More than $2 million in new funding aimed at helping Austinites exit homelessness

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The City of Austin's Homeless Strategy Office on Wednesday announced it received over $2 million in federal funding to help Austin individuals and families exit homelessness.

The HSO said in a release the $2,100,000 "can be used to remove barriers that keep people from securing housing or as incentives for local property owners to make housing units available for people at-risk or experiencing homelessness."

The funding covers two programs: the Property Engagement and Education program and the Housing Barrier Reduction program.

• The Property Engagement and Education program ($600,000) aims to improve relationships with local property owners to increase housing availability for persons experiencing homelessness or at-risk of imminent homelessness.
• The Housing Barrier Reduction program ($1,500,000) aims to launch a fund that reduces immediate barriers for individuals and households trying to obtain or maintain stable housing.

"The two goals of this funding – removing barriers to housing and increasing the number of available housing units – are essential to effectively help individuals and families exit homelessness,” said David Gray, City of Austin’s Homeless Strategy Officer. “Through this opportunity, we are offering the necessary foundation for people to rebuild their lives. Our approach supports the long-term stability that individuals require to achieve their full potential and end their homelessness.”

Applicants may apply for one or both programs. Applications are due by October 3, 2024.

Full eligibility requirements and application details are available through the City’s PartnerGrants database or on the city's website.

The funding was made available through the United States American Rescue Plan Act. HSO said it anticipates that contracts for the funding will begin on December 15, 2024. All funds must be used by December 31, 2026, which is the federal deadline for cities to spend their American Rescue Plan Act funds.