Displacement Prevention Navigator Program

Navigators were recently recruited and trained by Austin Housing’s program partner, El Buen Samaritano, to support residents throughout the newly expanded service area. El Buen launched program planning and community engagement in March of this year, including community engagement, program development, staffing, training, and outreach preparation, prior to field deployment of the Navigators. The new hires began their work in August 2026 and will continue the City’s goal to support families in staying rooted where they belong. 

Navigators are: 
• Local residents with deep community ties 
• Paid $25/hour, up to 40 hours per month 
• Equipped with mileage and phone stipends 
• Trained through a 4‑week onboarding program, including Community Health Worker (CHW) training certified by the Texas Department of State Services

They are now actively connecting households to case management, wraparound services, and community supports. 

The neighborhood-based field Navigators are supported by internal Community Health Navigators, a Displacement Prevention Field Manager, a Case Manager, and additional El Buen program staff. Through the Neighbors Helping Neighbors approach, the team connects residents with intake and eligibility screening, housing stabilization navigation, food access, case management, and referrals to legal, workforce, health, education, benefits, and other community resources. Financial rental assistance may also be available through separate assistance programs for households that meet applicable eligibility and funding requirements; assistance is not guaranteed through the Displacement Prevention Navigator Program. 

El Buen is also establishing recurring Community Connections Desks in Dove Springs, Montopolis, and Colony Park to create accessible neighborhood-based opportunities for residents to connect with Navigators and learn about available stabilization resources. Locations and schedules for in-person resource assistance will be announced AustinTexas.gov/Navigators as details become available. 

Program History

Austin Housing launched the Navigator program in response to increasing displacement pressures across Austin. Rising property values, rent increases, and limited affordable housing options disproportionately impact renters, seniors, people with disabilities, and communities of color.

High-risk neighborhoods were identified for focused investment and proactive outreach.

Pilot Program (2023–2024) 

Why was this program created?

Austin Housing launched the Navigator program in response to increasing displacement pressures across Austin. Rising property values, rent increases, and limited affordable housing options disproportionately impact renters, seniors, people with disabilities, and communities of color. The pilot program provided services for one year, from June 2023 until May 2024.

Austin’s low-income residents are under tremendous displacement pressure. Local median income has risen with an influx of more affluent residents and tech jobs, even as housing production has lagged and property values have risen. Home prices, rents, and property taxes have quickly become less affordable to low- and moderate-income households. Between 2021 and 2022, rents rose by 35%, while the median home price jumped nearly 22%. More than a third of local households are cost-burdened. For people already more likely to be vulnerable to displacement—renters, seniors, people with disabilities, and communities of color—rising housing costs pose big challenges.

Where did the pilot program happen?

High-risk neighborhoods were identified for focused investment and proactive outreach. The one-year pilot program focused on two neighborhoods at high risk of displacement: Colony Park and Dove Springs. Compared to Austin as a whole, the pilot neighborhoods have higher shares of both cost-burdened residents and residents who have lived in their homes for more than 20 years. Important infrastructure investments and redevelopment initiatives are anticipated in these areas, including Project Connect. While such investments can bring great benefits, they can also potentially impact displacement as property values in nearby neighborhoods rise.

Who were the Navigators?

Navigators were community members connected to a variety of local groups and communities. Navigators were trained on housing-related resources and who will take proactive steps to prevent displacement. 
More than 200 Navigator applications were reviewed by City staff and community representatives recommended by District 1 and 2 Council offices. Selected applicants were interviewed by a small panel of City staff and community representatives. Thirteen people were selected for the pilot cohort of Navigators.

What did the Navigators do?

Navigators were trained about local housing resources and tools for effectively connecting community members with those resources. They reached out to community members in the pilot neighborhoods to make them aware of the program and provide direct assistance. Navigators worked one-on-one and led small-group workshops. Outreach and assistance was provided October 2023 through May 2024 and involved 10-15 hours per week.

Navigator services included:

• Basic explanations of available resources
• Identification and prioritization of resources to apply for
• Assistance signing up for email addresses and completing other straightforward tasks required for application submission
• Helping households fill out applications
• Supporting households in tracking submitted applications

The pilot concluded in June 2024 after supporting more than 300 households in Colony Park and Dove Springs.

You can read the Navigator Pilot Executive Summary, including analysis from Huston-Tillotson University, linked on this page.