City’s new text message alert system will send vital info to people experiencing homelessness

A new text message alert system will enable people experiencing homelessness to receive urgent information and timely updates from the city directly on their cell phones. The system was launched on Oct. 25 by the Austin Public Health Homeless Strategy Division, and the first alerts went to over 3,500 unhoused residents in preparation for last week’s heavy rainfall and the forecast of a 40-degree temperature plummet. Messages are intended to send information during a variety of circumstances including flood events, elevated seasonal wildfire risk, summer heat advisories and winter storms and on lifeline services like monthly Pop-Up Resource Clinics hosted by Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services and cold weather shelter activations. “Emergency weather text alerts are not only vital but can be the difference between life and death for individuals experiencing homelessness,” said Adrienne Sturrup, Austin Public Health director. “These alerts serve as their first line of defense against the unforgiving forces of nature. When a storm, extreme cold, or sweltering heat strike, a simple text message can mean the opportunity to find shelter, access warming centers, or be aware of life-threatening conditions.” The Homeless Strategy Division will soon launch an educational campaign focused on enrolling unhoused Austinites who have mobile phones to receive text notifications.