their annual 5K fundraiser as the “Robert ‘Bobby’ Calvillo Home is Where the Heart Is 5K Run/Walk” to sustain his mission in affordable housing.
The establishment of Robert “Bobby” Calvillo Day serves not only as a civic honor but also as a lasting reminder of the impact one leader can have. As AHSTI reaffirmed: “His legacy is alive in everything we do… we continue the work he started.
