Organizations in Austin and Travis County have been awarded nearly $14 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through the Continuum of Care (CoC) program. This marks the largest amount received by the community, increasing federal investment by $2 million compared to last year.
The funds will support 16 projects across eight organizations, including Caritas of Austin, Ending Community Homelessness Coalition (ECHO), Housing Authority of the City of Austin (HACA), Housing Authority of Travis County (HATC), Integral Care, LifeWorks, The SAFE Alliance, and Sunrise Community Church. These projects focus on housing and supportive services for individuals experiencing homelessness.
Three new Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) projects are part of this funding round. They aim to provide stability for youth and young adults through LifeWorks, survivors of domestic violence via The SAFE Alliance, and individuals with serious mental illnesses through Integral Care. These initiatives add to recent developments like Espero Rutland by Caritas of Austin and Seabrook Square II by Integral Care.
The City Council recently adopted a new system model from ECHO's 2024 State of the HRS report. It outlines necessary investments to end homelessness within ten years, including creating 4,175 new PSH units and additional shelter beds.
Kate Moore, ECHO Vice President of Homelessness Response System Strategy, expressed gratitude towards agencies funded by CoC grants: “Federal funding from HUD ensures essential services can continue in our homelessness response system.”
The awards also include funding for supportive services such as case management and healthcare tailored to individual needs. This approach aims to help people maintain long-term housing stability.
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson thanked HUD for recognizing local efforts: “This funding will provide essential support while also supporting housing solutions.”
ECHO led the collaborative application process required by HUD for these grants. Eri Gregory managed this effort in 2024 before moving on from her role at ECHO.
Organizations that did not receive funding have access to support from ECHO staff to improve future applications.