AUSTIN, Texas — As rent prices continue to rise in Austin, some leaders want to see continued help provided for affordable housing within the city limits.
City Councilmember for District 4 Jose “Chito” Vela said nearly all housing people get assistance through the City of Austin's Housing and Planning Department is full.
Vela said as of 2020, the city had around 22,000 units that were considered affordable housing within city limits where people could get housing assistance.
Vela said through programs with Austin Housing, renters can get a significant reduction on rent. The prices are based on the income you make.
Derrick Woods lives at the M-Stop Apartments. He is taking advantage of the assistance through Austin Housing. He has a family of five and rents in the $1,300 range.
"Across the street, the luxury apartments, you are paying $2,000 – I mean, $1,300 is good,” said Woods.
City Councilmember Vela said Austin needs to have more affordable housing.
“I want to boost the amount of housing – both market-rate housing and affordable housing – so everybody can get some relief. You know, folks that don't qualify for affordable housing or those who qualify, we need new housing of all types,” said Vela.
For information on the department's assistance offered, click here.
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