Staff Spotlight: Danette Lopez Garza
Where are you from?
I am from East Austin. My family has lived in central Texas with roots going back to the late 1800s. My family has been part of this region for generations. We like to say, we did not move, the line moved,” because our history to this place runs deep.
I love this part of Texas; especially, the hills, trees, creeks, and the big Texas sky. Austin is not just where I am from; it is where my family’s story has lived for over a century, and it is a place I am proud to call home.
How long have you been in Austin?
I was born and raised in Austin, Texas. Even though my family and I now live just outside the city, Austin is still home for us. Austin is still the center of our lives. Our community, our traditions, and our daily rhythm are all tied back here. I am especially proud that my children dance ballet folklórico out of the historic Austin Neighborhood Centers; Pan Am, Montopolis, and Mendez. These places continue to be cultural anchors for families like mine.
What do you do at iACT?
I work with the Direct Housing team, helping homeowners stay safely in their homes. One of the most meaningful parts of my job is reaching out to homeowners who have been waiting on the waitlist and letting them know it is finally their turn to begin the home repair process. I help them gather and complete all the documentation needed to build a strong application so they can qualify for City of Austin grant funding. Through the intake process, I make sure they feel supported, valued, and never like a number. I am grateful to collaborate with a team that approaches every homeowner with patience, dignity, and genuine care.
What is the most challenging thing about the work you do at iACT?
The hardest part is knowing how many homeowners are living with serious needs and wishing we could move faster for all of them. I often think about our seniors living alone, doing the best they can with their limited resources. It is difficult knowing they have been making do for so long while waiting for help.
The need across Austin is great. In a city where the average household brings in about $130,000 a year while many seniors live on closer to $70,000, the contrast highlights just how vulnerable older homeowners are and how urgently they need help maintaining the homes they’ve lived in for decades. Sometimes the timelines and needed steps do not move as quickly as a homeowner’s situation deserves. When you genuinely care about people, patience can be challenging, but it also motivates me to keep doing this work with intention and compassion.
What is the most rewarding thing about the work you do at iACT?
The homeowners are the heart of it. Our time spent talking, hearing their stories, and celebrating even the smallest wins; leads to big moments for them and us. Gratitude is never expected, but it is humbling and moving when it comes. So many of the people we serve are thoughtful, caring, and resilient. Being part of their journey is an honor.
Why would you encourage others to support the work of iACT?
iACT is the kind of organization that nonprofits wish to be: truly diverse, genuinely inclusive, and grounded in patience, kindness, and community. It brings together my faith, my purpose of serving others, and turns them into daily action. I love that iACT was created by mission-driven churches and organizations who wanted to serve people regardless of religion, culture, background, or where they live. Supporting iACT means supporting a community that shows up for its neighbors with compassion and without conditions.