AUSTIN, Texas -- Living in the city comes at a price.

“Five years ago life was pretty hard,” said Austin resident Sayuri Byrd. “I was making ends meet but because I was a single parent it was hard.”

She was able to get in last time the city's subsidized housing program had openings.

“There is a great need, and one of those indicators from when we opened it up in 2014 is that we received 20,000 applications,” said Laura Bodai, admissions director for the City of Austin's Housing Authority. 

Supply is still low. Last time, 2,500 applicants were reviewed and only 2,000 applicants will make it this time around. The voucher allows recipients to pay lower rent in places they wouldn't otherwise be able to afford.

“Without a voucher right now they’re pushed into neighborhoods where often it’s not convenient for them whether it’s for work or school,” Bodai said. 

As the city grows the agency continues work to get more people in on the program.

“We’re constantly doing outreach as the number of landlords increase,” said Bodai.

To help families like Sayuri’s.

 “I think you have to humble yourself and say, 'Hey, I need help. And that’s OK,'” said Byrd.

“It was a struggle to get to this point but looking back I wouldn’t take anything back I don’t regret anything at all,” Byrd continued. 

You can apply online through the agency's website. The application period closes Monday, Sept. 24.