Austin received millions in federal grants to address homelessness. Here's how it was spent The City of Austin received millions in federal grant money last year to address homelessness. The KVUE Defenders show you where the City said that money went. Author: Terri Gruca Updated: 6:37 AM CDT July 14, 2021 AUSTIN, Texas — Time takes its toll even in a boomtown like Austin. We have a growing population with loads of opportunity, but at the same time, a growing homeless population living on the streets, while taxpayers await a solution. The KVUE Defenders pushed to get access to the information, but the City denied our request and asked the attorney general for a ruling on what information it must release.