Tag Archives: ECHO

ECHO report shows growing mortality rate among the area’s homeless community

The most comprehensive study of homelessness mortality in Austin shows that more than 1,000 people died between 2018 and 2023 with the average age of death falling at 50 years – which is 20 years younger than those living in…

Austin • By Chad Swiatecki • Jan 10, 2025

What does homelessness in Austin look like in 2025? A new census will shed some light.

Lee esta historia en español On a single night in late January, volunteers from around the city will conduct a census of Austin’s most vulnerable residents, counting as many people experiencing homelessness as possible. This biennial point-in-time count is overseen…

Austin • By Olivia Aldridge, KUT • Jan 8, 2025

ECHO's $350M plan offers to 'effectively end' homelessness in Austin

The city is projected to need $35 million annually over a 10-year period to effectively end homelessness via a plan that emphasizes adding hundreds of permanent supportive housing units while also addressing emergency shelter and prevention steps to keep people…

City Council • By Chad Swiatecki • Nov 8, 2024

Youth homelessness has increased rapidly in Austin, according to nonprofit data

The number of young people experiencing homelessness in Travis County, which includes most of Austin, has risen substantially in the past four years, according to numbers from a nonprofit that tracks the issue. Since 2020, the number of people under…

Austin • By Audrey McGlinchy, KUT • Oct 18, 2024

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Audit cites lack of progress on homelessness strategies issued five-plus years ago

A new report from the Office of the City Auditor has found the city is still working toward accomplishing five recommendations to address homelessness that were suggested at least five years ago. The report, which was issued earlier this month,…

City Hall • By Chad Swiatecki • Jul 24, 2024

Advocates for ending homelessness say rental assistance program doesn't go far enough

Tony Carter lives in a two-bedroom apartment in South Austin. He was placed there in February through a rapid rehousing program. Rapid rehousing programs in Austin provide up to 24 months of rental assistance and support services to people experiencing…

Housing • By Luz Moreno-Lozano, KUT • Apr 15, 2024

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Cap Metro finalizes free fare program for riders experiencing homelessness

The Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority Board of Directors voted unanimously on Monday to approve a free two-year smart transit pass for eligible unhoused or housing-insecure customers. “This is a win-win overall,” Board Member Eric Stratton said during a related public…

Transit • By Emma Freer • Dec 22, 2023

Capital Metro to launch free fare program to serve riders experiencing homelessness

Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority is preparing to launch its new fare program for individuals experiencing homelessness in Austin. The HMIS Pass program will distribute passes to unhoused Austin and Travis County residents who are receiving services through the Ending Community…

Transit • By Nina Hernandez • Aug 16, 2023

ECHO says permanent supportive housing is the only way out of Austin's homelessness crisis

Austin’s Ending Community Homelessness Coalition joined City Council’s Public Health Committee this month to break down the nonprofit’s latest point-in-time count, which in late January found 2,374 Austinites experiencing some degree of homelessness. While that figure is down from 2020,…

Public Health • By Kali Bramble • Jun 26, 2023

Annual count shows small drop in Austin's homeless population

Data from the city’s first point-in-time count of the local homeless population in three years show a slight decrease in the total number of people living without shelter, with laws against camping in public causing a sharp decrease in the…

Austin • By Chad Swiatecki • May 25, 2023

New forecast modeling puts Austin homeless population near 4,600

New methods for counting and forecasting by one of Austin’s leading homelessness services organizations suggests nearly 4,600 people are experiencing homelessness in the city, far higher than previous estimates and counts using federal guidelines. The new figure was revealed at…

Public Health • By Chad Swiatecki • Mar 20, 2023

Downtown Alliance praises 'transformation' of ARCH under new management

Just months after the management switch-up at the Austin Resource Center for the Homeless, the Downtown Austin Alliance is praising what it calls “transformational change” at the downtown men’s shelter. The alliance’s safety and hospitality committee toured the facility in…

Public Health • By Nina Hernandez • Dec 20, 2022