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First Steps

Are you homeless or at risk of homelessness?

Our goal at Front Steps is to provide a resource for the community of Austin by keeping people in their own homes and by getting people out of the shelter system and off the streets. We want to break the cycle of trauma that comes with being unhoused. To further our mission of preventing and ending homelessness, Front Steps is launching two new programs under our homeless prevention initiative, First Steps; the Housing Displacement Prevention Program and Housing Placement Program.

Housing Displacement Prevention Program

The Housing Displacement Prevention Program is designed to help people keep their housing. The Housing Displacement Prevention Program provides financial assistance to those who have been pushed to the brink of homelessness by unexpected hardships and limited resources. The program can assist with moving in costs such as security deposits, application fees, pet fees, and more.

For individuals who may be facing eviction for late payment, this program can provide help with past-due rental payments. Front Steps works directly with your landlord to prevent eviction. We understand if you have a special circumstance and we’re here for you. You may also contact us if none of these situations apply to you, and you are at risk of being homeless. 

Learn how to access our Housing Displacement Prevention Program here: APPLICATION

Who is Eligible?

  • Anyone is at imminent risk of being literally homeless. Meaning, an individual or family who will imminently lose their primary nighttime residence, provided that:
    1. Residence will be lost within 14 days of the date of application for homeless assistance;
       
    2. No subsequent residence has been identified; and
       
    3. The individual or family lacks the resources or support networks needed to obtain other permanent housing.

    Note: Includes individuals and families who are within 14 days of losing their housing, including housing they own, rent, are sharing with others, or are living in without paying rent.

    However, you may also contact us if none of these situations apply to you, and you are at risk of being homeless. Our application is your chance to tell us about your situation. IDs, proof of hardship, proof of income, and any other documentations are not required, but highly encouraged. Do not be discouraged to apply if you do not have proper documentation, right now.

How to Enroll?

To obtain help please complete our online application. If you need assistance completing your online application feel free to give us a call or fill out a contact form. The First Steps and its programs; Housing Displacement Prevention Program and Housing Placement Program DO NOT need a coordinated assessment.   

Housing Placement Program

The Housing Placement Program is designed to help people who are already unhoused and need to be placed in short-term housing right away. We will provide housing and financial assistance with housing for up to 2 months. We will work with you to find a place where you can stay while a case manager helps you take charge of your future. The goal of this program is to meet people’s immediate needs while supporting their transition into sustainable, permanent housing. The Housing Placement program IS NOT a shelter and turn-around times vary from 3-7 business days. 

Learn how to access our Housing Placement Program fund here: APPLICATION

Who is Eligible?

  • Anyone who is literally homeless. Literally homeless is described as an individual or family who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence, meaning:
    1. Has a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not meant for human habitation; or
    2. Is living in a publicly or privately operated shelter designated to provide temporary living arrangements (including congregate shelters, transitional housing, and hotels and motels paid for by charitable organizations or by federal, state and local government programs); or
    3. Is exiting an institution where (s)he has resided for 90 days or less and who resided in an emergency shelter or place not meant for human habitation immediately before entering that institution.

    You are also eligible if you are fleeing/attempting to flee domestic violence. 

    You may also contact us if none of these situations apply to you, but you are still needing housing placement. 

How to Enroll?

To obtain help please complete our online application. If you need assistance completing your online application feel free to give us a call or fill out a contact form.  The First Steps and its programs; Housing Displacement Prevention Program and Housing Placement Program DO NOT need a coordinated assessment.   

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Corporate Office

Address: 4507 North Interstate 35, Austin, Texas 78722
Phone: (512) 696-1484
Email: info@frontsteps.org