A Safe Place to Call Home 

We’ve gathered highlights of our work throughout Austin in our published Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Housing Department Annual Report. This provides a look at the year’s efforts to expand affordable housing opportunities for low-income households, create income-restricted housing, bring more permanent supportive housing (PSH) units online, and connect the community to housing resources.   

📰 Read the full Housing Department FY24 Annual Report online.

• The Community Initiated Solutions program reached over 98,000 families vulnerable to transit-induced displacement along Project Connect corridors and provided direct financial assistance to over 1,000 households. 

• The Displacement Prevention Navigator Program supported over 3,000 residents living in Dove Springs and Colony Park by connecting them to housing resources to help keep them in their homes. 

• The I Belong in Austin program distributed over $9.1 million in rental assistance to households in need. 

• The Tenants’ Right Assistance Program supported 339 households through tenants’ rights counseling and provided mediation services for health and safety-related repairs to 62 households. 

• The Down Payment Assistance Program provided over $900,000 in funding to first-time homebuyers. 

• The Home Repair Programs served over 300 households, creating safe and accessible homes. 

• The Ownership Housing Development Assistance program awarded over $9 million in funding to private and nonprofit developers for the acquisition, rehabilitation, and new construction of affordable ownership housing for low-to-moderate-income homebuyers. 

• The Rental Housing Development Assistance program awarded over $69 million in funding to expand the community’s supply of affordable rental housing for low-income households and to increase the availability of permanent supportive housing for persons experiencing homelessness. 

• The Austin Housing Newsletter provided important housing updates and resources to nearly 6,000 community members. 

• The Developer Newsletter provided funding availability updates and partnership opportunities to over 250 developers and affordable housing providers. 

I Belong In Austin- Rental Assistance Application 

The application portal for the I Belong In Austin (IBIA) rental assistance program is currently open through Wednesday, May 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. 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.  

ℹ️ Check eligibility and apply for assistance at www.AustinTexas.gov/rent. 

Tenant Relocation Assistance Program 

Sudden housing displacement can have destabilizing effects on the most vulnerable members of our community. Our Tenant Relocation Assistance Program supports low-income households, the elderly, and persons with disabilities facing displacement. 

The City of Austin has established the Tenant Notification and Relocation Assistance Ordinance, which provides tenant notification and relocation assistance requirements to ensure landlords provide appropriate and timely information to tenants in the event of the demolition of a multifamily building of five or more units, rezoning, or the redevelopment of a mobile home park. The City has also established the Tenant Relocation Assistance Program Rules, which provide detailed information on how to comply with the ordinance, including how to deliver notice to tenants.   

 In particular, tenants who have been notified of displacement should promptly: 

• Check the lease to see what is required for move-out—especially to see if you must give advance notice of a move-out date 

• Begin looking for new housing to move into before the end of the notice period, or the end of the lease (whichever comes first) 

• Make sure you possess the required documents to apply for new housing (ID, proof of income, etc.) 

• Make sure you are up to date on your rent and fees so that the security deposit can be returned 

• Once a new home is found, provide your old landlord with a forwarding address to facilitate the return of the security deposit 

• Contact Austin Energy (Web) at 512-494-9400 for information on connection fees and deposits at your new home. 

We have partnered with Laveer Logix for the Tenant Relocation Assistance Program. This program provides comprehensive support—including financial assistance and housing locator services to tenants displaced by property demolition or renovation. Its goal is to help affected individuals secure affordable, suitable housing and ensure a smooth, minimally disruptive transition during redevelopment. If you are need of Tenant Relocation Assistance, please email tenantrelocation@austintexas.gov.

In addition to the Tenant Relocation Assistance Program, Laveer Logix supports Special Populations, including displaced homeowners participating in the Homeowner Rehabilitation Loan Program (HRLP) and tenants referred for relocation services due to eviction. The HRLP offers both rehabilitation and reconstruction services to eligible homeowners, with funding distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, contingent upon availability. 

Expanded Housing Access for Residents Facing Housing Instability 

Housing Connector, a nonprofit that uses Zillow-powered technology to remove barriers to housing and match people with vacant units, has officially launched in Austin. In partnership with the City of Austin’s Homeless Strategy Office, Housing Connector will connect property owners and managers with local nonprofit service providers to increase housing access for individuals and families in need and help them sustain it long-term. 

If you are facing housing instability, connect with the Sunrise Navigation Center for support and benefits of Housing Connector. 

Sunrise Navigation Center  

💻 www.sunrisenavigationcenter.org/get-help 

📞 512-522-1097 between 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. 

📍4430 Menchaca Rd. between 9 a.m. -1 p.m. on weekdays 

ℹ️ To learn more about services for people experiencing homelessness in Austin, please visit www.austintexas.gov/homelessness 

$5 Million solicitation opens for more Project Connect Community Initiated Solutions partners

We are pleased to announce the availability of $5 million in Project Connect anti-displacement funding for local nonprofit organizations. The goal of this current round of funding is to promote economic mobility, contributing to housing stability and improving economic conditions over time for individuals and households vulnerable to displacement in the areas impacted by Project Connect. All investments must be focused within 1 mile of the Project Connect corridors in communities with vulnerable, active, and chronic displacement risk and target individuals and households who are at or below 80% of the area median family income (AMFI). Applications from non profit organizations in response to the Community Initiated Solutions (CIS) solicitation must be submitted online by June 13, 2025.  

