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Apply for Rent Assistance
The application portal for the I Belong In Austin (IBIA) rental assistance program is currently open through Tuesday, January 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 www.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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Displacement Risk Area Map and Dashboard
Data show areas most in need citywide and increases transparency of dollars spent
We have updated the Displacement Risk Area Map and Dashboard, which identifies areas throughout Austin where the risk of displacement has increased. Using methodology from the University of Texas Uprooted Report, the Displacement Risk Area Map and Dashboard identifies areas at risk of displacement. This is achieved through a 3-part analysis focusing on vulnerability, demographic change, and changes in the housing market. The Housing Department updated the maps in the Spring of 2024 to better understand where displacement is occurring in Austin. These efforts help City staff become more proactive in addressing ongoing affordability challenges for vulnerable populations.
“Analyzing the data enables us to focus on areas where people are most at risk of being pushed out of Austin,” explains Nefertitti Jackmon, Community Displacement Prevention Officer. “This gives us a clear understanding of the people who live in those places and how we can invest the dollars in thoughtful ways. We want to be impactful and innovative in how we deploy the dollars.”
The updated map categorizes areas by their displacement risk intensity: vulnerable, active, and chronic displacement. Read more about the Housing Department’s comprehensive goals for displacement prevention, which are to assist the city to all residents in need. Project Connect investments are only one vital part of preventing displacement in vulnerable areas near transit lines.
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Ribbon cutting held for new 55+ residence, Ekos City Heights
South side affordable housing community includes permanent supportive housing units
We are excited to announce the opening of the Ekos City Heights apartments, located in District 2 on the city’s South side, at 4400 Nuckols Crossing Road. The new residences are the result of a collaboration between McDowell Housing Partners, the Austin Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC). Asset Living will serve as the property manager. All of the property’s 179 units are income-restricted and will consist of one and two bedrooms. Ten of the total units will be permanent supportive housing (PSH). Permanent housing provides housing assistance (e.g., long-term leasing or rental assistance) and supportive services to assist individuals in achieving stability.
Of the 179 units, 110 are set aside for households at or below 50 percent of the median family income (MFI) level; 59 units will be reserved for households at or below 80 percent of the MFI; and the remaining 10 units will be for households at or below 30 percent of the MFI. Eighteen of the total units will be accessible to persons with mobility impairments and 4 will be accessible to those with hearing or visual impairments.
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Affordable, supportive housing opens on Austin's North Side
Newly constructed housing will serve persons living with HIV/AIDS
We announce the opening of the Burnet Place Apartments. The newly constructed property is located at 8007 Burnet Road, on the city’s North side in District 4, strategically situated close to high-frequency transit and is less than a mile from one of the Imagine Austin activity centers. Imagine Austin is the city’s 30-year comprehensive plan for future growth and development that would create a city of complete communities or centers where people could live, work, shop, recreate, etc. without traveling long distances. The new 61-unit residence will be reserved for persons living with HIV/AIDS.
In these affordable units – 12 will be for those at or below 30 percent of the median family income (MFI). Another 12 units will be for those at or below 40% percent of the median family income (MFI), while the remaining 37 units will be for those at or below 50% MFI. Nine of the total number of units will be set aside for residents who are designated as chronically homeless. Project Transitions is the developer and will also serve as property manager and provider of wrap-around supportive services. The organization collaborates with several community partners to provide supplemental food, educational classes, transportation, harm reduction and recovery programs, access to healthcare and mental health services. Project Transitions leases its properties from a waitlist. Potential clients will need to call them directly to be screened for the waitlist.
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Saison North Grand Opening Adds More Affordable Housing Units for Austinites
116 units with comfortable community amenities on the former NXNW Brewery site. Photo credit: Chad Davis at Chad Davis Photography
We are pleased to introduce the opening of Saison North located in District 7 at 10010 N Capital of Texas Highway. In partnership with O-SDA Industries, Saigebrook Development, and Hunt Capital Partners, the five-story, elevator-serviced, mixed-income housing development boasts 116 units. The new community expands affordable housing opportunities in Austin, with 70% of the units reserved for households earning at or below 60% Median Family Income (MFI) and 30% of the units available at market rate.
“Saison North is the result of a creative and collaborative vision,” explains Mandy DeMayo, Interim Director for the Housing Department. “The community includes 116 new affordable, energy-efficient units, which will provide access to numerous employment opportunities in the immediate area. We are so excited to be part of the collaboration that made this development a reality.”
The Austin Housing Finance Corporation thanks all the partners who helped make Saison North a reality.
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Sharing a Story of Hope
In the heart of Austin, Jackie Thompson’s life has been an assortment of dreams, challenges, and unwavering hope. Growing up on Bergstrom Airforce Base and later in South Austin, Jackie’s early years were filled with cherished memories and the stability of a close-knit family. After returning to Austin in 1997, she enjoyed a simple yet fulfilling life, thanks to affordable housing and a supportive community. Raising her children as a single mother, Jackie faced the challenges of a segregated society but found solace in Austin's vibrant energy.
Years later, the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic brought new challenges as rising rental prices forced Jackie to move into an apartment for the first time. The financial strain became a constant battle as she juggled moving costs, a part-time job, and health struggles. By December 2023, Jackie faced eviction, car repossession, and mounting medical bills. A glimmer of hope emerged through the support of her son’s school counselors and local organizations like Communities in Schools and El Buen Samaritano. With the assistance she received, Jackie regained her footing and began to rebuild her life. Her gratitude transformed into acts of service, volunteering for local drives and meal programs. As she continues her journey, Jackie’s perseverance and commitment to her children and community serve as a testament to the power of hope and resilience.
Visit for more information on how the Austin Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC) and the City of Austin are investing in innovative ways to address and keep Austin communities together. Nonprofit organizations are encouraged to apply for Community Initiated Solutions funding to help reduce residential displacement and create economic mobility opportunities for vulnerable communities along Project Connect corridors.
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