The City of Austin’s Homeless Strategy Office (HSO) has announced a new one-time funding opportunity of up to $300,000 to provide supportive services and limited financial assistance to families experiencing homelessness.
The funding, made available through City of Austin General Fund dollars and approved by City Council as part of the Fiscal Year 2025 budget, supports HSO’s mission to make homelessness rare, brief, and nonrecurring. The goal is to help families stabilize their housing circumstances or exit homelessness. Eligible organizations can apply through June 12, 2025, and the request for applications will be released this afternoon.
“This funding opportunity is about more than addressing immediate challenges—it’s about equipping families with the tools to build lasting stability at home,” said David Gray, City of Austin’s Homeless Strategy Officer. “By strengthening family foundations, we’re helping parents cover essential needs and connect with vital resources—while paving the way for brighter, healthier futures for their children.”
Funding may be used to assist families in finding appropriate housing to end their episode of homelessness. It may also support the provision of short-term services that connect households to benefits and resources aimed at increasing household stability and preventing future experiences of homelessness. Additionally, the opportunity is intended to improve housing outcomes by strengthening coordination among service providers. This includes both organizations that primarily serve families experiencing homelessness and those that work with very low-income families, such as health care providers, schools, workforce development agencies, youth programs, and counseling services.
“No one should be without a home or a place to sleep. That is especially true for our families trying to raise children,” said District 5 Council Member Ryan Alter, who advocated for the funding. “That is why I authored this budget amendment to address family homelessness in Austin so that we can ensure every child has the chance to grow up and pursue their dreams.”
HSO anticipates that contracts will begin on September 1, 2025. Funding and contract terms are contingent upon Austin City Council approval and agreement over contract terms, including compliance and performance expectations.
To learn more about homelessness in Austin, please visit www.austintexas.gov/homelessness.