After three years of lower rents, rates are on the rise again. In June, the occupancy rate of Austin-area apartments reached a rate of 92.7%. The average rent for a two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment was $811, 2.5% more than in December.
(Austin Business Journal 7/7/05)

The rising cost of living makes it increasingly difficult for many working people to remain self-sufficient. Over a quarter of Travis County’s population (more than 190,000 people) is considered low-income, living below 200% of the federal poverty level.  More than half of this low-income population (or close to 110,000 residents) live below 100% of the poverty level. 

Thousands of people working full-time—or more—cannot afford a place to live. A family needs to make $17.54/hour to afford an average 2-bedroom apartment in Austin. Yet many low-wage jobs pay as little as half that amount, such as: janitor = $10.60, retails sales = $10.99, construction - $15.50, food prep - $8.32.
(Paycheck to Paycheck – 2005, Center for Housing Policy)

Thousands of working families can’t afford the American Dream. The annual income required to purchase a median priced home in Austin ($179,000) is $56,756—yet workers in occupations that do not require advanced education take home 1/3 of that.
(Paycheck to Paycheck – 2005, Center for Housing Policy)

Texans are losing their homes to foreclosure at a higher rate than any other state. In June 2005, Texas had one foreclosure for about every 650 households, more than two and a half times the national average.
(KUT 7/29/05)

Before Malike Hunter and her kids came to live at Trails at Vintage Creek, they were homeless. Then she found out about the Children’s HOME Initiative, a program at Foundation Communities that offers affordable rent to very low-income families and helps them develop a plan to increase self-sufficiency. Two years later, she has a job and a much more stable life. She has taken nursing classes and is saving up to start her own business. She feels that living here provides a safe family environment where she can take care of her children, one of who has a congenital heart defect. "Being in this program brings me hope for a better tomorrow for my kids," she says.