AUSTIN, TX – The City of Austin Housing Department is happy to announce that City Council approved contract funding for an expanded Displacement Prevention Navigator Program to support Austinites in the Colony Park, Dove Springs, Monotopolis neighborhoods as well as areas within 1 mile of the Project Connect transit corridor. Administered through the Housing Department, the program will connect residents in need of housing-related resources with case managers that can provide support. In addition, paid Navigators will provide direct outreach to spread the word about opportunities available. 

“Making the Displacement Prevention Navigator Program an ongoing service reflects the City’s broader commitment to tackling displacement and promoting housing stability across Austin,” said Deletta Dean, Director of the Housing Department.” By building on the successes and opportunities of the pilot, we are ensuring that the Navigators’ work continues as part of Austin’s larger strategy to create more equitable and resilient communities.” 

Although similar to the successful pilot program, in addition to the outreach and engagement, a case management component has been added to provide one-on-one guidance. The two contracted partners, El Buen Samaritano and Cortez Consulting Services, will work collaboratively to reach Austinites vulnerable to housing displacement. A competitive solicitation was issued for these contracts earlier this Spring.  

 
Serving a need 

The Displacement Prevention Navigator Pilot program first launched in 2023 to provide resources to help people stay in their homes utilizing assistance from paid Navigators, who were individuals recruited from local communities. Initially, it focused on two neighborhoods that were identified as being at high risk of housing displacement: Dove Springs and Colony Park. These neighborhoods had higher shares of cost-burdened residents (or households who use more than one third of their income for housing) and residents who have lived in their homes more than 20 years. They are also areas where major infrastructure investments and redevelopment initiatives are taking place that could add to greater housing instability and displacement pressures. 

“The Displacement Prevention Navigator Program reflects Austin’s commitment to ensuring that longtime residents can remain in the communities they love and call home,” said Nefertitti Jackmon, Community Displacement Prevention Officer for the City of Austin Housing Department. “Partnering with trusted community members, we are breaking down barriers to access vital housing resources. This program is part of a larger strategic focus and an upstream solution to address homelessness.” 

Below are key numbers related to the Navigators’ outreach and impact:  

Households reached through materials distributed: 3,040    

Navigator Hours in the community: 2,133 

Households Assisted: 394 

Community Events Attended: 69