Austin Receives $2 Million Federal Grant to Enhance Homeless Engagement and Support Programs

Austin Expands Homeless Engagement Assistance with New Federal Grant

Austin has taken a significant step in addressing homelessness and public safety with the announcement of a $2 million federal grant awarded to Urban Alchemy. The grant, sourced from the Bureau of Justice Assistance, will significantly expand the city’s Homelessness Engagement Assistance Response Team, also known as HEART ATX.

Focus on Community Engagement and Support

Launched in June 2023, the HEART ATX initiative specifically targets the nonviolent public safety needs of residents in the Central East Austin area, focusing on the 78702, 78721, and 78723 ZIP codes. The program employs trained, trauma-informed practitioners who can respond quickly to situations requiring assistance without involving police officers. These practitioners are dispatched via 911 call centers to handle nonemergency cases, helping to de-escalate tensions and connect individuals to essential services.

Improving Community Trust and Safety

Project Director Michael Duque shared insights on the impact of the HEART ATX program, stating, “Success for this project would definitely be providing the resources to this community to bring down nonviolent crime.” He emphasized that by engaging with vulnerable residents, the program not only addresses public safety concerns but also fosters trust within the community.

Urban Alchemy, a nonprofit organization led by Black individuals, has established its presence in multiple cities including Austin, Birmingham, Portland, Oakland, and Los Angeles. In its efforts to enhance the HEART ATX program, Urban Alchemy is collaborating with several local organizations, including Huston-Tillotson University, Austin Public Health, We Can Now, the Hungry Hill Foundation, and the Downtown Austin Alliance, among others.

Practitioners with Real-Life Experience

One notable aspect of Urban Alchemy’s approach is that more than 95 percent of its trained practitioners have personal experiences with incarceration or homelessness. Duque conveyed that these lived experiences allow practitioners to relate better to those they serve, making their interventions more effective. “People respond differently to individuals they can relate to,” he explained, highlighting the importance of meeting people where they are.

Creating Opportunities for Justice-Involved Residents

The HEART ATX program also aims to provide meaningful work opportunities for individuals who have been involved in the justice system. Duque mentioned that many individuals reentering the workforce after incarceration often feel hopeless, contributing to a cycle of recidivism. By providing job opportunities through this program, Urban Alchemy is also focusing on breaking this cycle.

Real-Life Examples of Impact

Duque shared several recent incidents where practitioners have made a significant impact in the community. For instance, they have administered Narcan during overdose emergencies and successfully defused conflicts, such as one incident where a practitioner gave a pair of shoes to an unhoused man who believed his shoes were stolen. These actions illustrate the compassion and effectiveness of practitioners in their roles.

Future Goals and Expanding Reach

The ultimate objective of the HEART ATX program is to create a model that other cities can adopt to address similar issues. After a promising start in Austin, Urban Alchemy is already moving ahead with plans to train a team in Birmingham, Alabama. Leaders hope to connect with organizations and leaders in other cities to share insights and successes.

Community Engagement: Coat Drive Initiative

In addition to their core services, Urban Alchemy and its partners are organizing a coat drive aimed at collecting 1,000 coats, hats, and gloves for those in need this winter. Community members can drop off donations at Anything’s Baked Potato, located at 1326 Rosewood Ave., through October 25, and are encouraged to spread the word about this initiative.

The work being done by Urban Alchemy is crucial as it seeks to serve under-resourced communities in Austin. By focusing on both immediate needs and long-term solutions, the HEART ATX program stands to significantly improve the safety and well-being of residents in Austin.