Redefining Homelessness
Each person we serve shares the devastating experience of homelessness. Some people have lived on the streets of Austin for years, while others are more hidden, living in their car or other temporary shelter. An unexpected crisis such as an injury, illness, or a lost job can leave people on the brink of homelessness with nowhere to turn for support. With everyone, our work begins with homelessness, but we ensure that homelessness does not define people’s futures.
Homelessness in Austin
People lose stable housing for many reasons, and for most, it’s a process that happens over time. People living in poverty without a strong support system are most at risk, especially when an unexpected crisis occurs.
In 2021, the annual Homeless Point-In-Time Count identified 3,160 people experiencing homelessness in the Austin area, but it’s estimated that over 10,000 people access homeless services over the course of a year. Only a fraction are the “visible homeless” you may see on the street corners. The majority are people you don’t see or consider, from families living in their car to young people aging out of the foster care system. We know the most effective solutions to end homelessness in our community, but we can’t solve homelessness unless we do it together.
