helps-austin

In 2011 a homeless man camping out near US 290 and FM 1826 started a devastating fire in Oak Hill; 12 homes were destroyed. It was clear then and today we have neighbors living among us, camping in the open spaces of our community. In some cases that creates a risk to the safety of our communities. In other cases, families in stress might just need some help transitioning to selfsuficiency.

Over many years we have seen our homeless population increase. Encampments grew under our highway overpasses. More people were asking for money or food at our intersections.

In a sea of affluence, the needs of vulnerable neighbors are often ignored or despised. In 2021 Austin voters approved Proposition B making it illegal to encamp under public roadways - notably - without providing any place for them to live. This is not a solution. But the fundamental question is if homelessness is a community issue or a societal issue. Spending taxes and government social solutions cannot solve this.

Shelter for our homeless is offers a person not only dignity, but also a place to start or resume a life they once had. Moreover, sheltering our homeless population will make our communities safer.

There are numerous efforts in Austin to provide food and shelter security. Some homelessness are the consequence of family emergencies and others are chronic. Others yet occur when foster care kids age out of homes providing care for years. They all require different solutions.

This is why I support Community First! Village. They serve one group of people who for mental, social or physical disability cannot find or hold a job.