Austin, October 14, 2025
News Summary
The Austin City Council has approved $4 million in emergency rental assistance to address rising eviction rates in Travis County. This funding will support the ‘I Belong in Austin’ program, which aids low-income households at risk of eviction. Since its launch, the program has already distributed over $13 million to nearly 3,000 families, providing vital support to stabilize housing. The council’s decision highlights the urgent need for intervention to combat the increasing number of eviction filings in the area.
Austin City Council has approved $4 million for emergency rental assistance during its meeting on October 9. This funding is part of an effort to combat the rising eviction rates in Travis County, which have reached an all-time high. The council also allocated an additional $400,000 to the 2025-26 fiscal budget for the “I Belong in Austin” program, designed to help households at risk of eviction.
The “I Belong in Austin” program specifically aids households earning at or below 80% of the area median income and is a collaborative effort with the outreach ministry, El Buen Samaritano. The program aims to prevent eviction and stabilize housing for vulnerable families in the area.
As highlighted by the director of Austin Housing, the significance of this program is paramount amid the alarming eviction rates. In 2024, there were a record-breaking 13,210 eviction filings in Travis County, which peaks a concerning trend. As of this year, the Building and Strengthening Tenant Action (BATSA) dashboard reports 11,193 eviction filings, surpassing the same period in 2024 by 1,302 filings.
Nefertitti Jackmon, the community displacement prevention officer, pointed out that affordability is a significant challenge for many families living in Austin. Since the program commenced in 2023, the “I Belong in Austin” initiative has distributed over $13 million to nearly 3,000 local households, offering various forms of assistance, including direct rental aid, moving and storage assistance, and support in negotiating settlements.
Many recipients have shared their experiences, with testimonials indicating that the program serves as a critical lifeline during financial difficulties. Dr. Rosamaria Murillo, CEO of El Buen Samaritano, mentioned that the program plays a key role in keeping families stable and rooted in the Austin community.
The application process for the rental assistance program is designed to be accessible, with applications accepted from the 1st through the 7th of each month at www.AustinTexas.gov/rent. Additionally, applications are now being accepted for the City of Austin Housing Department’s I Belong In Austin rental assistance program for the 2024-2025 budget period, which includes $3.6 million in funding aimed at residents most in need. El Buen Samaritano will administer this program, giving priority to applicants earning 50% or below the area median income.
This initiative primarily focuses on preventing eviction and homelessness by providing financial support for rent, moving, storage, and relocation expenses. Last year alone, approximately 1,700 households received assistance through the “I Belong in Austin” program, with an average financial support of $5,265 per household. The selection of recipients is conducted through a lottery system to ensure equitable access to assistance. For those who have previously applied for aid, it is important to resubmit their applications via online, in-person, or by phone.
Summary of Key Measures
The allocation of funds and establishment of programs aims to alleviate the rising eviction crisis in Austin, ensuring support for families facing financial hardships and promoting housing stability.
FAQ
- What is the amount allocated for emergency rental assistance by the Austin City Council? $4 million for emergency rental assistance.
- What program helps prevent eviction for households with low income in Austin? The “I Belong in Austin” program.
- How many eviction filings occurred in Travis County in 2024? 13,210 eviction filings.
- How much financial support has been distributed through the “I Belong in Austin” program since its inception? Over $13 million to nearly 3,000 local households.
- What assistance does the program provide? Direct rental aid, moving and storage assistance, and support in negotiating settlements.
- When can residents apply for assistance? Applications are accepted from the 1st through the 7th of each month.
Chart: Key Features of Emergency Rental Assistance in Austin
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Funding Amount | $4 million for emergency rental assistance |
| Program Name | “I Belong in Austin” |
| Target Income Level | At or below 80% of the area median income |
| Eviction Filings (2024) | 13,210 filings |
| Assistance Distributed | Over $13 million |
| Number of Households Supported | Nearly 3,000 households |
| Application Period | 1st through 7th of each month |
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Additional Resources
- Austin Monitor
- Wikipedia: Eviction
- Spectrum News
- Google Search: Austin Rental Assistance
- KXAN
- Google Scholar: Eviction rates in Texas
- CBS Austin
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Rental Assistance
- KVUE
- Google News: Eviction Crisis Austin
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
