In a heartfelt nod to single moms ahead of Mother's Day, Austin Habitat for Humanity has put tools in the hands of women to build a better future, literally. Volunteers geared up to construct 12 new townhomes in East Austin, with 11 earmarked for single mothers struggling against the city's soaring real estate prices. One future homeowner, Melissa Bowman, who's been on an exhaustive 16-year quest for affordability, told KVUE, "It's my home, and I felt like I was getting pushed out."

While Bowman and other recipients await the completion of their homes slated for fall, Habitat for Humanity hasn't paused in its mission, breaking ground on its largest project to date: Persimmon Point in southeast Austin. Per CBS Austin, the development will boast 126 cost-conscious homes in a city where the median home price hovers around $605,000, a daunting figure for many, but Habitat strives to change that narrative.

Habitat for Humanity's initiatives work on a model that fuses donor generosity, city bonds, and bank-coordinated low-interest loans for prospective homeowners. Each family invests more than just money - 200 hours of sweat equity goes into not only their own abodes but their neighbors' houses as well. "We don't give houses away, people buy those houses, and they work really, really hard," said Amy Ledbetter, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Texas, during an interview with CBS Austin.

Meanwhile, the tireless efforts extend beyond the construction site, Habitat has made it clear that hitting the hammer, isn't enough, with Ledbetter emphasizing the role of government in affordable housing, "Policy makes a difference," she told CBS Austin, "Anybody should be able to afford a decent place to live." Michele Anderson, CEO of Austin Habitat for Humanity, echoed the sentiment about the importance of homeownership in building family wealth and providing stability during her conversation with CBS Austin.

Residents interested in owning a piece of the American Dream through Habitat for Humanity can find application information on the organization's website, as the nonprofit continues cranking out homes for those in need. East Austin's Circulo de Amistad will soon not just be a street name, but a community circle brimming with hope for those who once saw homeownership as a distant wish.