Austin Takes Bold Steps to Tackle Homelessness Head-On!
AUSTIN, Texas — Big changes might be coming for folks experiencing homelessness in Austin! The Ending Community Homelessness Coalition (ECHO) has stepped up with a heartwarming plan that could change lives for the better. Their ambitious proposal? Pumping in a whopping $35 million each year for the next decade to end homelessness in the city. Yes, you heard it right!
What’s the Game Plan?
Well, ECHO is focusing on creating permanent supportive housing—essentially cozy homes that provide not just shelter, but a whole range of support services aimed at people in need. They are also keen on putting resources into diverting and preventing homelessness from even happening in the first place. Kate Moore, ECHO’s vice president, shared some insight, saying “It will take a substantial investment from our community, but it’s not an undoable investment.” Sounds promising, right?
The Growing Problem
The issue of homelessness in Austin is like a balloon that just keeps growing. In 2019, ECHO served around 15,000 people experiencing homelessness. Flash forward to 2023, that number has jumped to an eye-watering 24,000! Moore voiced concerns saying, “It’s a crisis that Austin is starting to address, but is behind compared to other cities.” Wow, that really puts things into perspective!
Not Enough Shelter Options
Austin is stacked against the odds as it has less shelter space compared to larger cities in Texas. According to ECHO, our city’s inventory of places to shelter and house individuals remains worryingly low. But don’t fret just yet! Moore believes with the help of the city’s Homeless Strategy Office and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the plan could really change the trajectory of homelessness in Austin.
What is “Functionally Ending Homelessness?”
So, what exactly does “functionally end homelessness” mean? Essentially, it’s about ensuring that every Austinite experiencing homelessness can find a home and more importantly, creating a robust safety net to catch anyone who may fall into homelessness in the future. Isn’t that what we all want?
Building for the Future
The goal sounds ambitious, but according to Moore, they need to build hundreds of supportive housing units and also offer forms of diversion—like rental assistance or even a simple bus ticket to a friend’s place. In addition, they are aiming to expedite the establishment of more temporary and emergency shelters, as well as rapid rehousing options. The spotlight here is on Permanent Supportive Housing, tailored specifically for people with high needs.
How Many Units Are Needed?
Austin currently has around 1,500 units available for single individuals, but to keep things in check, they will need around 575 units every year. That’s a massive total of 4,175 units over the next 10 years just to ensure everyone has a roof over their heads!
Funding Isn’t a Four-Letter Word!
Now you might be thinking, where will all this funding come from? Moore’s optimistic, saying that while it won’t be a walk in the park, it’s definitely achievable. Other cities have successfully fundraised similar amounts and she believes Austin can do the same. They are even keeping in touch with the city council’s Public Health Committee to discuss possible funding avenues.
Final Thoughts
In the end, Moore reassures that the plan is adaptable—changing when needed. She’s hopeful about the future, stating, “This is not impossible. If we are committed, we can find very realistic, doable ways to make this happen.” There’s a shared sense of optimism, and with the community’s support, Austin could very well turn the tide on homelessness.
