I Belong in Austin
Application Portal Update
Effective April 1, 2026, the portal will not reopen and the City of Austin and El Buen Samaritano will no longer be accepting applications via the rental assistance portal. The decision comes following a reduction in overall funding for the City. Remaining assistance dollars will be redirected to focus on legal advocacy and negotiated eviction settlements.
This move will allow the City and its partners to prioritize households facing the most immediate threat of losing their homes and serve as an effective tool for preventing displacement.
What this means for renters:
- Rent assistance portal closure: The rent assistance application portal will not reopen on April 1, 2026. It will be closed indefinitely.
- Ongoing support: The I Belong in Austin program will continue to work with legal partners to process payments for negotiated eviction settlements and legal advocacy.
- Current applicants and recipients: Renters currently receiving assistance or engaged with legal partners will be contacted directly with next‑step information.
Program Impact
Over the course of its operation from June 2021 through February 2026, I Belong in Austin:
- Has distributed over $16 million to over 3,100 local households facing eviction. Over 9,000 individuals have benefitted from the program, including 4,646 children residing in households facing instability.
- Has provided 2,562 households with direct rental assistance
- Has helped 744 households with negotiated settlements
- Has assisted 89 households with moving and storage costs
- Top-served zip codes include 78753, 78741, 78744, 78723, and 78758
Other Helpful Resources
Residents seeking housing stability resources, legal help, or other support should visit the Austin Housing Hub for up‑to‑date resources and guidance.
- Texas 211 is a free social service hotline available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Residents can call 211 or 877-541-7905 or visit Texas 211 online for more info on ways to get help.
- Visit ConnectATXonline for a comprehensive list of resources in the Austin Area for support with food, housing, financial assistance, transportation, health and more or contact United Way helpline at (877) 541-7905.
- If you are currently facing eviction, please visit Texas RioGrande Legal Aid or Volunteer Legal Services.
For more information about housing resources and eviction prevention services, residents are encouraged to visit www.AustinTexas.gov/Housing.