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FREE Housing & Utility Help in Austin
FREE and low-cost housing assistance, rental help, utility assistance, and eviction prevention resources for Austin TX residents. Includes programs through Austin Public Health, Travis County, and local nonprofits.
Start here: 2-1-1 Texas is a FREE 24/7 hotline for rent, utilities, food, healthcare, childcare and more. Dial 2-1-1 or visit 211texas.org.
- Affordable Housing Search Tool (AHOST)
Search affordable housing by income level at austintexas.gov
- Austin Energy Customer Assistance Program (CAP)
10–15% ongoing utility bill discount for income-qualified customers, plus a gateway to weatherization help.
- Austin Energy Weatherization Assistance Program
FREE home energy improvements (insulation, air sealing) for qualifying low/moderate-income households.
- BASTA (Building and Strengthening Tenant Action)
FREE tenant organizing and know-your-rights help for Austin renters facing bad conditions. Call 512-522-9984 (English & Spanish). Does not provide rent money.
- City of Austin GO REPAIR! Grant Program
City grants up to $20,000 for low-income homeowners needing structural or essential home repairs.
- City of Austin Rent & Utility Assistance
Call 512-972-5780 for limited funds through Austin Public Health
- Foundation Communities
Affordable housing and financial stability programs. Also runs Prosper Tax Help — FREE IRS-certified tax prep for households under ~$80k (Jan–April).
- Front Steps — Housing Stability
One-time help for past-due rent, deposits, and utilities
- HomeBase (Austin Habitat for Humanity)
FREE housing counseling connecting residents to first-time homebuyer programs and affordable housing options.
- Rebuilding Together Austin San Antonio
Volunteer-driven critical health & safety home repairs for low-income, disabled, and veteran homeowners — up to $10,000 at no cost.
- The Salvation Army – Austin Area Command
Emergency shelter and housing-focused case management for women, children, single adults, and families.
Hours and programs change often. Call ahead before you go. Know something that belongs here? Email freeinaustin@gmail.com.