Austin unveils 300 affordable apartments, $3M rent aid
AUSTIN (KXAN) -- One of the biggest problems that plagues the city of Austin is the lack of housing while also making it affordable. It got a little boost with that on Wednesday with 300 new apartments opening on the city's south side to help low-income families find a new home.
The city is also opening up more than $3 million for grabs to help those who might need help paying their rent.
"For a parent looking for a place to stay that's affordable, that was one of the big things, especially being a stay-at-home mom," Melonie Delarosa said. She's one of the newest residents of the Bridge at Estancia. The apartments, near Interstate 35 and State Highway 45, have been designated as affordable housing.
"It's a blessing. You don't see this a lot. You don't see affordable housing with all the amenities that it comes with," Delarosa said.
Those amenities include a swimming pool, fitness center, co-working space and dedicated activity room which will host health screenings, financial literacy training and after-school programming in partnership with nonprofit Community Housing Resource Partners.
The building was a partnership between the city and NRP Group builders.
"We are committed to expanding the base of affordable housing in our city. This is a tough market. This is a tough place for working families to find someplace safe for their families to live," Housing Authority CEO Mike Gerber said.
The city has a median family income of $126,000 for a family of four. That is actually a 3% jump from 2023.
"Because the city, the housing authority, and the state want to provide affordable opportunities, then you can bring that rent down," State Sen. Jose Menendez said at Wednesday's grand opening of the apartments.
The city will launch its "I Belong In Austin" grant campaign on Friday. The city is offering $3.6 million in grants to help with rental assistance, including moving, storage and relocation for those at the risk of eviction.
It's another option by the city to help Austinities find a place to call their own.
"It's comforting. It's welcoming. It's beautiful, and it checks all the boxes," Delarosa said of her new home.
Making rent one less thing for a busy mom to worry about.
There are income requirements to apply for the city's grant money. Applications are open for one week from Nov. 1 to Nov. 7. You can learn more and apply here.
More information on Bridge at Estancia can be found on its website.