Homeless Assistance Programs
What is the City of Austin doing to address homelessness?
The Homeless Services staff is dedicated to supporting the City's Self-Sufficiency and Responsibility Initiative. The Initiative is a comprehensive approach that provides services needed to help homeless people get back on their feet. The focus is on both "hard-to-reach" homeless men who are currently living on the streets or in camps, and on the growing number of homeless families. The Initiative is a collaborative approach that builds on existing resources to address critical gaps in services. The central principles of the Initiative are self-sufficiency and responsibility
The City is currently implementing several major projects:
- Austin Resource Center for the Homeless
This downtown men's shelter, resource center and health clinic has been in operation since July 2003. This facility offers emergency shelter to 100 men, along with several amenities to meet the basic needs of homeless individuals. Services include healthcare, showers, access to laundry facilities, phone and messaging centers, lockers, art/computer rooms and food. This facility also has several co-located agencies, providing case management, job placement services, and legal assistance.
- Women and Children's Center
The Austin Shelter for Women and Children provides emergency shelter to single adult women and to women and their dependent children. The Salvation Army operates this shelter. Some of the services that are offered at the shelter include case management, job training, and GED and ESL classes.
