Austin Expands Displacement Prevention Navigator Program

City seeks community members to apply for open navigator positions to help families stay in their homes.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The city of Austin has expanded its Displacement Prevention Navigator Program and is now recruiting community members to apply for open navigator positions. The navigators will be hired and trained by the city's partner organization, El Buen Samaritano, to help educate and connect families in certain neighborhoods to vital housing stability resources.

Why it matters

As Austin continues to grow and develop, particularly with the expansion of public transit through Project Connect, there are concerns about the displacement of long-time residents, especially in lower-income communities. This program aims to proactively support families and prevent them from being priced out of their homes.

The details

Navigators will be responsible for connecting residents to case management and wraparound services, organizing and participating in outreach events, and conducting culturally responsive intake and assessments focused on housing stability and displacement risk. The navigator positions are contracted, non-benefits roles that pay $25 per hour for up to 40 hours per month, plus mileage and phone stipends.

  • The deadline for all Displacement Prevention Navigator Program applications is Friday, March 20, 2026.
  • Selected applicants will be notified via email for a tentative start date of March 23, 2026.
  • The navigator positions are anticipated to continue through March 2027.

The players

El Buen Samaritano

A city partner organization that will be responsible for hiring and training the displacement prevention navigators.

Deletta Dean

The Director of Austin Housing, who stated that the goal of the program is to empower Austinites to stay in their homes and maintain stability.

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What they’re saying

“Our goal has always been to meet residents where they are and earn their trust. With the support of the navigators, we're empowering Austinites to stay in their homes and maintain the stability every family deserves.”

— Deletta Dean, Austin Housing Director (Patch.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This program is a proactive step by the city of Austin to support low-income residents and prevent displacement as the city continues to grow and develop, particularly around new public transit projects. By empowering community members as navigators, the city is aiming to build trust and ensure families can remain in their homes.