Affordable Homes of South Texas, Inc. (AHSTI): Leading with Purpose and Performance

For nearly 50 years, Affordable Homes of South Texas, Inc. (AHSTI) has been a cornerstone of affordable, energy-efficient homebuilding in the Rio Grande Valley. Founded in 1976, the non profit has helped more than 4,700 families achieve the dream of homeownership while helping to lower energy costs and improving comfort for them. As a recognized leader in verified high-performance construction, AHSTI continues to strengthen South Texas communities by expanding access to safe, durable, and energy-efficient homes for families most in need.

AHSTI’s impact was shaped for three decades under the leadership of Bobby Calvillo, whose commitment to service and helping families succeed defined the organization’s mission.Following his untimely passing in May 2025, AHSTI has continued forward under CEO MyraMartinez, previously the organization’s chief operating officer. Her leadership honors Calvillo’s legacy and spirit, and reinforces AHSTI’s focus on providing homeownership opportunities, homeowner education, and long-term stability through superior energy-efficient homes for the region’s disadvantaged families.

Every new AHSTI home is verified to ENERGY STAR® and BUILT TO SAVE® standards, with HERS scores often in the 40s—well above Texas minimum energy code requirements.These high-performance homes deliver lower utility bills, improved comfort, and reduced maintenance costs, thus helping families remain financially secure long after move-in.

Beginning with its newest community currently under development, Jaguar Heights in Edinburg, Texas, AHSTI is adding the EPA Indoor airPlus label to its ENERGY STAR® homes. This added certification provides verified improvements in indoor air quality, moisture control, and ventilation—creating healthier living environments while supporting continued energy savings.

Beyond construction, AHSTI offers bilingual homebuyer education, financing assistance, counseling, and repair programs that empower families to succeed as homeowners. As AHSTI celebrates 50 years of service, its mission remains clear: building stronger communities through affordable, energy-efficient homes that create lasting value.

Contact Affordable Homes of South Texas at (956) 687-6263; email info@ahsti.org, or visit www.ahsti.org for more information. AHSTI Main Branch NMLS#346848

Affordable Homes of South Texas, Inc. (AHSTI) is being recognized with the 2026 Award for Most Homes Certified in the BUILT TO SAVE®Program, honoring the nonprofit builder that verified the highest number of homes to above-code performance standards. The timing is especially meaningful as AHSTI celebrates its 50th year of service in the Rio Grande Valley. For nearly five decades, the organization has remained focused on one clear mission: helping low-income families achieve sustainable homeownership through quality construction and long-term affordability.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, AHSTI commits every home it builds to high-performance standards verified by licensed, independent third-party energy Raters. Homes certified through BUILT TOSAVE® and ENERGY STAR®are designed to use less energy, deliver better comfort, and require less maintenance over time. For the families AHSTI serves—many earning at or below the area’s median income—these features translate directly into lower monthly utility bills and greater financial stability.

Looking ahead, AHSTI is raising the bar even higher. Beginning with its newest community, Jaguar Heights now under development in Edinburg, homes will also be certified under Indoor AirPLUS. This added certification, paired with ENERGY STAR®, delivers verified healthier indoor air quality while further improving efficiency and helping reduce monthly energy costs.

By combining durable, energy-efficient construction with bilingual homebuyer education and counseling, AHSTI helps ensure homeowners can successfully maintain their homes for years to come. The BUILT TO SAVE® Program, supported locally by Magic Valley Electric Cooperative, congratulates AHSTI for setting the standard in certified high-performance home construction and making energy efficiency accessible to the families who need it most.