ℹ️ To learn more about current CIS organizations and how their services can help you and additional information on the solicitation and eligibility criteria can be found online at www.austintexas.gov/communityinnovation. 

New affordable 55+ community, Arbor Park, opening in Northwest Austin

We celebrated the opening of a new senior housing community called Arbor Park. The affordable multi-family development is for active seniors 55 years and up and is comprised of 1- and 2-bedroom units. It is located on the city’s northwest side at 6306 McNeil Drive in District 6. Amenities at the multi-family property include a community room, fitness center, library/game room and theater. Arbor Park is located about a mile from restaurants, places of worship, the Rattan Creek Community Center and Park, Northwest YMCA of Austin, and shops, including H-E-B.    

ℹ️ To learn more about the property and apply as a resident, visit www.dmaarborpark.com  

New permanent supportive housing community, Cady Lofts, opens in Central Austin

We are happy to announce the opening of a new permanent supportive housing community located at 1004 E. 39th Street, in the Central Austin Hancock neighborhood in District 9. Dubbed Cady Lofts, the new four-story, elevator served community offers 100 fully furnished studio units to persons exiting homelessness. Community amenities include meeting or training rooms, a library, community laundry areas on each floor and community warming kitchen, a computer center and a central outdoor community courtyard. Wrap-around support services such as job training, health screenings, benefits assistance and case management services will be offered to residents. A variety of classes will be offered, including fitness, cooking, nutrition, personal finance and tax preparation. Free monthly on-site social events will also be held. All utilities are provided at no cost to residents. Cady Lofts is within walking distance (or a half mile) of bus/transit stops, the St. David’s Medical Center and the Hancock shopping center, which includes an H-E-B, a CommunityCare Walk-in Clinic and numerous restaurant, service and retail shops.  

ℹ️ For anyone experiencing homelessness in search of a stable place to live, please contact Austin ECHO (Ending Community Homelessness Coalition) for a Coordinated Assessment. Details and access information are available at www.austinecho.org/gethelp.   

Supportive Housing Community for Victims of Family Violence Coming to Southeast Austin- The Sasha

We celebrated the groundbreaking of The Sasha, a 60-unit supportive housing community for victims of family violence.  The Sasha, located at 1325 Grove Boulevard in District 3 on the SAFE Alliance campus, will comprise one-, two-, and three-bedroom units — 30 permanent supportive housing units and 30 transitional supportive housing units. The property is located within ½ mile of the Riverside Drive Mobility & Activity Corridor and Riverside Station Activity Center and 1/4 mile of high-frequency transit service in close walking proximity to multiple bus stops. Construction will begin in Spring 2025 and is anticipated to be completed in Spring 2027. 

Anyone who is considering leaving or needs immediate assistance finding shelter is encouraged to contact the SAFEline. 

SAFE (Stop Abuse For Everyone)  

💻 www.safeaustin.org 

📞 512-264-SAFE [7233]

City Manager T.C. Broadnax Wraps Up Community Budget Conversations

As work continues to build the City of Austin’s budget for fiscal year 2026, Austinites have the opportunity to participate in shaping the future of their community by participating in the City’s Budget Priority Survey, available in multiple languages. All residents are encouraged to contribute voice their funding priorities for the upcoming fiscal year, visit austintexas.gov/budget.    

2025 Fair Housing Conference & Resource Hub

Thank you for attending the 2025 Fair Housing Conference & Resource Hub on April 16. We are truly grateful for your presence – over 230 attendees for this annual gathering, held in commemoration of Fair Housing Month and the historic passage of the Fair Housing Act.  

The Resource Hub provided one-on-one connections, offered real-time guidance, and equipped participants with tangible tools to support their communities—further amplifying the impact of our shared commitment to Fair Housing.  Visit the Housing Engagement Hub at www.SpeakUpAustin.org/HousingHub to Connect with Resources. 

Upcoming Community Events

Austin Veterans Arts Fest and Resource Fair

Join this at this fun family event for a great cause! The Housing Department will have a table to share our housing resources. Stop by and visit with us. Learn more!

📆May 17, 2025 | 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 

📍George Morales Dove Sprints Recreation Center (5801 Ainez Drive, Austin, TX 78744)  

🆓 Free and open to the public 

BCL of Texas Austin Homebuyer Fair 2025

Meet and gather information from local lenders, realtors, down payment assistance programs, and more! Register now to secure your spot: https://bit.ly/2025austinhomebuyerfair

📆May 31, 2025 | 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. 

📍AISD Performing Arts Center (1500 Barbara Jordan Blvd., Austin, TX 78723)  

🆓 Free and open to the public 

Save the Date! Party at the People's House

We All Belong. The Party at the People's House is a celebration of belonging and the eclectic mix of cultures that make Austin such a weird and wonderful place to live. The event will showcase all local food vendors, musicians, DJs, family activities, community organizations and City departments. 

📆June 28, 2025 | 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. 

📍Austin City Hall (301 W 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701) 

🆓 Free and open to the public 

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