Austin's Plans for Ending Homelessness
While efforts have been taken by the City of Austin to assist the local homeless community in finding homes and getting them back on their feet, according the KVUE ABC, an audit from the Office of the City Auditor shows that there is space for development from the current city programs.
The audit from the Office of the City Auditor shows that perhaps the service providers put in place to serve the Austin homeless community aren’t performing as well as originally forecasted. According to KUT 90.5, the report found that “nine of the city’s largest contracts in 2017 met city benchmarks for service only about half the time”. KUT 90.5 reports that the Assistant City Auditor, Andrew Keegan, points to funding cuts to explain why the contracted service providers weren’t meeting their goals, but the audit shows that some contracts were amended to lower those goals after-the-fact.
According to KUT 90.5, one of the service provider contracts was amended on four separate occasions by Austin Public Health to lower the minimum number of people who were served. Austin Public Health told the Office of the City Auditor that the changes happened due a typo, but Andrew Keegan found several other contracts that had similar changes made. The audit said the amendments were “not holding service providers accountable for poor performance.”
There was an additional concern in the report regarding the measurement of success of these programs, and how they’re determining long-term success and people who return to homelessness. As reported by the Austin Monitor, the city audit found that “the city can’t always track whether a person returns to homelessness because not all providers are using a uniform reporting system. Some providers use electronic records, while others use paper records.”
The audit also reports that the services need to be better balanced with case management to more effectively find housing the Austin homeless community. KUT 90.5 reported that this national study focused on Austin showed that half of the people who received assistance from a case manager from the Austin Resource Center for the Homeless (ARCH) found suitable housing, but that less than 1% of homeless individuals who didn’t have case managers found access to suitable housing. Reportedly, the Austin auditor’s office recommended the creation of a centralized system or singular contact to reduce the problem of homeless individuals having multiple case managers who may not be communicating with one another.
Ann Howard, a representative of the Ending Community Homeless Coalition, is reported by KUT 90.5 as telling the committee that a lack of resources has negatively affected the service providers can give.
“We would love more staff, we would love to be able to have people in the programs longer, so that we are rock solid that that family will never need our help again,” Howard said according to KUT 90.5, “But we don’t have that luxury in Austin. We’re trying to stabilize and get to the next client.”
The audit also found that people who are at the highest-risk of eviction or homelessness may not be the ones receiving the assistance that they need.
The Austin Monitor reports that four-person households making $13,000 or less a year are the most susceptible to homelessness in the city of Austin, according to the Department of Housing and Urban Development. However, the audit shows that less than half of the people seeking help with utility bill assistance, temporary rental housing and legal assistance met that income in 2017. Most of the four-person households who received assistance from Austin Public Health were earning up to $50,000 during the 2017 calendar year.
Despite these reports from the Office of the City Auditor, the city of Austin is still trying to make headway to help the homeless individuals and families who call the capitol city home.
In April of this year, City Council held a meeting to look for funding resources to pay for a center that will provide resources for homeless families, particularly women and children. The Salvation Army’s Rathgeber Center for Women and Children in East Austin is a $12 million center built on Tannehill Road off east Martin Luther King Boulevard. It was funded by a campaign led by local developer Dick Rathegeber, and it would be able to offer housing for more than 200 individuals.
The facility would help with the overflow of people waiting to receive help from the current downtown facilities, and has a focus on families who need housing for longer stays.
Area commander for the Salvation Army, Andrew Kelly, is reported as saying, “This initiative is a win-win for our community and for families experiencing homelessness. We absolutely must get the children out of the downtown area and into safer shelter and put an end to families sleeping in their cars.”
Austin City Council is also looking end what is described as “discriminatory policies” towards Austin’s homeless community, according to Fox 7 Austin. Council Member Greg Casar is heading this effort, and his proposed ordinance would make changes to both the “camping” and “sit-lie” sections of the city’s current code, as an attempt to decriminalize homeless individuals who are trying to rest on the city streets.
