Housing

For At-Risk/Homeless Families



Children’s HOME Initiative

For At-Risk/Homeless Families

Providing second-chance housing opportunities for families overcoming barriers like low income, negative rental history, or poor credit.

Children’s HOME Initiative staff can assist you over the phone with housing consultation at 512-610-7392, or by email CHI@foundcom.org.

The Children’s Home Initiative (CHI) has supported more than 1,000 families facing housing challenges in Austin—from those experiencing homelessness, to those struggling with the rising cost of living, and others in need of stability. This unique program provides affordable housing paired with intensive on-site case management services that focus on housing stability, financial security, parent empowerment, and overall family well-being.

Currently, Foundation Communities has 180 apartments for CHI families.

Program Requirements and Details

  • Age Requirement: Primary applicant must be 18 years or older.
  • Children in Household: Applicant(s) must have primary custody of minor children in household.
  • Income Verification: Must provide proof of at least 2 months of earned income at the time of application, or active SSI/SSDI award letters.
  • Case Management: Participation in weekly case management meetings is required.
  • Rental History: We accept applicants with rental debt! Up to 3 prior evictions and/or 3 broken leases may be considered. (Damage charges must not exceed $1,000. An itemized statement may be requested.)
  • Affordable Rent: Rent is based on gross annual income and varies by property and unit size.
  • Rent Stability: Once enrolled, your rent amount will remain the same throughout your program participation—even if your income increases.

We are unable to provide emergency or immediate housing placement. Families are placed on our waitlist, and we encourage you to review our current process and wait times below.

01

Program Qualified
Applicant has successfully submitted a completed application and meets all program criteria.

02

Orientation
Applicant is invited to attend an orientation session to learn more about case management and program expectations. All applicants must register and attend an orientation session.

03

Waitlist
Applicant is added to waitlist and begins checking in weekly to report any changes to household, employment or income. Applicant starts to save money for potential move-in costs.

04

Leasing
Applicant is matched to available unit and begins the leasing process. Background check and rental history are reviewed and employment/income are verified. Applicant may be approved or denied based on meeting Tenant Selection Criteria.

An icon of a house 2-4 months for a 1 bedroom apartment

(for households of 2-3 persons)
An icon of a house 3-6 months for a 2 bedroom apartment.

(for households of 4-5 persons)
An icon of a house 6-12 months for a 3 bedroom apartment.

(for households of 6-7 persons)


You can download our CHI application here in ENGLISH or SPANISH.

You must submit all income documents with the application to CHI@foundcom.org or we will not be able to process the application.