Photo: Dabney Oliver		Casa Verde Builders
					Since 1993, Casa Verde Builders, has been building single-family, energy efficient sustainable houses in East Austin - providing homes for families who might otherwise never have the opportunity to own one. These homes are built by Americorps Volunteers, young people between the ages of 17-25 who work for minimum wage and receive an educational award at the end of their year of service.
		Casa Verde is a program of the American Institute for Learning, so those who participate are also able to pursue their GED or diploma through the AIL Charter School. Many of these Americorps members are at-risk youth, more than half have been involved in the criminal justice system; the Casa Verde program encourages them to see that they can be a positive force in their community. When the homes are completed they are sold to low income families at a purchase price of $64,000 with homebuyer assistance provided by a combination of federal, state and local funds. Because Casa Verde homes are 35% more energy efficient than traditionally built affordable housing, homeowners realize long term savings in the form of lower utility bills. Casa Verde Builders is a national model program. With its unique workforce and strong partnerships, Casa Verde is forging a community wide effort to bring affordable housing to Austin - one house at a time.