Boosting Black Austin Voices: Chase Wright
Known for its historical significance and preservation of Black culture, East Austin remains home to resilient African American communities; many having generational roots to the area. Chase Wright, a life-long East Austinite, works everyday to improve the lives of those that make up one of these communities.
Chase is the Executive Director for the Hungry Hill Foundation (HHF), a nonprofit organization committed to helping unhoused individuals become self-sufficient citizens through occupational jobs. He understands the hardships that many of his clients face and believes that providing the tools necessary to reach their full potential is critical.
“My business starts off with bringing opportunity to this under-resourced area. East Austin has been under-resourced for so many years that we’re used to not receiving opportunities daily,” Wright says. “Bringing work opportunities to this community…I’ve seen it give the people an avenue so they can eat and provide for themselves. I see it better for the community.”
Wright’s desire to build up and beautify East Austin runs in the family. In 1928, the city of Austin implemented its master plan that proposed moving all minority residents to the east side of Austin to build their homes and businesses from the ground up. Wright’s great grandmother, Lula Yarbrough, was one of those residents.
“This area here was built by African American women in the 1950s and ‘40s. So, us having Hungry Hill as a nonprofit this year, we’re going to celebrate Black History Month,” Wright says. “Building houses and having a whole community of Black women watching each other's kids, bringing each other resources because, like I said, this area never had opportunities and never had resources.”
A resource that is particularly valuable to the individuals served by and working with HHF is hot prepared meals, a benefit that has come from their recent partnership with Keep Austin Fed (KAF). Keep Austin Fed’s new walk-in cooler is just a few blocks from HHF, and Chase helped welcome us to the neighborhood!
“Keep Austin Fed identified some of the areas that we could use help in. We didn’t know that there were other organizations that specialized in keeping Austin fed. So, when we met KAF, they immediately offered us assistance,” Wright says.
Since its official launch in 2021, HHF has not only provided work opportunities and food to over 130 clients, but has helped supply clothing, showers, and apprenticeship programs. Wright encourages Austinites to lend a helping hand to neighbors in need.
“I want others to know the power in creating opportunity. You never know when someone’s in dire need of an opportunity or a second chance,” Wright says. “So always be aware of your surroundings and be willing to give that opportunity, give resources, and provide for your neighbors, friends, peers. That’s a good culture to start building among human beings.”
Hungry Hill Foundation operates from and accepts donations at the old Phillips 66 gas station on the corner of 12th Street and Springdale. Learn more at their website.
