Austin Creates Homeless Strategy Office

According to a story on CBS Austin, the Texas capital is establishing a Homeless Strategy Office tasked with overseeing the city’s response to the homelessness crisis and the disparate efforts of various departments to provide housing and support for unhoused residents. “The goals are to provide more emergency shelter, rapid rehousing and permanent supportive housing. The office will oversee city-run shelters, encampment cleanups, communications, and relations with other agencies.”

A press release from the city explains that the new office is part of a reorganization resulting from a review by Interim City Manager Jesús Garza, who found the city’s current structure ineffective. “Consequently, I am establishing a stand-alone Homeless Strategy Office (HSO) to serve as a focal point for addressing homelessness comprehensively, strategically, and compassionately,” Garza said.

“There are also plans for an independent assessment of homeless services provided by the city and partners like Central Health and Travis County.”