The snowy weather conditions that recently hit Austin brought more than just snowball fights and the desire to have a warm toasty drink. For the first time in history, the entire state of Texas was put under a Winter Storm Advisory. With the extreme drop in temperatures and accumulation in snowfall and ice, Austin residents in all area codes experienced week-long power outages, water shortages and empty grocery aisles.

Nearly 222,000 Austin Energy customers lost power throughout that week. Additionally, resource supplies became scarce as residents stocked up on goods before roads and sidewalks became slick and dangerous to be on. In the midst of the winter freeze, several cold weather shelters and warming centers were operated 24/7 throughout Austin to accommodate the city’s vulnerable populations.

The unexpected and unforgiving weather led hundreds of individuals to take advantage of the shelters and warming centers. Having a warm, secure place to call home was regrettably not what every Austinite could say they had during the frigid week.

At Civilitude, part of our mission and focus is to expand the affordable housing opportunities available in Austin. Doing things right for the Austin community is at the height of our concerns in each and every of our projects. As we continue to work towards creating more affordable housing, we can hope for everyone to have a place to call home.