Kirk Preston Watson - Mayor of Austin, Texas | Twitter
Kirk Preston Watson - Mayor of Austin, Texas | Twitter
In an effort to support individuals experiencing homelessness, the City of Austin's Homeless Strategy Office (HSO) and its partners have transitioned over 100 unhoused residents into housing before the holidays. The outreach primarily focused on encampments in St. Johns and Riverside Meadows areas. Fifty residents were welcomed at Northbridge and Southbridge Shelters as part of the Housing-focused Encampment Assistance Link (HEAL) Initiative, while 55 individuals found safe accommodations at the Marshalling Yard Emergency Shelter through various street outreach engagements.
David Gray, City of Austin Homeless Strategy Officer, stated, “I am proud of our dedicated staff and partners’ efforts to bring over 100 individuals experiencing homelessness indoors as we approach the holiday season.” He added that providing shelter is crucial for ensuring safety during this time and reflects a commitment to offering long-term resources for stability.
The HEAL Initiative has been central to Austin’s ongoing efforts to end homelessness. Since June 2021, it has moved more than 960 people from high-risk encampments to shelters. The closure of encampments in St. Johns and Riverside Meadows is part of a broader strategy to address homelessness while restoring public spaces.
Since opening in August 2023, the Marshalling Yard has served over 1,000 clients and connected nearly 200 with stable housing. It has provided more than 189,000 meals and accommodated pets at its on-site boarding center. Clients receive assistance with vital records, job access, workforce development programs, healthcare, and wellness services.
This outreach mobilization was a collaborative effort involving the Homeless Strategy Office alongside departments like Austin Watershed Protection Department, Austin Transportation and Public Works, Austin Police Department, along with organizations such as the Austin Area Urban League, Endeavors, Queertopia, Urban Alchemy among others.
For more information about homelessness in Austin visit www.austintexas.gov/homelessness
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