The Austin City Council has approved $4 million in emergency rental assistance funding for fiscal year 2026, continuing support for the city’s I Belong in Austin (IBIA) program. The initiative, operated in partnership with El Buen Samaritano, aims to prevent evictions and housing displacement for residents earning at or below 80% of the area median income (AMI).
The funding, which includes an additional $400,000 as part of the 2025–2026 city budget, will be distributed from October 2025 through September 2026. Applications for assistance are accepted during the first seven days of each month. Residents can apply online at www.AustinTexas.gov/rent, in person at El Buen Samaritano’s offices, or by phone.
Austin Housing Director Deletta Dean emphasized the program’s role in maintaining housing stability: “With this additional funding, we can reach more Austinites who are at risk of eviction and ensure they have the support they need.”…