Building Stronger Communities Through Housing, Education, and Opportunity
Cornerstone Clay Community Development Corporation works to expand access to affordable housing, financial education, homeownership preparation, and community-based support for individuals and families facing barriers to stability.
We believe housing is more than a roof. It is a foundation for stability, opportunity, and generational progress.
Individuals and families facing barriers to housing and financial stability, including veterans, seniors, adults with disabilities, and households working toward homeownership.
Limited access to affordable housing, financial education, homeownership preparation, and the resources that support long-term stability.
Based in Tyler, Texas, serving Smith County and East Texas, with a mission to serve communities across Texas.
An intentional growth and capacity-building phase: programs launching now, housing initiatives in planning and pre-development.
Housing + Education + Stability
We believe housing alone is not enough. Cornerstone Clay combines housing-focused community development with education, financial capability, resource navigation, and supportive programming designed to help individuals and families build greater long-term stability.
Housing
Expanding pathways to safe, affordable, and supportive housing.
Education
Providing financial literacy, homeownership preparation, and practical community education.
Stability
Connecting individuals and families with tools and resources that support long-term stability.
Opportunity
Building pathways toward stronger households, neighborhoods, and communities.
What We Are Doing Now, and What We Are Building
We clearly separate current programming from initiatives in development, so partners and funders can see exactly where Cornerstone Clay stands today.
Current & Early-Stage Programming
Financial Literacy Education
Current / Early-StageWorkshops and practical instruction in budgeting, saving, credit, and money management.
Homeownership Preparation
Current / Early-StageEducation on credit readiness, saving for a home, the buying process, and long-term homeownership.
Community Education & Workshops
Current / Early-StagePresentations at churches, schools, and community centers on housing, financial capability, and stability.
Resource Navigation
Current / Early-StageHelping individuals and families identify and connect with housing, financial, and community resources.
Community Assistance Program
Current / Early-StageApplications for assistance with select business, career, and workforce services; awards depend on eligibility and available funding.
Community Outreach & Partnership Development
Current / Early-StageBuilding relationships with churches, schools, lenders, agencies, and community organizations.
Initiatives in Development
Long-term housing and community development priorities. These initiatives are in planning and are not yet operating.
Affordable Housing Development
Strategic PriorityVeteran Housing
Planned InitiativeSenior Housing
Planned InitiativeHousing for Adults with Disabilities
Planned InitiativeTransitional & Supportive Housing
Future Program AreaMultifamily Housing
Future Program AreaHousing Stabilization Initiatives
In DevelopmentNeighborhood Improvement & Community Development Projects
Future Program AreaCornerstone Clay Housing & Stability Initiative
Our founding initiative is focused on building the organizational and program infrastructure necessary to expand affordable housing, homeownership education, financial capability programming, and supportive community services.
Funding for the initiative may support
- Program development
- Community outreach
- Housing planning
- Pre-development
- Education
- Operational infrastructure
- Partnership development
- Needs assessment
- Capacity building
Building the Foundation for Long-Term Impact
Cornerstone Clay Community Development Corporation is currently in an intentional development and capacity-building phase. Our focus is on establishing the partnerships, systems, programs, and housing-development infrastructure needed to create sustainable long-term impact.
Rather than rushing growth, we are building deliberately: developing strong governance, community partnerships, educational programming, funding relationships, and future housing initiatives that align with identified community needs.
Build Organizational Capacity
Strengthen governance, compliance, operational systems, technology, insurance, staffing, and financial infrastructure.
Develop Programs
Launch and refine financial literacy, homeownership education, resource navigation, and community education initiatives.
Build Strategic Partnerships
Develop relationships with banks, foundations, government agencies, municipalities, developers, corporations, churches, educational institutions, and community organizations.
Advance Housing Development
Conduct planning, site evaluation, pre-development, financing exploration, and partnership development for future affordable and supportive housing initiatives.
Early-stage does not mean unstructured. Cornerstone Clay is building intentionally, with a focus on sustainability, accountability, and long-term community benefit.
Current Funding Priorities
Funding and strategic partnerships help Cornerstone Clay build the capacity, programs, and infrastructure needed to expand housing and community development initiatives.
Housing Development
- Affordable and supportive housing development
- Land acquisition
- Housing pre-development expenses
- Architectural services
- Engineering services
- Site planning
- Feasibility studies
Special-Population Housing
- Veteran housing initiatives
- Senior housing initiatives
- Disability-accessible housing initiatives
- Transitional and supportive housing
Programs & Education
- Financial literacy programming
- Homeownership education
- Educational programming
- Community outreach
- Program design
- Community needs assessments
Capacity Building
- Program staffing
- Technology infrastructure
- Insurance
- Compliance
- Administrative infrastructure
- Partnership development
Opportunities in Our Community
Foundations Scholarship
Scholarships for Texas high school graduates entering college or an accredited trade or technical program in Fall 2027. Award amounts depend on funds raised.
Deadline: March 31, 2027
Cornerstone Christmas: Gifts of Hope
Gifts for children in families facing hardship. Give online, drop off new unwrapped gifts, or apply for your family.
Family applications due: November 13, 2026
Speakers & Community Ambassadors
Volunteers who bring awareness of housing, financial capability, and community resources to churches, schools, and community centers.
Organizations: request a speaker at no cost
Mentorship Programs
Young Men’s, Young Women’s, and Workforce Mentorship are in development. Join the interest list to be notified when enrollment opens.
Status: interest list open
Examples of Areas Your Support May Help Advance
Funding allocations are based on organizational priorities, program needs, and applicable grant or donor restrictions.
“Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it.”
Psalm 127:1Help build the foundation.
Foundations, financial institutions, corporations, agencies, churches, and individuals can each play a role.