City launches resilience hub pilot

You may have read about the city’s plan to sprinkle resilience hubs throughout Austin, to help the community prepare “for a range of threats including flooding, drought, extreme heat and wildfires, with a specific focus on vulnerable populations,” says a news release. Six pilot hubs will be activated later this year to form part of the citywide network of hubs offering resources to support community members “before, during and after a disaster.” Besides food, water and shelter, the hubs will offer bathrooms, cellphone charging and space to meet with others. Laura Patiño, the city’s resilience officer, explained, “As climate change brings more frequent severe weather and other disasters, there is a need for accessible community spaces, supply distribution centers, backup power and water, and safe temporary shelters. Working with Austin Independent School District, Travis County, the Community Advisory Committee, and the Community Task Force, we continue to make progress towards the creation of this vital support network.” Read more about the Resilience Hub Network here.