A new school year brings new classes, new routines, and plenty to prepare for. For families across Austin, Austin Housing Authority is helping make one part of that preparation a little easier.
A backpack may seem simple. But filled with the supplies a student needs for the first day of school, it can mean walking into the classroom feeling prepared and ready to learn.
This year, Austin Housing Authority prepared 1,780 backpacks filled with school supplies for students living in our Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA) communities and families participating in the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program.
More than a backpack
Across our communities, back-to-school events gave families an opportunity to pick up supplies, prepare for the year ahead and connect with resources available to them.
Students received backpacks and school supplies, while families could also access support ranging from school registration and educational resources to fresh haircuts.
Together, those resources helped make getting ready for the first day about more than checking items off a school supply list.
They helped students start the year feeling ready.
Community Partners Make an Impact
Austin Housing Authority’s back-to-school efforts were strengthened by community partners who provided resources, services and support to students and families throughout the distribution. We thank the following organizations for helping make this year’s events a success:
- Boys & Girls Club
- Communities In Schools
- 3 Kings Barber
- Mainspring Schools
- Austin Area Urban League
- Life Anew / ATX Peace
- Austin ISD
- Superior HealthCare
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas
- Skillpoint Alliance
- Workforce Solutions
- Austin Community College
- Tomorrow’s Promise
- Goodwill Excel Center
- Capital IDEA
- CapMetro
- Pinballz
Supporting Students and Families for the School Year
The first day of school is only the beginning.
Through resident programs and services, Austin Housing Authority works throughout the year to connect families with educational opportunities, youth programming and resources designed to support their goals.
As students head back to the classroom for the 2026–2027 school year, we’re celebrating the work they’ve already done—and everything still ahead of them.
Here’s to a strong start and an even stronger school year.
