If you are in need of immediate shelter, the following organizations provide emergency accommodations and services:
The Salvation Army Downtown Shelter, located at 501 E. 8th Street, offers emergency shelter for men, women, and families. They provide a safe place to sleep, meals, and access to case management services. In 2022, the Salvation Army Downtown Shelter provided emergency shelter to over 1,500 individuals, with an average length of stay of 45 days. Through their case management program, they were able to help 35% of guests transition into more stable housing situations.
The ARCH, located at 500 E. 7th Street, provides emergency shelter for men, as well as day resource center services. They offer a place to sleep, showers, laundry facilities, and meals, as well as access to mental health and substance abuse treatment, employment assistance, and housing navigation services. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the ARCH was able to provide shelter to an average of 130 men per night in 2022. Their on-site clinic, staffed by volunteer medical professionals, provided over 2,000 medical and mental health consultations to guests throughout the year.
Several organizations in Austin offer free meals, groceries, and other basic necessities for those experiencing homelessness:
Mobile Loaves & Fishes operates food trucks that provide hot meals, sack lunches, and other essential items like clothing and hygiene products to the homeless throughout Austin. They have regular routes and also respond to specific requests for assistance. In 2022, Mobile Loaves & Fishes' food trucks served over 100,000 meals to homeless individuals across the city. They also distributed over 10,000 hygiene kits and 5,000 articles of clothing to those in need.
The Central Texas Food Bank operates several mobile food pantry sites throughout Austin, providing free groceries to those in need, including homeless individuals and families. They also partner with local organizations to distribute food directly to homeless encampments.
Last year, the Central Texas Food Bank distributed over 50 million pounds of food, serving an average of 200,000 people per month. Through their partnerships with homeless outreach organizations, they were able to provide regular deliveries of fresh produce and non-perishable items to over 20 encampments across the city.
Accessing health care can be a significant challenge for those experiencing homelessness. These organizations provide free or low-cost medical services:
CommUnityCare operates several health clinics throughout Austin that provide primary care, behavioral health, and dental services to the homeless and uninsured. They have a sliding scale fee based on income and also accept Medicaid and Medicare.
In 2022, CommUnityCare provided over 20,000 medical appointments to homeless patients. Their mobile clinic, which visits homeless encampments and shelters, provided an additional 1,500 primary care and behavioral health consultations.
Integral Care is the local mental health authority for Travis County. They operate several programs specifically for homeless individuals with mental health and substance abuse issues, including outpatient treatment, case management, and housing support services.
Last year, Integral Care's PATH program (Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness) served over 500 homeless individuals, providing them with mental health treatment, substance abuse counseling, and assistance in obtaining housing and other benefits. Of those served, 60% were successfully transitioned into stable housing.
Finding employment can be a critical step in transitioning out of homelessness. These organizations offer job training, placement, and support services:
Goodwill Central Texas provides job training, certification programs, and employment placement services for individuals with barriers to employment, including those experiencing homelessness. They offer courses in fields like culinary arts, construction, and technology.
In 2022, Goodwill Central Texas served over 1,000 homeless individuals through their job training and placement programs. Of those who completed a certification course, 70% were successfully employed within six months.
Caritas of Austin operates a comprehensive employment program for the homeless that includes job readiness training, resume assistance, interview coaching, and job placement services. They also provide ongoing support to help clients maintain employment and advance in their careers.
Last year, Caritas of Austin's employment program served over 200 homeless individuals. Of those, 65% were successfully placed into jobs, and 80% of those maintained their employment for at least six months.
Navigating the process of finding and securing housing can be overwhelming, especially for those experiencing homelessness. These organizations provide housing navigation and placement services:
Front Steps operates the Coordinated Assessment program, which serves as the central entry point for homeless individuals seeking housing assistance in Austin. They conduct assessments to determine housing needs and vulnerability, and then provide referrals to appropriate housing programs and resources.
In 2022, Front Steps conducted over 2,000 assessments and made over 500 referrals to housing programs. Of those referred, 60% were successfully placed into permanent housing.
The Ending Community Homelessness Coalition (ECHO) is the lead agency for the Austin/Travis County Continuum of Care. They coordinate housing resources and services across multiple organizations to streamline access and improve outcomes for homeless individuals and families.
Last year, ECHO's housing navigation team worked with over 1,000 homeless households, providing them with individualized assistance in identifying and applying for appropriate housing options. Through their efforts, 400 households were successfully placed into permanent housing.
While these organizations are making a significant impact, ending homelessness in Austin will require a sustained, community-wide effort. By supporting and expanding effective programs, increasing access to affordable housing, and addressing root causes like poverty, mental illness, and substance abuse, we can work towards a future where every Austinite has a safe and stable place to call home.
At Nomadik, we are committed to providing the data and insights needed to drive evidence-based solutions to homelessness. By working together and staying focused on outcomes, we believe that ending homelessness is an achievable goal. Join us in this critical work, and help make Austin a city where everyone can thrive.
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