20240326-007 HLQOL Housing Stabilization Budget Recommendation — original pdf

Recommendation

BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission Recommendation Number: (20240326-7): Housing Stabilization Budget Recommendation WHEREAS, many low-income families may be one hardship away from losing housing or other basic needs; and WHEREAS, the majority of zip codes where the median family income is 60% MFI and below are areas with high populations of Hispanic/Latine residents; and WHEREAS, Hispanic/Latine Austinites face high levels of housing insecurity, creating an even heavier burden on other household expenses such as food, utilities, costs associated with schooling, medical expenses, and childcare; and WHEREAS, falling behind on rent and getting evicted leads to increased barriers to accessing stable housing in the future and often leads to Austinites falling into homelessness; and WHEREAS, having access to one-time direct cash assistance to use for emergency needs outside of rental, mortgage, or tax payments could help alleviate emergency gaps that force households to choose between paying for rent/mortgage or covering other essential expenses; WHEREAS, many grassroots nonprofits in Austin have experience in responsibly distributing direct cash assistance to families in need, as was exemplified during Winter Storm Uri; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission encourages the Austin City Council to allocate $1,000,000 towards working with local nonprofits to launch an emergency supplemental assistance pilot program for low-income residents. Date of Approval: ____March 26, 2024_________________________ For: Commissioner Silva, Commissioner Afifi, Commissioner Vargas, Commissioner Perales, Commissioner Castañeda, Commissioner Galvan, Commissioner Jackson Jr. Vote: 7-1 Against: None Abstain: Commissioner Neri Absent: Commissioner May, Commissioner Maldonado Attest: Amanda Afifi, Chair