Housing Authority of the City of Austin

HACA is committed to supporting residents and their families on their journey to self-sufficiency through targeted, culturally competent service provision that is improved through strong community partnerships and resident leadership. To strive towards this commitment, HACA often employs a peer-to-peer Ambassador model designed to build trust and address resident concerns. Ambassadors are chosen from the communities in which they reside and are reflective of those that they support. HACA believes implementing a resident-led approach via an ambassador program is one of the most effective methods of engaging our  residents. Ambassadors are trained to consider how language, cultural values, and family norms contribute to relevance and sustainability. They are empowered, exercise community leadership, and trained to connect with other residents through a culturally competent learning model. To date, Ambassadors have supported digital inclusion, mobility, paraeducator, fatherhood and parenting, health and wellness, and workforce development programs.