In a reported statement from Council Member Greg Casar, he said “We won’t be able to arrest away our City’s homelessness problem….Asking for money, sitting or lying down in public, and sleeping in tents are basic requirements of survival, especially while homeless. Criminalizing this behavior is unjust and unconstitutional, and can prevent people from getting into housing or support services – the very thing they need to get off the streets.”
While Austin’s homeless population won’t be able to receive the assistance they need overnight, hopefully the plans put in action by the City of Austin in the future will increase the amount of people who are able to receive help and find temporary and permanent housing.
UPDATE FOR 2024
In 2024, the city of Austin has implemented several new programs and policies to address homelessness, reflecting a multifaceted approach that includes increased funding for shelters, enhanced mental health services, and expanded affordable housing projects.
1. Increased Funding for Shelters
One significant initiative is the reopening of the Salvation Army’s Eighth Street shelter, which had closed earlier but is now set to reopen following a new lease agreement. Renovations are underway, and the shelter is expected to accommodate residents within six to eight weeks. Additionally, the Marshalling Yard shelter, which opened in August 2023, is already serving 200 people daily with plans to increase this capacity to 300. However, intake has been temporarily paused to refine the referral process and ensure equitable access across the city.
2. Enhanced Mental Health Services
Austin has also increased its mental health services as part of its comprehensive approach to homelessness. The 9-1-1 system now includes a mental health option, allowing for immediate assistance for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. This integration provides targeted support and reduce the strain on emergency services while ensuring that those in need receive appropriate care.
3. Expanded Affordable Housing Projects
The city has approved new affordable housing developments, particularly in southeast Austin, to address the critical shortage of housing units. The Housing-focused Encampment Assistance Link (HEAL) Initiative, started in June 2021, has successfully cleared 15 encampments and moved 635 people into bridge shelters. This initiative aims to transition individuals from temporary shelters to permanent housing through a rapid rehousing program, although challenges in the housing market have extended the average time in the program from 180 to 227 days.
4. Strategic Partnerships and Funding
To support these efforts, Austin has allocated substantial funds, including $1 million from the American Rescue Plan Act, to enhance homelessness services and support ongoing projects. Despite some challenges, such as the rejection of a proposed partnership with Travis County involving McKinsey & Company, the city continues to seek collaborative solutions with various stakeholders, including Central Health and Dell Medical School, to optimize resource allocation and service delivery.
5. Community Involvement
The city encourages community involvement through volunteer opportunities, donations, and participation in local organizations dedicated to homelessness services. This collective effort aims to make homelessness rare, brief, and nonrecurring, reinforcing Austin’s commitment to compassion and effective support for its unhoused population.
Overall, these comprehensive measures underscore Austin's proactive stance on addressing homelessness through enhanced funding, strategic partnerships, and community engagement. For more details on these initiatives, you can visit the City of Austin’s [Homeless Strategy Office page](https://www.austintexas.gov/department/homeless-strategy-office).
In Austin, Texas, various initiatives have aimed to address homelessness, leading to both successes and ongoing challenges.
Key Initiatives and Their Impact
1. Housing Programs and Outreach: The city has made significant strides in expanding housing programs. By the end of 2022, over $50 million in ARPA-funded contracts were approved to expand or launch housing programs, shelter services, and street outreach, including behavioral health and employment services. Additionally, over 1,000 dedicated rental units are in the planning or construction phase. The "Finding Home ATX" initiative aims to house 3,000 additional people by December 2024, tracking progress through the ECHO Homelessness Dashboard.
2. Homeless Encampment Management: The City of Austin launched the Homeless Encampment Management Team to streamline the approach to managing homeless encampments, with nearly $5 million budgeted for cleanups. The HEAL (Housing-focused Encampment Assistance Link) Initiative has successfully relocated hundreds of individuals from high-risk encampments to shelters and permanent housing.
3. Camping Ban and Enforcement: In 2021, the city reinstated bans on camping and sleeping outside, which contributed to a reduction in the number of people sleeping outdoors in downtown Austin. This enforcement pushed many homeless individuals to more secluded areas outside central Austin.
