Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
In a continued commitment to fostering positive change, Texas Community Bank (TCB), a locally owned and community-oriented financial institution rooted along the South Texas-Mexico border, has delivered a $3,500 donation to Affordable Homes of South Texas (AHST). This annual donation highlights the bank’s dedication to supporting nonprofits that address critical community needs, particularly housing and homeownership.
Connie Gonzalez, Vice President and Branch Manager for Texas Community Bank expressed immense pride in representing an institution deeply embedded in the community.
“It’s great, very gratifying,” said Connie. “It feels really good to be welcomed by these organizations. The donations go a long way for the community. I’m happy to be part of this great financial institution that gives a lot to the community, and I’m one of the ones that can come out, deliver these donations, and see the smiles.”
AHST President and CEO Bobby Calvillo, who has been with the organization for nearly 29 years, emphasized the significance of Texas Community Bank’s support.
“We are always pleased to see our friends from Texas Community Bank providing us with an annual donation,” said Calvillo. “Those unrestricted funds are very hard to get, but they’re very valuable. We can help families that need help without the red tape usually attached to federal monies.”
These funds enable AHST to assist families in need directly without the bureaucratic hurdles typically tied to other funding sources. “We can use it to help people without having to ask a thousand questions and get copies of this and copies of that. To go help people is what we love to do,” Calvillo explained.
Nearly 50 Years of Housing Impact
Since its inception almost 50 years ago, AHST has been a leader in addressing substandard living conditions in South Texas. From its humble beginnings as a community-driven initiative, the organization has grown into a leading force for affordable housing, providing nearly 5,000 homes through new construction and rehabilitation.
Recently, AHST expanded its services to include a subdivision in Harlingen, Texas, a significant milestone in its mission to serve the entire Rio Grande Valley.
“Among other services, we are also the general contractor; we have the freedom to make changes as needed and save significant costs,” said Calvillo. “This allows us to focus on what matters most—empowering families through homeownership.”
Jonathan Coody, Vice President and Commercial Loan Officer at Texas Community Bank, reflected on the importance of partnerships like this one. Having been with TCB for nine years, Coody recognizes the importance of collaboration.
“At Texas Community Bank, we firmly believe in collaboration. Together, we can create meaningful change that uplifts families and strengthens our community,” said Coody. “It is with immense gratitude that we support the Affordable Homes of South Texas mission in offering this monetary donation.”
Coody also commended the efforts of AHST’s leadership and staff. “I’d like to thank Bobby Calvillo and the Affordable Homes of South Texas team for tireless efforts to help families and foster hope in our community. We are excited to continue building on this partnership, making the dream of homeownership a reality for so many here in the Rio Grande Valley.”
Calvillo perfectly summarized the partnership: “ Texas Community Bank’s contributions are invaluable, allowing us to serve the community as we love to do.”
