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Protect Project Connect
Since 2016, Mama Sana Vibrant Woman (MSVW) and its partners have turned those values into action, supporting Black and Latinx families during the most critical 24 months of their lives: pregnancy and the two years postpartum. Despite rising costs and an increased demand for support, essential funding for these services is being eroded.
We are not asking for new or expanded funding. We are asking the City of Austin to maintain and restore the prior funding levels ($900k) to prevent further service erosion. This is a stabilization strategy to ensure that organizations like MSVW, Black Mamas ATX, GALS, and others can continue to keep Austin families healthy, housed, and whole.
How You Can Help
Six different City Commissions are meeting between January and March to make budget recommendations. They need to hear from constituents like you that maternal health and housing stability are inseparable.
Click the button below to send a pre-written letter to the Mayor and City Council urging them to protect these vital services.
Hello Commissioners.
My name is ___, and I’m writing to urge this commission to recommend that the City of Austin maintain existing funding for Mama Sana Vibrant Woman’s maternal health services and perinatal housing stabilization supports.
This is not a request for new or expanded funding. It’s a request to protect what already exists.
Mama Sana Vibrant Woman has partnered with the City since 2016 to support Black and Latinx families during pregnancy and the first two years postpartum. Despite rising costs and increased demand, their funding has remained the same. Most recently, their maternal health contract was reduced by 10%, and Project Connect rental assistance funding was eliminated entirely.
Housing stability during pregnancy and postpartum is not optional. It directly impacts birth outcomes, mental health, and family stability. When families lose housing during this period, the consequences are long-lasting and costly for everyone.
Maintaining prior funding levels would prevent further service erosion and protect families during one of the most vulnerable times in their lives.
I respectfully ask this commission to elevate this need in its budget recommendations and stand behind the City’s stated commitments to health equity, racial equity, and preventing displacement.
Thank you for your time and leadership.
Sincerely,
__________
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Want to Speak Up on City Funding for Maternal Health & Housing Stability?
Mama Sana Vibrant Woman encourages our community, partners, and supporters to use Public Communication to share your voice on how City funds should support maternal health services and housing stability.
Public Communication (General):
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The first 10 speakers who sign up before the meeting is called to order may speak for up to 3 minutes on issues not listed on the agenda, including funding priorities that impact our families.
Speaking In Person:
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Sign up when you arrive by adding your name to the public communication sign-up sheet at the meeting.
Speaking Virtually:
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You must register in advance to speak remotely.
Key Details for Virtual Participation:
Registration Deadlines
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For City Council meetings, registration closes 45 minutes before the meeting starts.
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For boards and commissions, check the agenda for the specific deadline.
After Registration:
You’ll receive an email with instructions to join the meeting.
Information You’ll Need:
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Your name
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Contact information
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Meeting date
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Topic(s) you want to speak on (maternal health, housing stability, etc.)