Renters get a helping hand

Fourteen local organizations have contracted with the city to help Austin renters with the application process for the city’s RENT (Relief of Emergency Needs for Tenants) program. AGE of Central Texas, Austin Apartment Association, Austin Area Urban League, Austin Voices for Education & Youth, BookSpring, Dove Springs Proud, Economic Growth Business Incubator, El Buen Samaritano, Family Eldercare, Foundation Communities, Goodwill Central Texas, Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Youth & Family Alliance, and YWCA will receive grants of up to $50,000 to help with program outreach. The grants will “expand outreach to vulnerable populations facing ongoing financial hardship due to Covid-19 by supporting community-based organizations that have a demonstrated record of success reaching out to the focus populations,” according to a city announcement.