Prosper Centers

If you live on a Foundation Communities property, and have experienced a hardship or emergency, you may be eligible to receive assistance towards your rent and utility bills.

Please Note: Assistance is not guaranteed, even for those who qualify. We receive more requests every month than we have funds to fulfill them. Please continue to look for ways to pay rent.

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Utility Assistance

Your household is eligible if:

• You experienced a financial emergency or loss of income that impacted your ability to pay your utilities and you can provide your most recent City of Austin utility bill.
• Your household has not exceeded the limit of 4 separate instances of utility assistance or cap of $1,500 in one calendar year.
• Your household is in good standing with the leasing office.

Your household is not eligible if:

• Your household cannot provide the most recent City of Austin utility bill.
• Your household owes a utility deposit. Utility assistance cannot be used for a deposit.
• Your household has previously been charged with meter tampering.
• You are an SRO Resident*
• You are a North Texas resident**
• You are an FC employee.

*SRO Residents are not eligible because their utilities are included in rent.
**Residents of North Texas Properties are not eligible because they are not connected to City
of Austin utilities.

Rental Assistance

Your household is eligible if:

• You have not received rental assistance from FC in the last 12 months.
• You have not received rental assistance more than three times since moving into an FC property.
• You have attended three case management or financial coaching sessions since your previous rental assistance payment (if applicable).
• Your household experienced a financial emergency in the last 60 days and there is proof of the emergency.

Your household is not eligible if:

• An eviction has been filed.
• Your household has a high past due rental balance (two or more months behind on rent).
• You have not met with a financial coach or case manager since you last received assistance from FC.
• You are an FC employee.

FAQ

When can I apply for assistance?

Rental Assistance

Applications for rent assistance will be accepted for two weeks at the beginning of each month. Applications for the current or following month will be accepted during that time (for example, applications for January or February rent assistance will be accepted in the first two weeks of January). The exact dates vary by month.

Utility Assistance

Applications for utility assistance are accepted and processed as funding allows and with resident need.

If I'm approved, will the funds be distributed instantly?

Rental Assistance

No, funds will be distributed closer to the end of the month you requested them.

Utility Assistance

Applications for utility assistance are accepted and processed as funding allows and with resident need.

How much assistance can I receive?

Rental Assistance

You can get up to one month’s rent, or your portion of rent if you receive a housing subsidy. You can also get help with your water bill for the amount of the bill up to the value of one month’s rent. Getting help with a water bill counts toward assistance limits.

Utility Assistance

You can receive utility assistance up to four times a year, or a total of $1,500 every 12 months-whichever comes first. The maximum amount per request is $250. Utility assistance will not be posted to your account as a credit. Austin Energy will only accept a pledge to bring your balance to $0.
Note: If you have received a shutoff notice, the maximum amount for your request may exceed $250

What documents do I need to submit?

Documentation must be official to the extent possible and be dated within the last 60 days. Electronic copies and photos of documents are acceptable.

Rental Assistance

Please Provide at least one of the following:

• Pay Stubs
• Letters from a doctor
• Copies of bills
• Other proof of increased expenses or lost income that coincides with the reason you are seeking assistance.

You must also provide 3rd Party Attestation from:

• A Property manager, case manager, or other service provider attesting to
  the reasons why you are seeking assistance

Utility Assistance

Your City of Austin utility bill must be the most recent copy you have received.