Car parade and habitat home inspire hope for the future

Imagine a long line of cars with streamers tied to the antennas, filled with drivers and passengers wearing different color shirts, stopping along the way to pick up goody bags, touring an up-and-coming neighborhood and passing by The House That Credit Unions Built. This car parade was led by UFCU’s community affairs team, who invited other credit unions and the Austin Chapter of Credit Unions to participate.

The House That Credit Unions Built, a home project for Habitat for Humanity in Austin, is being erected by the Austin Chapter of Credit Unions and employees from six area credit unions:

• A+ Federal Credit Union
• Amplify Credit Union
• Austin Telco Federal Credit Union
• Velocity Credit Union
• Greater Texas Credit Union
• UFCU

UFCU is leading the effort, providing the highest sponsorship level and the most volunteers. “We are leaders but are collaborating with five other credit unions in the region, and habitat tells us that it’s the first time that credit unions have come together to work on a home,” said Monica Maldonado Williams, manager of social impact & community affairs for UFCU. “It’s really special because we’re working alongside each other to get this home built for a very special client.”

UFCU CEO Tony Budet added, “We are proud to be part of the first collaborative credit union Habitat for Humanity build in the nation to support the very meaningful work done by this fine organization. The credit union movement was built on the concept of ‘people helping people,’ especially those of modest means. We look forward to standing alongside the volunteers, leaders, and organizations that uplift our communities.”

Employees from A+FCU cheer on drivers as they pass through the parade route to celebrate ICU Day.