“I Belong in Austin” program offers $3.6 million in rental assistance

Starting today, applications are being accepted for the City of Austin Housing Department’s I Belong In Austin rental assistance program. If you or anyone you know is struggling to pay rent or is at risk of eviction, you can check your eligibility and apply at www.austintexas.gov/rent. The program will be administered by El Buen Samaritano, which will prioritize applicants 50 percent or below AMI and provide financial assistance with rent, moving, storage and relocation costs for tenants at risk of eviction. As part of the 2024-2025 budget, City Council approved $3.6 million in funding for the IBIA program. “Rent assistance for low-income households is one of the first tools that cities can use to prevent displacement and homelessness,” stated Nefertitti Jackmon, the City’s Community Displacement Prevention Office. El Buen will work closely with the City, Texas RioGrande Legal Aid (TRLA), Texas Legal Services Center (TLSC) and Volunteer Legal Services (VLS) to provide eviction prevention support and emergency rental dollars to communities in need. Last year, the rental assistance program served approximately 1,700 households at an average of $5,265 per household, with $11.6 million allocated for the public launch of the IBIA program. As with past programs, recipients will be chosen using a lottery system to ensure equity in access. Residents who have applied for assistance in the past will need to resubmit an application – either online; in person at El Buen Samaritano at 7000 Woodhue Drive, Austin, TX, 78745; or by phone at 737-214-7406.