Community Development
To help residents become self-sufficient and break out of the realms
of poverty, the Housing Authority of the City of Austin created the
Community Development Department. With a full-time staff of 14, the
department provides direct supportive services and manages active
partnerships with local organizations. HACA’s Community Development
Department aggressively pursues funding from the federal, state and
local government, as well as through private foundations to ensure
that there are a variety of different programs offered to residents.
The department focuses its efforts on three initiatives: economic
development, drop-out prevention and health and wellness.
The Community Development staff achieves these goals in two distinct,
but overlapping ways. First, Community Development staff provides
direct support to residents to help them become self-sufficient.
Direct services consist of information and referrals regarding resources
that residents need to access. Additionally, Family Self-Sufficiency
specialists monitor the progress of the residents by following up
with them on a regular basis, providing them with additional resources,
information and motivation.
CD staff achieves its goals also by partnering with local agencies
to assist residents in becoming self-sufficient. HACA recognizes
the great number of resources available to the Austin community and
makes every effort to collaborate with partners focused on helping
low-income communities. Current partners are focused on providing
tutoring and educational support on-site at public housing properties
and within the schools, and providing training, education and support
to residents who are looking for employment.
