Rent Assistance, Austin, TX: These Orgs Might Be Able to Help

There’s no denying that Austin, TX is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. With its strong tech scene, quirky culture, and high quality of life, it’s easy to see why so many people want to call it home. Yet as the city has grown, so has the cost of living, especially for renters. Almost half of all residents now live in housing they can’t afford, making it easy to fall behind after just one unexpected bill.

If that sounds familiar, you’re far from alone, and help is available. Across Austin, there are a number of community organizations, city-funded programs, and faith-based groups working to support residents with rent, utilities, and other housing-related expenses. This guide will go over some of the best places to turn if you’re looking for rent assistance in Austin, TX.

Quick Tips Before You Apply

Most rental assistance programs require certain documents before they’ll review your application. Make sure you have the following on hand:

• A copy of your lease or rent ledger
• Proof of income eligibility (recent pay stubs, tax forms, or benefits letters)
• A photo ID for every adult in your household
• Evidence of hardship (like a job loss, past-due rent notice, or medical bills)
• Contact info for your landlord or property manager (some programs may need them to verify your situation or accept payment)

Programs that offer rent assistance in Austin, TX often open and close quickly, and funds tend to be limited. Having everything ready to go and applying to more than one program can increase your chances of approval. Just be sure to read each program’s guidelines carefully. Applying to something you don’t qualify for, whether because of income or where you live, could cost you valuable time.

Austin-Based Organizations Offering Rental Assistance

1. Caritas of Austin

Caritas of Austin helps people facing or experiencing homelessness get back on solid ground. They focus on getting people housed first, then helping them move toward long-term independence. Services they offer include:

• Rapid Rehousing for individuals and families recently displaced due to job loss, illness, or crisis

• A Youth Housing Program in partnership with SAFE and LifeWorks, focused on helping young people avoid long-term homelessness and access education, job training, and life skills

• Permanent Supportive Housing for people with disabilities or chronic homelessness, with on-site case management and mental health care

• Case management for people transitioning out of homelessness

• Other support services including daily meals, employment services, financial coaching, and peer-led counseling 

To get started, you must complete a Coordinated Assessment through a partner agency like Sunrise Navigation Center or Downtown Austin Community Court (DACC). You can also call Caritas directly at (512)-479-4610 or visit Caritasofaustin.org for more information about applying for rent assistance in Austin, TX.

2. Foundation Communities

Foundation Communities is a nonprofit that offers affordable housing, on-site support services, and emergency rent assistance in Austin, TX. With 28 properties across the city, they provide education, health, and financial wellness services to ensure that people have more than just a place to live. Their housing options include:

• Family Apartments & Duplexes: 1–3 bedroom units near schools and transit, available in North, South, Central, and West Austin.

• Children’s Home Initiative (CHI): For low-income families with young kids, especially those facing homelessness. Includes reduced rent and caseworker support.

• Supportive Studio Housing: For single adults (including veterans, seniors, and people with disabilities) with support that includes mental health services and individualized case management.

Tenants can also access free after-school programs, English classes, no-cost tax prep, and wellness activities. Many buildings use green construction to lower utility bills. If you're placed on a waitlist, housing navigators are available to help you explore short-term housing solutions while you wait for a unit to open up. 

Eligibility is determined by your income, rental history, credit score, and the results of a criminal background check. You can view units and waitlists online or call the following numbers for more information:

• General housing: 512-610-7392
• Supportive housing: 512-610-4010 

Foundation Communities also provides a full list of organizations offering rent assistance in Austin, TX here. 

3. St. Vincent de Paul Society of Central Texas

St. Vincent de Paul works through local Catholic parishes to offer emergency financial aid, including support with rent, utilities, and sometimes transportation. You’ll need to contact your parish and ask for the SVdP conference representative. The program may not be able to offer as much as some other programs, but every bit can count during a crisis. 

4. Austin Area Urban League (AAUL)

AAUL offers emergency rent and utility assistance to low-income households, with an emphasis on serving Black, Latinx, and other historically underserved communities. They also run job training and financial coaching workshops to help people become more independent. 

Eligibility is determined by income and zip code. Depending on the program you’re applying for, there may be other requirements. For example, if you’re applying to the Revitalizing Austin Neighborhoods program, you’ll need to own the home, be current on your taxes, and have repair needs that meet MHR criteria. 

To apply for assistance, fill out the request form on their website or text “Housing” to (512) 548‑2645 to receive updates on available programs and services. More details can be found here.

5. Any Baby Can

Focused on families raising children with medical or developmental needs, Any Baby Can offers rent and utility support, but only to families already enrolled in their Early Childhood Intervention or Family Support programs. They also provide other services such as:

• Mental health counseling
• Legal aid
• Case management
• Healthcare
• Assistance with Medicaid and SSI benefits
• Parenting classes 

Their services are a great fit for families facing both financial and medical hardship. If you’re interested in applying, fill out the online form or call (512) 454‑3743. You’ll hear back within five days and receive a referral to a program that’s the right fit for your situation. 

6. The SAFE Alliance

The SAFE Alliance helps individuals and families fleeing domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and other forms of abuse. Their services include confidential rent support, transitional housing, relocation assistance, and emergency shelter. You’ll also have access to case management, legal advocacy, and safety planning.

 If you’re in immediate danger or need confidential support, contact the 24/7 SAFEline at (512) 267‑SAFE (7233) or visit their website. 

7. Front Steps

Front Steps fights homelessness in Austin and the surrounding area. Through their Housing Displacement Prevention Program, they provide one-time financial assistance (up to once per year) for past-due rent, utility bills, security deposits, pet fees, or other housing-related costs. The program is open to adults who can show they’re at immediate risk of losing their home.

