About - Oaklake Community Housing Development Organization

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Our History

In 1995, Oaklake Executive Director and Founder JOT Couch was approached by a group of community members with a single focus: To rehabilitate a local low-income development that had become detrimental to the lives of its residents, gaining an unfavorable reputation throughout the area. With smart financial investment and the implementation of free services designed to uplift and empower residents, the community of Oaklake was transformed and renamed The Bridges of Hope as a symbol of resilience.

Mission

To develop quality affordable housing that exceeds expectations, empowers residents and fosters community and connection.

Vision

To build community, expand our impact and advocate for positive change in the field of affordable housing.

What We Do

With a multi-decade legacy in attainable housing development in the state of Texas, Oaklake received its Community Housing Development Organization designation in 2002, affirming our long history of high standards and accountability. Today, we continue to proudly serve low-income families and seniors, addressing the nation’s housing crisis by building and maintaining tight-knit communities and collaborating with an alliance of nonprofits to provide stewardship, services and support.

As managing member or owner of a considerable portfolio of properties, Oaklake is governed by a board of directors with direct housing experience, one-third of which is reserved for elected residents from our developments.

Oaklake is mission-centered, focused on advocacy and collaboration towards a common goal. As part of the Inter-Faith Group, a coalition of independently-owned nonprofits that is vertically integrated via real estate development, housing management and resident services, we share a collective mission to create high-quality affordable housing and empower residents worldwide.

People need stability to flourish. That means a home that works for them, and a community founded in support and connection. This is what Oaklake has strived to create for nearly 30 years. Today, we are:

Oaklake Community Housing Development:

We own, develop and assist in the preservation of affordable housing communities. As principal borrowers and general partners for low-income developments across Texas, we are adept at handling market feasibility, negotiation, land and project acquisition, financing and more.

Oaklake Horizon Consulting

We provide direct representation on behalf of an owner or borrower, including controlling fixed costs such as property taxes, utilities and insurance, stabilizing operations and increasing net income.