Austin Nonprofit Launched Free Mental Wellness App
The Hi, How Are You Project released a new mobile app to combat student loneliness.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Health and Wellness
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Austin residents and students now have a new digital resource for mental wellness as The Hi, How Are You Project released a free mobile app. The organization developed the platform to provide guided exercises and community tools for those facing rising isolation.
Why it matters
The nonprofit launched this mobile initiative to address a growing lack of mental health providers and persistent loneliness among students. The tools are intended to foster connection, a factor that internal research identified as essential to student well-being.
According to the Thriving Student Index Survey, only 38% of students are considered thriving, yet 81% of those individuals cite community as their most critical support factor. The new app is currently available for users across 100 campuses.
The players
The Hi, How Are You Project
An Austin-based nonprofit focused on mental health awareness and community support.
Tom Gimbel
The co-founder of the Austin-based mental wellness nonprofit.
American Campus Communities
A student housing group that sponsored the development of the new mobile application.
The details
The app offers guided breathing, journaling, and a dashboard to monitor personal progress. Users can also utilize a community feature to organize and host their own wellness meetups. American Campus Communities sponsored the development of the app, which complements the organization's new Thriving Student Playbook containing 27 event programs.
Timeline
2017: The Hi, How Are You Project was founded.
October 10, 2026: The mobile app officially launched on World Mental Health Day.
January 22: Annual Hi, How Are You Day takes place.
The Texas Context
This release extends the reach of the organization's existing work, which is anchored by the annual Hi, How Are You Day observance. The app provides a persistent digital platform that builds on the awareness efforts the group has led since 2017.
Residents and students can download the application from the App Store immediately to begin tracking their mental health progress. The platform provides direct access to tools for hosting local meetups for those looking to build stronger community connections.
The takeaway
The app offers a practical way to foster community connection, which data shows is the primary factor for thriving students. Keep an eye on the organization's website for updates regarding the annual Hi, How Are You Day held each January.
Further reading
Find more local resources for support and community programs in our Health and Wellness section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KXAN.
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