The St. John Development Organization
Recently formed, the SJDO looks to model after other local and national Community Housing Development Organizations in an attempt to build, restore, and maintain affordable housing. Their specific focus is in the St. John Neighborhood – a low-income community in central-east Austin. The goal is to develop quality and affordable housing and encourages individual and family self-sufficiency through homeownership. Across the United States, other CHDO’s have served tens of thousands of families through providing economic development, education, and real estate development. Post-race, the first targets for the SJDO will be two houses that the city currently owns. Through restoration of these houses, they can be rented or sold at affordable rates in an effort to stabilize mobility.
St. John Neighborhood Association
The voice for the St. John Community, the neighborhood spearheads events such as HopeFest and Community Clean-Ups. They work side-by-side with local police, elected officials, churches, and numerous other organizations to ensure the very best for the SJC. Interested in learning more? Contact Neighborhood Association President Allen Weeks at aweeks@austin.rr.com.
Reagan High School Cross Country Team
Given the lowest budget by the athletic department, the Reagan Cross Country team was unable to provide the athletes with shoes or shorts last year. Through a trade agreement of services, part of the proceeds raised during the race will go directly back to the squad as they prepare for the ’09 season. Interested in giving directly to the team? Contact Coach Michelle Landry Washington at michelle.landry@austinisd.org.
