Through Builders Care Austin, local infill builders and associated trades raised over $8,500 to help the 130 low-income Blackshear Elementary families afford back-to-school supplies. Builders Care Austin has raised funds for the award-winning Blackshear Elementary in the past, which were allocated toward paying down student lunch debt, the after-school tutoring program, and providing masks for food service workers during the pandemic.
This year Blackshear Elementary’s Principal, Tiona Bell, provided Builders Care with a list by grade of the supplies each student needs for the school year, which came to an average cost of a staggering $215 per student. Builders Care Austin’s initial goal was to raise $5,000, which would provide 100 families with $50 gift cards for backto school expenses. However, in a matter of 36 hours $8,500 was raised, which allowed for a total of 130 families to receive $65 gift cards for school supplies.
“Each Builders Care gift card allows a family to buy food, clothing, and much-needed supplies. It also gives each family a choice in buying what is needed for their specific family. Our community always appreciates the incredibly generous support from Builders Care. Thank you for helping our students succeed.”–Tiona Bell, Principal, Blackshear Elementary
Builders Care Austin presented the gift cards to the school on August 18th, 2023 at Blackshear Elementary School.
Builders Care Austin is extremely appreciative of its members who are always willing to help the community and, along with the Austin Infill Coalition, believe in empowering the communities within which we work. Infill builders deliver housing inside the city in existing neighborhoods near job centers, which is easier on the environment than suburban building and less of a strain on the municipal budget since infill building optimizes existing infrastructure in city service areas.
If you would like to know more about the Austin Infill Coalition, please contact 512infill@gmail.com. For more information concerning Builders Care Austin, please contact ed.ishmael@ilawpc.com.