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📬 You are on this newsletter list because you’ve partnered with us, reached out for resources, shared your input, or attended one of our events in the past. We’re glad to stay connected and keep you updated on opportunities, resources, and ways to get involved.
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Do you rent or provide rental housing in Austin?
The City of Austin is studying rental fee disclosure to better understand how fees are communicated and what could make the process more transparent for prospective tenants and housing providers.
Take the survey and help shape future policies at SpeakUpAustin.org/RentalFees.

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Help Us Name Our New Community!

We’re building more than just housing—we’re building a place to call home. And we want your voice to help shape its identity!
We're inviting residents, neighbors, and community partners to submit name ideas for our new affordable housing community located at the intersection of Doris Drive and Hathaway Drive across the street from Burnet Middle School.
A panel will review submissions based on:
Take the survey to name the future neighborhood of the Austin Community Land Trust.
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I Belong in Austin- Rental Assistance
The application portal for the I Belong In Austin (IBIA) rental assistance program is currently open through Sunday, December 7 at 5 p.m. The program is administered by El Buen Samaritano and provides financial assistance with rent, moving, storage, and relocation costs for tenants at risk of eviction. Check eligibility and apply for assistance at austintexas.gov/rent.
The application portal will open each month while funds are available to allow for an efficient and equitable program administration. A high volume of applications is anticipated. If applicants are not selected and assistance is still needed, applicants are encouraged to reapply when the portal reopens.
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Libertad Austin Expands Affordable Housing Options in East Austin

We celebrated the opening of Libertad Austin, a 198-unit affordable multifamily rental housing community for households earning 30% to 60% median family income (MFI). Located in District 3 at 900 Gardner Road, the apartments offer one-, two-, and three-bedroom units with access to high-quality supportive services, aimed at preserving affordability in the East Austin neighborhood.
Libertad Austin is located near Govalle Neighborhood Park, East Boggy Creek Greenbelt, and the Liberal Arts and Science Academy. Developed by the Vecino Group, the community will provide 50 Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) units, facilitated by Caritas of Austin, to serve individuals and families at risk of or exiting homelessness. All units range in size from 653 to 1052 square feet.
Resources for affordable housing are available online at www.austintexas.gov/housing.
To learn more about homelessness in Austin, please visit www.austintexas.gov/homelessness.
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Groundbreaking for Urban Empowerment Zone (UEZ) I, a new Permanent Supportive Housing Community in East Austin
We are thrilled to announce the groundbreaking celebration for Urban Empowerment Zone 1 (UEZ I). The new community will provide 80 Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) units to serve individuals and families at risk of or exiting homelessness. Located at 6400 FM 969 Road in District 1, the development will consist of a four-story, elevator-served building that includes a community room, warming kitchen, community pantry, laundry facilities, computer center, supportive service areas, and a central courtyard designed to promote safety and community connection.

All units will be Continuum of Care (CoC) units, providing coordinated health care and supportive services for residents. Capital A Housing is developing the site as a turn-key building. Austin Area Urban League will be both the 100% owner/operator and the supportive services provider. Support services on the site are designed to help residents obtain gainful employment and move on to private housing.
If you’re experiencing homelessness in the Austin/Travis County area, a Coordinated Assessment (CA) is a good first step on the path back to a place to live. The CA is a housing needs evaluation where anyone experiencing homelessness in Austin/Travis County can apply for the majority of our community’s housing programs. For an up-to-date list of agencies that offer CAs, visit austinecho.org/gethelp.
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How does the City Decide Where to Build Affordable Housing?
Are you interested in how the City of Austin decides where to build housing? A tool called an Opportunity Map is being updated to guide these decisions. Austin’s existing Opportunity Map is based on outdated information that no longer reflects today’s reality. An updated map will reflect current community needs and how Austin has changed.
Follow along for updates at www.SpeakUpAustin.org/OpportunityMap
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Performance of Federally Funded Programming for Fiscal Year 2025
Each year, the City of Austin receives federal funding through four grants administered by the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD). In Fiscal Year 2025, from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025, the City received approximately $14 million in federal grant allocations that funded various programs. These dollars supported affordable housing, community development, economic development, and public services. Cities that receive this HUD funding are required to develop a Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) annually to assess the performance of federally funded programs.
Residents are invited to review the Draft FY25 CAPER and share feedback online at www.SpeakUpAustin.org/MyCommunityNeeds. Public comment will remain open from November 17 – December 3.
The Housing Engagement Hub (www.SpeakUpAustin.org/HousingHub) is another tool created based on community feedback. Launched earlier this year, the Housing Hub serves as a place to connect with Austin Housing resources and initiatives.
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New Online Guide to Search for Assistance

The Housing Resources Hub makes it easier to access the support you need. Explore guides and services in the new tab “Connect with Resources” for rental assistance, utility relief, tenant and legal support, homelessness resources, homebuyer programs, and home repair help—all in one place. You’ll also find links to tools to search like ConnectATX, Texas 211, and FindHelp.
Whether you’re seeking immediate assistance or planning for the future, this hub is designed to connect Austinites with the right programs and partners to stabilize housing and strengthen communities. Explore the online resources and share with friends and neighbors who may also benefit. Visit www.SpeakUpAustin.org/HousingHub and let us know what you think!
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Access Translation and Interpretation Services
The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request - including translation and interpretation services. For assistance, please contact Austin Housing at 512-974-3100. The City receives and accepts Video Relay Service (VRS) calls from people who are Deaf or hard of hearing through Relay Texas 7-1-1.
Check out the City's new Website Language Translation Tool, which can translate any City of Austin webpage!
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We create & preserve housing opportunities to stabilize communities.
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