Here’s how it works:

1. Apply online.
2. Turn in required documentation (proof of income, hardship, and tenancy).
3. Wait for a case manager to respond (usually within 5-7 days).
4. Approved payments are sent within 10–14 days of approval.

If you need short-term housing, their Housing Placement Program can also help, which you can apply for online. 

Government-Backed Rental Support Programs

1. Travis County Emergency Rental Assistance Program

Although the county’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) closed in 2021 following the end of COVID-19 funding, Travis County continues to offer services through its Health and Human Services department. These services are available for eligible households outside Austin city limits but within Travis County and include:

• Utility disconnection assistance (electric, water, trash, gas)
• Food pantry access
• Case management and social work
• Home repairs (roofing, plumbing, HVAC, and more)
• Weatherization to reduce energy costs
• Burial and cremation support

Priority is usually given to families at risk of eviction or those facing a recent job loss or medical emergency. You can check current availability or find more specific information about each service online. 

2. City of Austin’s I Belong in Austin Program (formerly RENT Program)

The City of Austin’s Relief of Emergency Needs for Tenants (RENT) program ended in 2021, eventually replaced by the I Belong in Austin (IBIA) program. This city-backed initiative helps prevent evictions by offering one-time assistance with rent, utilities, moving costs, and even storage. The program is run by El Buen Samaritano, a local nonprofit serving Latino and underserved families, with services available in both English and Spanish.

To be eligible, your family must earn less than 80% of the Area Median Family Income, but priority is given to those making under 50%. Applications open monthly (from the 1st–7th), and then a lottery selects a set number of applicants. 

Finalists must submit the required documents, and any approved funds go directly to landlords or vendors. If you are not selected, you can reapply at the next monthly opening. To apply, go online, contact the Call Center at 737‑214‑7406, or visit El Buen’s office at 7000 Woodhue Drive. 

3. Housing Authorities and Voucher Programs in Austin and Travis County

• Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8): Administered by HACA and HATC, these vouchers help low-income families afford rent in privately owned homes in Austin. Both agencies’ Section 8 waitlists are currently closed, so be sure to check back regularly to see when the next application period will be. 

• Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA): These vouchers are linked to specific apartment complexes. While the general waitlist is closed, each PBRA property runs its own application process, and some may open periodically based on availability. 

• Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHV) and Project Access: These specialized programs serve people experiencing homelessness, fleeing domestic violence, or transitioning from institutional care. EHVs are typically available only through referral from an approved agency, and most slots are fully allocated. Project Access, operated by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA), assists people with disabilities leaving nursing facilities or group homes.

To explore eligibility, check for waitlist updates, or view PBRA properties, visit hacanet.org or hatctx.com. Availability is limited, but even if your needs aren’t immediate, applying early or joining interest lists can help you secure housing in the future.

Churches and Faith-Based Assistance

Many churches offer one-time rent assistance in Austin, TX for both members and locals in crisis. Here are some to consider reaching out to:

• Hyde Park Baptist Church: Provides rent assistance by appointment to low-income Travis County residents, with a focus on underserved East Austin neighborhoods. 

• St. Austin Catholic Parish: Offers rent support and other services through its Outreach Ministry and connects people with partners like the St. Vincent de Paul Society when parish funds are limited.

• Trinity Center: Offers rent and utility assistance every month during walk-in case management hours, prioritizing those facing homelessness or eviction in downtown Austin. It runs on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Each one has its own intake process, and they may ask for proof of hardship. Services often include help with rent, groceries, or utilities. You can reach out to them directly or through the Austin Interfaith Network.

Additional Support Services That Can Ease the Burden

Even if you can’t find rent assistance in Austin, TX, these other services might free up your budget:

• 2-1-1 Texas: Calling 211 will get you connected with local resources that can support you with housing, utilities, food, healthcare needs, and more. 

• Central Texas Food Bank: As the largest food bank in Austin, they can provide help with groceries so you have more money to put toward housing costs. 

• Texas RioGrande Legal Aid: Think you’re being treated unfairly by your landlord? This organization can offer free legal aid to protect you against eviction and housing discrimination. 

• Austin Energy CAP Program: Reduces utility bills for customers who qualify.

Looking for help in multiple areas can help you slowly make more room in your budget. 

What to Do If You're Still Struggling

If you’ve applied for help but still feel stuck, try:

• Talking to your landlord: In many cases, your landlord may be willing to work with you. Some offer payment plans, waive late fees, or delay eviction filings, especially if you’re transparent about your situation and can show you're actively seeking assistance.

• Seeking help from a housing counselor: A HUD-certified housing counselor can help you understand your rights, negotiate with your landlord, create a budget, and explore long-term solutions. You can find Austin counselors through HUD’s Search Tool.

• Exploring shared housing options: Downsizing, finding a roommate, or subletting a room in an existing lease can lower your rent burden while you get back on your feet. 

Remember to stay proactive. Document everything, follow up with each program, and keep all of your application material organized so it’s easy to find when needed. 

Final Thoughts: A Little Help Goes a Long Way in Austin

If finding rent assistance in Austin, TX is at the top of your to-do list, know that you’re not alone. Plenty of Austin organizations are standing by to help, whether you need help catching up after a rough month or you’re looking for long-term support to get through the entire year ahead. 

Don’t wait to start reaching out for help. Funds go fast, and the sooner you begin looking for help, the more likely you are to find a program or two that fits your needs. If you found the information in this guide helpful, consider sending it to a friend, family member, or neighbor who might also be struggling. 

If securing rent assistance in Austin, TX isn’t your main concern right now, but finding a new place to call home is, the property management team at Evernest can help. Our Austin team understands today’s market and can guide you toward a permanent place to call home. Reach out to us today, and in the meantime, explore our available homes.