The Austin Housing Newsletter Community Stories & Helpful Resources

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Welcome Deletta Dean- Director of Austin Housing!

We are excited to welcome Deletta Dean as the new Director of Austin Housing! Deletta brings more than 25 years of experience advancing equitable community development, affordable housing & policy, and neighborhood revitalization. With a strong foundation in municipal governance and cross-sector collaboration, she has led transformative housing initiatives across nonprofit, public, and philanthropic sectors. Deletta brings a nuanced understanding of housing systems, and the tools needed to drive inclusive, resident-centered solutions. Her work consistently focuses on data-informed decision-making, equity-centered program design, and building sustainable community partnerships. Deletta holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Public Affairs with a concentration in nonprofit management from Park University, and she earned her Certified Public Manager designation from the University of Kansas.

“Austin is a vibrant city, growing with opportunity and honoring deep cultural roots. I am eager to dive into the community to connect and understand more about what our neighbors need,” explains Deletta Dean, Director of Austin Housing. “We will focus our efforts to create and preserve affordable housing opportunities with a resident-centric approach to ensure that we are helping Austinites stay in Austin.”

 


 

Share resources with a friend!

Help us expand our reach to those in need of affordable housing support in Austin. Encourage a friend or family member to sign-up for this newsletter to receive direct updates from us. Let us know what other helpful information you’d like to see shared here each month. 

Share this link: Sign up to receive the Austin Housing Newsletter. 

HOUSING FLYERS

Also, visit our Housing Engagement Hub to:

  • Stay Informed -  Sign up for our monthly Austin Housing Newsletter and read previous editions for the latest updates.    

  • Share Your Voice - Share input on current initiatives and read the impact of past engagement opportunities.    

  • Find us in the Community - See which local events our staff will be attending to share housing resources and plan to join us.  

  • Connect with Resources - Access, download, and share program flyers of helpful information.  

 


 

Austin City Council approves $6.3 billion fiscal year 2025-2026 budget

After months of development, deliberations, and public input, the Austin City Council has adopted a $6.3 billion budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. The budget, approved August 14, incorporates the City Manager’s proposed budget and includes several additional investments to address the community’s needs. 

With the adoption, the City Council also set the stage for a tax rate election this fall, where voters may decide on a property tax increase to support City programs and services. By focusing on core services, including fully funding the Homeless Strategies and Operations department, prioritizing parks, and increased funding for public safety, the City Council adopted a five-cent increase to the voter-approval rate. 

 

CREATING MORE AFFORDABLE HOUSING

 

Accelerating Affordable Homeownership in Austin

Austin Community Land Trust Accelerator

The Austin Community Land Trust Accelerator, a Community Initiated Solutions partnership with Business and Community Lenders of Texas (BCL), supports community organizations helping to bridge the wealth gap through affordable housing. Working with Gudalupe Neighborhood Housing Corporation (GNDC), Austin Revitalization Authority, and Blackland Community Development Corporation, the program helps participants launch and scale Community Land Trusts (CLTs) to create long-term affordable homeownership opportunities along anticipated Project Connect transit lines.  

“Trust and understanding are also important components of this program, and to support this, we offer specialized homebuyer education that will specifically outline the aspects of owning a community land trust home and participation on the CLT neighborhood boards,” says Pamela Garcia,  Chief of Staff for BCL. “The August cohort meeting included a 'Speed Dating with Funders' session where each member had eight minutes to network and build relationships with various CLT lenders.” 

The goal is to build a strong CLT ecosystem in Austin which helps community-led organizations move from conception to home-sales, expanding the dream of homeownership to more residents. To learn more about how to participate in the Austin Community Land Trust Accelerator, call BCL at 512-912-9884 or visit www.BCLofTexas.org/community/austincltaccelerator. 

Connect with other helpful resources from our Community Initiated Solutions partners in renter stabilization, economic mobility, and homeownership opportunities at www.AustinTexas.gov/CommunityInnovation.  

