Burmese refugees in Austin struggle amid rising living costs

During a recent city council meeting, Jonathan Tan, a representative from the Burmese refugee community in Austin, shared the challenges faced by refugees in the area. Tan, who arrived in Austin in 2016 from a Malaysian refugee camp, highlighted the struggles of nearly 1,000 Burmese families living primarily in South Austin, particularly in affordable housing complexes like East Riverside Apartments.

Tan emphasized the difficulties stemming from language barriers, low income, and the high cost of living in Austin. Many families, he noted, lost jobs during the pandemic and face ongoing financial hardships, often relying on public transportation due to the lack of personal vehicles. He expressed concern over rising rents and the inability of families to afford basic living expenses, leading to overcrowded living situations where multiple families share small apartments.

In his heartfelt plea, Tan called on the city to provide more support for refugees, including financial assistance programs and affordable housing options. He expressed gratitude for the local community's commitment to welcoming refugees and emphasized the desire for a better life in Austin.

Following Tan's remarks, the council moved into an executive session to discuss legal matters related to the upcoming fiscal year budget and associated fees. The meeting resumed shortly after, with public comments from various community members, including representatives from local advocacy groups.