Despite these efforts, the homeless population in Austin has seen fluctuations. The 2024 point-in-time count estimated nearly 4,600 homeless individuals, although new counting methods may have contributed to this increase rather than a substantial rise in homelessness itself. The overall trend since 2017 shows a steady increase in the homeless population, though recent data indicate a slight dip due to effective housing and relocation efforts.
Challenges and Areas for Improvement
1. Funding Gaps: While significant funds have been allocated, there remains a shortfall in reaching the $515 million goal to house 3,000 people by the end of 2024. The community is still $60 million short, which presents a challenge in fully implementing housing initiatives.
2. Quality of Group Homes: There are calls to improve the quality and regulation of group homes that provide board and care. Currently, the lack of baseline standards has led to uneven quality and varied success rates for individuals transitioning from homelessness.
3. Sustained Community Engagement: The city's Homeless Strategy Division has expanded to enhance planning, program management, and community engagement. Regular updates and collaborations with community stakeholders are crucial for sustained progress.
Austin's approach to homelessness has shown progress through expanded housing and targeted initiatives like HEAL and the Homeless Encampment Management Team. However, ongoing challenges such as funding gaps and the need for better regulation of group homes highlight areas requiring further attention to achieve long-term success in reducing homelessness in the city.
Recent community efforts, partnerships, and events in Austin, Texas, have shown a strong commitment to supporting homeless individuals through various initiatives led by non-profits, local businesses, and government agencies.
Community Efforts and Partnerships
1. Non-Profit Organizations:
-Art From the Streets (AFTS) in Austin, Texas, is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting homeless individuals through the power of art. Established in 1991, AFTS provides a safe and encouraging environment where homeless and at-risk individuals can express themselves creatively, develop their artistic skills, and work towards self-sufficiency.
Key Initiatives and Support
1. Open Studio:
AFTS offers a free Open Studio program where participants can create art in a supportive community. This initiative helps individuals build a sense of achievement, form social connections, and gain a sense of purpose. The program runs four days a week, fostering a positive and creative environment.
2. Annual Art Show and Sale:
Each year, AFTS organizes an art show and sale, showcasing the work of homeless artists. In 2023, over 100 artists displayed more than 3,000 pieces of art at the Blue Genie Art Bazaar. The proceeds from these sales go directly to the artists, with 95% of the sales revenue supporting them. This event not only provides financial support but also validates the artists' efforts and talents.
3. Community and Partnerships:
AFTS collaborates with various organizations to offer additional resources, such as housing and job opportunities, to the artists. Although AFTS does not provide housing directly, it partners with groups that can assist with these needs, creating a continuum of care for the participants.
4. Personal Stories of Transformation:
The impact of AFTS on individual lives is profound. For instance, Synethia Kelly, an artist who joined AFTS, credits the organization with saving her life by giving her hope and a sense of purpose during a difficult time. Many artists, like Kelly, have found stability and community through their involvement with AFTS.
5. Community Engagement:
AFTS encourages the community to support homeless artists by purchasing artwork and participating in events. This not only helps financially but also fosters greater understanding and empathy within the community. Patrons and volunteers often form meaningful connections with the artists, contributing to a supportive and inclusive environment.
Through these efforts, Art From the Streets continues to make a significant difference in the lives of homeless individuals in Austin, using art as a powerful tool for healing, empowerment, and social change.
- Ending Community Homelessness Coalition (ECHO): ECHO plays a pivotal role in coordinating efforts to address homelessness in Austin. Their initiatives include managing the Homelessness Response System Dashboard, which tracks data on housing programs, the unhoused population, and system flow. This tool helps policymakers and community members understand and address homelessness more effectively.
- Caritas of Austin: Caritas has been instrumental in developing affordable housing projects, such as Espero Austin at Rutland, which includes 101 units specifically for people exiting homelessness.
