Austin’s Department of Neighborhood Housing and Community Development

Austin's Department of Neighborhood Housing and Community Development provides housing, community development, and small business development services to City residents to increase opportunities for self-sufficiency.  Its HousingSmarts initiative provides free homebuyer education and foreclosure prevention counseling.  Program graduates are eligible for up to $40,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance, as well as the department’s Match Savings Account Program, where the city provides a $4 match for every $1 saved for the purpose of higher education, purchasing a home, or small business development/expansion.