Travis County officials this month signed off on $27 million in contracts for the development of affordable housing, much of it aimed at addressing chronic homelessness in the Austin area.
The contracts will go to nonprofit groups to build multifamily housing in two locations. Officials approved $15 million for housing nonprofit Foundation Communities to build Burleson Studios at 7905 Burleson Road. The 79,500-square-foot building will have 104 units geared toward single adults experiencing homelessness.
Foundation Communities is developing the project in collaboration with Mobile Loaves and Fishes, which offers supportive housing to those experiencing chronic homelessness at its Community First tiny-home village in Southeast Austin and recently, Burleson Studios will include healthcare centers, a grocery store, and other businesses.
The second, $13 million contract was awarded to youth advocate group LifeWorks, which will use the funding on the Works III project at 701 Tillery Street in East Austin Govalle neighborhood.
The Works III will reserve 120 units for permanent supportive housing for those making 50 or less of area median family income, to include including 96 apartments for people experiencing homelessness or aging out of foster care.
The project previously received $6 million from Austin's Homestead Preservation District Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone and $2 million from federal HOME grant funding.
County funding for the two projects comes from $110 million in federal money set aside for supportive housing as part of the American Rescue Plan Act.
“These investments in supportive housing are not just about creating units; they’re about building communities where residents have access to the care, services and opportunities they need to thrive. By partnering with organizations like Foundation Communities and LifeWorks, we’re laying the foundation for long-term solutions that will improve lives and strengthen our entire community,” Travis County Judge Andy Brown said.
