The Displacement Prevention Navigator Program seeks to help Austinites stay in their homes through assistance from paid Navigators, recruited from local communities. Navigators provide outreach to share opportunities and connect eligible households to case management assistance for housing-related resources.
Program services are expected to begin in April 2026 for residents in Colony Park (78724), Dove Springs (78744), Montopolis (78741), as well as areas within 1 mile of Project Connect transit development*.
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*Project area includes the full ZIP Code areas of 78724, 78741, 78744, which includes Colony Park, Dove Springs, Montopolis, and 1 mile within Project Connect transit development.
Displacement Prevention Navigator Recruitment
You're invited to apply to become a Navigator for Austin Housing's newly expanded Displacement Prevention Navigator Program. We're looking for local residents to help connect Austin families to housing stability resources.
- Navigator Application Opens: Monday, March 2, at 8 AM.
- Navigator Application Closes: Friday, March 20 at 12 PM (noon).
Navigator Application
A Displacement Prevention Navigator is a contracted, non-benefits position with El Buen Samaritano, anticipated to being in March 2026 and continue through March 2027. Navigators will be paid an hourly rate of $25/hour and are anticipated to work no more than 40 hours per month. In addition, contracted Navigators will be compensated for mileage and phone stipends to support program-related outreach and communication activities.
For information more information, contact El Buen Samaritano via email at hello@elbuen.org or by phone at 512-439-8900. Or simply fill out an application online at www.elbuen.org/careers.
Selected Navigators will:
- Receive two weeks of classroom-based instruction and two weeks of field-based experience
- Connect residents to case management and wraparound services coordinated by El Buen
- Organize and participate in outreach events to the residents in Colony Park (78724), Dove Springs (78744), Montopolis (78741), as well as areas within 1 mile of Project Connect transit development.
- Conduct culturally responsive intake and assessments focused on housing stability and displacement risk.
Expanded Program Offerings
The program originally focused on two ZIP Codes at high risk of displacement, Colony Park (78724) and Dove Springs (78744). The service area has expanded to include Montopolis (78741), as well as areas within 1 mile of Project Connect transit development. These areas have higher shares of both cost-burdened households and residents who have lived in their homes for more than 20 years. Needed infrastructure investments and redevelopment initiatives anticipated in these neighborhoods, including Project Connect, could potentially impact displacement as property values in nearby neighborhoods rise.
The relaunch of the Displacement Prevention Navigator Program, will now also offer case management to provide wraparound services that stabilize households.
Program Partner
A competitive solicitation was issued for the Displacement Prevention Navigator Program contracts in Spring 2025. The awarded contractor, El Buen Samaritano, will work collaboratively to reach residents vulnerable to housing displacement.
Other Helpful Resources
If you need immediate assistance, please contact:
- 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 Aidor Volunteer Legal Services.
The original Pilot Program concluded on June 23, 2024.
We are thankful for the work, continued care, and compassion that the Displacement Prevention Navigators put into this pilot. Because of their commitment, more than 300 households were supported during the period of the pilot. Read the Displacement Prevention Navigator Pilot executive summary describing the impact of services, which includes an evaluation of the pilot developed by Huston-Tillotson University.
The Displacement Prevention Navigators are receiving recognition for their work on the pilot program, which aims to help Austinites stay in their homes.
- Program History
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Why was this program created?
The pilot program provided services for one year, from June 2023 until May 2024.
Austin’s low-income residents are under tremendous displacement pressure. Local median income has risen with an influx of more affluent residents and tech jobs, even as housing production has lagged and property values have risen. Home prices, rents, and property taxes have quickly become less affordable to low- and moderate-income households. Between 2021 and 2022, rents rose by 35%, while the median home price jumped nearly 22%. More than a third of local households are cost-burdened. For people already more likely to be vulnerable to displacement—renters, seniors, people with disabilities, and communities of color—rising housing costs pose big challenges.
Where did the pilot program happen?
The one-year pilot program focused on two neighborhoods at high risk of displacement: Colony Park and Dove Springs. Compared to Austin as a whole, the pilot neighborhoods have higher shares of both cost-burdened residents and residents who have lived in their homes for more than 20 years. Important infrastructure investments and redevelopment initiatives are anticipated in these areas, including Project Connect. While such investments can bring great benefits, they can also potentially impact displacement as property values in nearby neighborhoods rise.
Who were the Navigators?
Navigators were community members connected to a variety of local groups and communities. Navigators were trained on housing-related resources and who will take proactive steps to prevent displacement.
More than 200 Navigator applications were reviewed by City staff and community representatives recommended by District 1 and 2 Council offices. Selected applicants were interviewed by a small panel of City staff and community representatives. Thirteen people were selected for the pilot cohort of Navigators.
What did the Navigators do?
Navigators were trained about local housing resources and tools for effectively connecting community members with those resources. They reached out to community members in the pilot neighborhoods to make them aware of the program and provide direct assistance. Navigators worked one-on-one and led small-group workshops. Outreach and assistance was provided October 2023 through May 2024 and involved 10-15 hours per week.
Navigator services included:
- Basic explanations of available resources
- Identification and prioritization of resources to apply for
- Assistance signing up for email addresses and completing other straightforward tasks required for application submission
- Helping households fill out applications
- Supporting households in tracking submitted applications
Call 512-974-3100 OR email hpdcs@austintexas.gov with questions. The City receives and accepts Video Relay Service (VRS) calls from people who are Deaf or hard of hearing.