In partnership with multiple community organizations, the city of Austin reopened a rent assistance application on Friday to help Austin residents manage the affordable housing crisis. The application is set to close on Nov. 7 at 5 p.m.

The “I Belong in Austin” program, a city-run initiative created to provide “tenant rental assistance” to those vulnerable to eviction, reopened on Nov. 1 following the city approving an additional $3.6 million in funding for the program. The program gives funds to residents, allowing them to pay rent, assist in moving and storage or help with relocation costs for tenants “at risk of eviction,” the city said in its press release. 

“This is the first year that a recurring funding item was established to provide ongoing rental assistance,” the city said in a press release. “By providing a dedicated budget allocation, Austin is a leader among municipalities by demonstrating a commitment to eviction prevention and keeping Austinites in Austin.” 

To qualify for assistance, residents cannot be over 80% of the median income in the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos area, which during the 2024 fiscal year ranges from $68,500 to $129,100, depending on the household’s size. The breakdown of eligible income is provided on El Buen Samaritano’s website when filling out the application. 

The city said the program will use a lottery system to ensure equitable “access to opportunity.” Applicants who applied in previous cycles must reapply on the city website, in person at the El Buen Samaritano center or on the phone with the El Buen Samaritano call center. 

The city said in the press release that the “I Belong in Austin” program served around 1,700 households last year, spending an average of $5,300 per household and a total of $11.6 million allocated in the program’s original launch.