 


 

Find Affordable Housing with AHOST

Looking for affordable rental options in Austin? The Affordable Housing Online Search Tool (AHOST) makes it easy. Just enter your household income and size to browse income-restricted properties that match your needs.

Available in English and Spanish, AHOST helps you connect with properties, check availability, and even see if waitlists are open. Start your search today on Affordable Housing Online Search Tool (AHOST) | AustinTexas.gov.

 


 

Back to School Community Party at Twelve100 Brings Big Smiles

This past weekend’s Back to School party at Twelve100 was a hit! Over 50 residents joined the fun, with kids receiving free school supplies (more on the way!). Families enjoyed shave ice, a bouncy house, face painting, and giant bubbles, creating a joyful, vibrant atmosphere. Residents shared heartfelt thanks for these gatherings and the sense of connection between neighbors.

Families at Twelve100 Back to School Community Party

Twelve100 is a multifamily property near the Domain and along the Northern Walnut Creek Trail. Located at 12100 Metric Boulevard, this strategic acquisition by Austin Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC) preserves and enhances affordability near major job and entertainment centers. The community includes 384 units and offers 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom units. Applicants interested in the Affordable Housing Program at Twelve100 must meet income requirements based on their household size and the area’s median family income (MFI). This also includes verification of income, household size, and unit size. For more information, visit https://www.twelve100.com/affordable-housing/.  

 

HELPING AUSTINITES STAY IN AUSTIN

 

Need Help with Home Repairs?

We offer free and low-cost home repair programs for income-eligible residents. Whether it’s plumbing issues, structural fixes, or accessibility upgrades, these programs are designed to help Austinites stay safe and secure in their homes.

Home Repair location with flyers

Learn more and see if you qualify at AustinTexas.gov/HomeRepairs.

📞 Questions? Call 512-974-3100 or email hpdcs@austintexas.gov.

 


 

I Belong In Austin- Rental Assistance Application 

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

 


 

Homeless Strategy Office's New "Open Now" Platform Connects Unhoused Individuals with Vital Nearby Resources 

Homeless Strategy Office Open Now graphic map

The City of Austin’s Homeless Strategy Office (HSO) announces the launch of Open Now, a new real-time digital platform designed to help individuals experiencing homelessness—and the organizations that support them—quickly access essential resources. The platform provides interactive, up-to-date information on the availability and locations of resources including daytime cooling centers, water fountains, hygiene amenities, physical and mental healthcare centers, substance use recovery, and nutrition support. Users can also get real-time directions to these resources, helping them navigate to what they need as efficiently as possible.

Visit AustinTexas.gov/OpenNow to search resources and provide feedback. To learn more about support for people experiencing homelessness, visit AustinTexas.gov/Homelessness.

 

 

MEET US IN THE COMMUNITY

 

Upcoming Community Events

Opening the Door to New Co-op Housing Opportunities

Changes to Austin's residential property rules allow for new, smaller-scale cooperative housing options. The City of Austin Economic Development Department has partnered with Austin Cooperative Business Association for training. Property and homeowners as well as architects and developers can learn how to create and finance one! Get practical tactics and real examples on:

 

  • Developing small-scale co-ops by adding units to your lot under new HOME provisions;
  • Using extra units from HOME to develop community-oriented cottage courts and pocket neighborhoods; and
  • Crowdfunding housing development through selling shares of a Cooperative Housing Development Corporation.

 

📆September 17, 2025 | 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.  

📍Free and online

🆓 Register for Co-op Housing Training!

 

 


 

Austin's Quality of Life Study for Older Adults

In 2024, the City of Austin launched a Quality-of-Life Study for older adults to help shape future city policies and programs. We are continuing to bring older adults together to highlight their stories. We need your voice as we continue this study, please take the Austin Older Quality of Life Survey. 

 


 

Contact us:

512-974-3100  |  AustinTexas.gov/Housing  |  Housing@AustinTexas.gov

 

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