Housing

For At-Risk/Homeless Families



Family Supportive Housing

Children’s Home Initiative

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.

Community Support Services

The Community Support Services (CSS) program offers free assistance for residents at 15 of our apartment communities for families in Austin to help residents overcome specific challenges. This includes:

        • Case Management: Needs assessments and individualized goal setting and referrals to internal and community-based resources.
        • Youth Development & Clinical Services: Weekly Learning Center consultation and training, targeted support for behavioral and relational challenges.
        • Adult & Family Clinical Services: Short-term, solution-focused therapeutic support, referrals to counseling providers, support groups for residents.