The City of Austin continues to make progress compassionately connecting those experiencing homelessness to shelter and social services through the Housing-focused Encampment Assistance Link (HEAL) Initiative. Forty-three people and two pets were welcomed to the Northbridge and Southbridge shelters, while an additional seven are now guests and receiving assistance at the Marshalling Yard Emergency Shelter after a recent HEAL Initiative effort.
 
This was the City’s 18th HEAL Initiative effort since 2021 and focused on areas near the East Cesar Chavez Street corridor between U.S. Interstate 35 and North Pleasant Valley Road.
 
“HEAL Initiatives compassionately, effectively and comprehensively address the multifaceted challenges faced by individuals experiencing homelessness, fostering a sense of empowerment, dignity, and the opportunity to rebuild their lives,” City of Austin Homeless Strategy Officer David Gray said. “Since the program’s inception, half of all clients that exited shelters through HEAL transitioned to permanent housing solutions. This level of success is a testament to the power of comprehensive support systems, demonstrating that when we provide not only shelter but also the necessary services and resources, individuals experiencing homelessness can reclaim agency over their lives.”

HEAL Initiatives close homeless encampments that pose the highest public health and safety risks. Preparation for the closure has included doubling capacity at the City’s Northbridge Shelter to accommodate additional HEAL program participants. People experiencing homelessness at the encampment sites are offered transfer to shelter and connection to housing resources.

City Council approved the HEAL Initiative in February 2021. The HEAL Initiative is one element of the City’s broader effort to address homelessness and return public spaces to their intended uses. Since HEAL began in June of 2021, 737 individuals have moved from high-risk encampments to the City’s bridge shelters.
 
The successful sheltering and resolution of encampments is always a collaborative effort. The Homeless Strategy Office works closely with the Homeless Outreach Street Team (HOST) and other City departments on each HEAL Initiative effort. This particular effort included assistance from HOST, Austin Resource Recovery, Austin Public Library, Austin Police Department and community partners.
 
To learn more about homelessness in Austin, please visit www.austintexas.gov/homelessness