Travis County, the city of Austin and Austin ISD are looking at ways to provide more affordable housing. The NeighborhoodLIFT program launches in August in Travis County to provide options for funding home purchases. Westgate Grove, located in Southwest Austin, offers affordable homes.

Some low-income homebuyers may qualify for NeighborhoodLIFT, a program that will soon offer grants to help residents buy homes in Travis, Bastrop and Hays counties.Travis County Commissioner Margaret Gómez announced the upcoming launch of the program during the Commissioners Court meeting Aug. 16 in Austin.“Affordability continues to be one of our fastest-growing concerns for our citizens, and we welcome the efforts … of the private sector and nonprofit organizations that are doing the same,” Gómez said.NeighborhoodLIFT is a collaboration between Wells Fargo Housing Foundation, Neighborhood Works America, and Business and Community Lenders of Texas. Through the program, potential homeowners can sign up to find out if they prequalify for a mortgage and are eligible to receive assistance, Gómez said. LIFT programs , which are offered in 40 cities, can offer down-payment assistance for qualified buyers as well as education to help buyers prepare for homeownership and events to showcase homes on the market.Homes will be able to be purchased in any area of Travis, Bastrop or Hays counties through NeighborhoodLIFT, Gómez said.Potential applicants can attend the launch event scheduled for Aug. 26-27 at the Renaissance Austin Hotel, 9721 Arboretum Blvd., Austin. About 250 potential homeowners have already signed up to see if they qualify for NeighborhoodLIFT, Gomez said.Registration for appointments at the launch event and more information is available at www.neighborhoodlift.com