AUSTIN (KXAN) — The application portal for the city of Austin’s “I Belong in Austin” emergency rental assistance program opens up once again Wednesday, Jan. 1 at 8 a.m. and will run through Jan. 7 at 5 p.m.
The program provides up to $6,000 per household in rental help for people facing eviction. El Buen Samaritano helps the city run the program.
Here’s what you need to know.
How to get help
The portal opens from the first through the seventh of every month. If you’ve applied previously and not heard back, you’re asked to keep applying every month.
Households at 80% median family income (MFI) and below qualify, but the program prioritizes those most in need, specifically people below 50% MFI — which is roughly $44,000 a year for one person .
Nefertitti Jackmon, a community displacement officer with the city’s housing department, said they’ve actually seen most applicants at or below 30% MFI, which is closer to $26,500 a year or less than $40,000 a year for a family of four. The program also prioritizes people facing eviction.