- Foundation Communities: This organization is working on projects like Zilker Studios and Balcones Terrace to provide additional housing units for the homeless.
2. Local Businesses:
- Downtown Austin Alliance: This nonprofit has been actively involved in reducing homelessness in downtown Austin. Their efforts include increased enforcement of camping bans and collaboration with city initiatives to find housing solutions for homeless individuals.
3. Government Initiatives:
- HEAL Initiative: The Housing-focused Encampment Assistance Link (HEAL) Initiative, launched by the city, has successfully relocated individuals from high-risk encampments to shelters and permanent housing. This initiative also involves cleaning up encampments to improve public health and safety.
- Homeless Encampment Management Team: This team, established to manage homeless encampments across the city, uses a mobile assessment tool to prioritize and address the needs of encampments, ensuring that resources are deployed efficiently.
Recent Events
1. Homelessness Awareness Day: Various non-profits and community organizations come together annually to raise awareness about homelessness, provide resources, and engage the community in finding solutions. Events include educational workshops, panel discussions, and volunteer opportunities.
2. Austin Resource Fair: Hosted by local businesses and non-profits, this event provides homeless individuals with access to essential services such as medical care, job placement assistance, and housing resources. It also offers opportunities for the community to volunteer and support these efforts directly.
3. Housing First Fundraiser: Organized by local businesses and non-profits, this fundraising event aims to gather resources for Housing First programs that focus on providing permanent housing solutions for homeless individuals without preconditions.
Role of Non-Profits and Local Businesses
- Non-Profits: Organizations like ECHO, Caritas of Austin, and Foundation Communities are critical in developing and managing housing projects, providing essential services, and coordinating community efforts to address homelessness.
- Local Businesses: Businesses in Austin contribute through partnerships, funding, and volunteer support. They often collaborate with non-profits to create employment opportunities for homeless individuals and support community events aimed at raising awareness and resources.
Austin's community has demonstrated a strong commitment to addressing homelessness through collaborative efforts involving non-profits, local businesses, and government agencies. These partnerships have led to significant progress in providing housing, essential services, and support to homeless individuals, although challenges remain. Continued community engagement and innovative solutions are essential to achieving long-term success in reducing homelessness in Austin.
Recent Legislative and Council Actions on Homelessness in Austin, Texas
1. City Council Decisions:
- McKinsey & Company Study: In January 2024, the Austin City Council approved a $2 million contract with McKinsey & Company to analyze the effectiveness of the city's homelessness programs. This study aims to provide a comprehensive review of current strategies, including health care services, housing options, and support services. The goal is to improve collaboration among various entities such as Central Health and Integral Care, and to align efforts for better outcomes in addressing homelessness.
- Creation of Homeless Strategy Office: The city has established a standalone Homeless Strategy Office to streamline and coordinate homelessness response efforts. Led by David Gray, this office will focus on implementing the recommendations from the McKinsey study and enhancing the overall strategy to combat homelessness in Austin.
2. State-Level Actions:
- Statewide Ban on Homeless Encampments: The Texas Senate recently approved House Bill 1925, which bans homeless encampments across the state. This bill makes camping in unapproved public places a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine. Law enforcement officers are required to redirect homeless individuals to available local resources before issuing citations. This legislation follows Austin's reinstatement of its local camping ban, reflecting ongoing state efforts to standardize policies across Texas.
3. City Budget Allocations:
- Funding for Homelessness Programs: The City Council has allocated significant funds to support homelessness programs. For instance, in the FY2023 budget, $4.8 million was dedicated to encampment cleanups, and additional funds were allocated to initiatives like the HEAL Initiative, which relocates individuals from high-risk encampments to shelters and permanent housing.
Overall, Austin's approach to addressing homelessness involves a combination of city council decisions, state-level actions, and robust involvement from non-profits and community organizations. These efforts aim to create a more coordinated and effective response to homelessness, ensuring that resources are utilized efficiently and that individuals receive the support they need to transition out of homelessness.
