Rent assistance is a sure-fire strategy in the prevention of homelessness. During the past three years of the Covid pandemic, numerous city, county and federal rent-assistance funding streams have helped individuals and families maintain a roof over their heads. Many of these streams have now dried up, even as rents and grocery prices rise.
Austin City Lutherans is committed to giving a helping hand up to people in need through Bread For All Food Pantry. Food assistance typically gives recipients the equivalent of $100-125 in groceries, thereby freeing up a household’s wages to pay rent and cover bills. We understand ongoing food assistance and the rent assistance programs we carried out in 2020 and 2022 together to be works of “homelessness prevention.”
Rent Assistance Program #3
At ACL’s 2023 Summit Meeting on February 26, ACL committed $25,000 as an opening match in order to raise a total of $50,000 for a third iteration of its rent assistance program. With $5,000 from a donor from Austin Community Foundation, another $5,000 from an anonymous donor at St. James’ Episcopal Church, and $3,500 from Abiding Love Lutheran Church, the program is well on its way – at $38,500 – to reach its goal of $50,000 by the end of April.
Donations can be made on this website on the donation page. ACL is a 501.(c)3 non-profit and 100 percent of donations go to point of need, as there are zero overhead costs with ACL’s program.
ACL uses an application process that identifies recipients who can best succeed in staying housed, based upon family size, current income, and (any) accrued debt. Eligibility for this program – most likely slated for June – will be restricted to neighbors receiving food at BFA.
We’ve had success with our programs and have discovered that in the right situation, a rent infusion of $1000-$1750 can make all the difference in the world. Veronica’s story, linked here, is but one example.
Combined with our Move-In Ministry, we can help families avoid eviction or “non-renewal of lease.” Maritza’s story, linked here, is a shining example of someone taking good advantage of a new start and making things work. And while we had an original connection with Maritza and her family through BFA, we mostly serve clients of homelessness services providers who are helping them transition from the streets and encampments to housing situations. We have found a niche in being able to provide these clients, in case management relationships, with quality used furniture, beds, and household items that they don’t have and have no way to buy.
Not only do these items save them money and help them afford their new housing situation, these items enable a bare apartment take on the aura of “home.”
I’ve heard from many congregants at our churches in Austin who “actually want to do something about homelessness.” My friends – thanks be to God – we’ve found two excellent strategies in which just about anyone can participate. Many of us can donate to a rent assistance fund. And a number of us can donate quality used furniture – and some of us can help to store and move that furniture to its new destination.
Join us. In Christ’s name, we can participate in effective ministries – more, better, together – to help prevent and reduce homelessness in Austin.