City of Austin
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASERelease Date: Oct. 24, 2024
Contact: Tamarind Phinisee 5129742271 Email
Anti-displacement funding allows existing CIS organizations to continue helping residents to build resiliency in advance of transit improvements
AUSTIN, TX – The City of Austin Housing Department, in collaboration with the Austin Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC), announces additional funding for existing Project Connect Community Initiated Solutions (CIS) partners. A total of $10.9 million will be distributed over the next three years amongst the awarded organizations. The CIS partners will continue serving Austinites with the programs designed by community organizations in three main areas: tenant stabilization, expansion and preservation of home ownership, and other anti-displacement measures. Residents can learn more about these services online at www.austintexas.gov/communityinnovation.
“We’re thankful that City Council has approved this second allocation of Project Connect Anti-Displacement funding for our CIS partners,” says Mandy DeMayo, Interim Director of the Housing Department. “These organizations are providing important programs and services that address the needs of vulnerable residents who may be most impacted by the transit expansion. Prioritizing their stability ensures that all Austinites can benefit from Project Connect.”
CIS is a multi-year suite of programs and services funded through Project Connect to prevent displacement of residents. These services assist renters and homeowners who live within one mile of the planned Project Connect transit corridor. All 13 current CIS organizations were invited to apply for a second round of funding to continue programming and eight organizations submitted applications outlining how they would continue program goals with additional funding and incorporate lessons learned.
"Austin has a very unique opportunity. With public support and Project Connect Anti-Displacement funding, we are able to provide services to build the resiliency of Austin families in advance of the future transit investment. In the past, cities have responded after they have seen the devastating displacement impacts to vulnerable households. Yes, we are starting early, but it is essential if we want to protect Austin households,” says Nefertitti Jackmon, Community Displacement Prevention Officer.
Supporting residents through a range of services
The impact of these innovative and life-changing community-driven programs is apparent. Since the Community Initiated Solutions program was launched in 2023, the organizations have collectively reached over 98,000 families vulnerable to transit-induced displacement through outreach and educational events. Additionally, over 1,000 households have received direct financial assistance. Some program highlights to date include:
Business and Community Lenders of Texas started a Community Land Trust Accelerator program in collaboration with local community development organizations and plans to provide affordable housing and generational community ownership opportunities in the Project Connect corridor between 2025-2026.
Del Valle Community Coalition and Life Anew Restorative Justice provide homeowner programs, including estate planning, tax exemption workshops, and other financial services to prevent displacement.
Goodwill has enrolled nearly 100 individuals so far in workforce training that works to place the individuals in jobs with increased wages.
Communities in Schools and Austin Voices for Education and Youth stabilized over 500 families with children in schools in the corridor, and Meals on Wheels has supported over 200 senior renters and homeowners vulnerable to displacement.
iACT Financial Literacy Program for youth
This next phase of funding is part of broader goals to support residents at risk of displacement as Project Connect transit investment continues. In years 1 and 2, $20 million was appropriated to address immediate needs, and $14 million was slated for years 3 to 5. $1.9 million was left over from years 1 and 2 programming allocation and carried over for use in years 3, 4, and 5.
The remaining $5 million will soon be available through a solicitation process to existing and new non-profit organizations who desire to participate in community-initiated solutions that will focus on anti-displacement efforts.
Additional Community Initiated Solutions Funding |
|
| Austin Voices for Education & Youth | $500,000.00 |
| Communities in School of Central Texas | $2,000,000.00 |
| Del Valle Community Coalition | $1,225,000.00 |
| El Buen Samaritano | $1,000,000.00 |
| Goodwill Industries of Central Texas | $1,725,000.00 |
| Interfaith Action of Central Texas | $975,000.00 |
| Meals on Wheels Central Texas | $1,475,000.00 |
| Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid | $2,000,000.00 |
| Total | $10,900,000.00 |
To learn more about these organizations and how their services can help you, visit www.austintexas.gov/communityinnovation.
About the City of Austin Housing Department
The City of Austin Housing Department provides equitable and comprehensive housing solutions, community development, and displacement prevention services to enhance the quality of life of all Austinites. To access affordable housing and community resources, visit www.austintexas.gov/housing.
About the Austin Housing Finance Corporation
The Austin Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC) was created as a public, non-profit corporation and instrumentality of the City of Austin. The mission of the AHFC is to generate and implement strategic housing solutions for the benefit of low- and moderate-income residents of the City of Austin.