The Homeless Strategy Office says its Marshalling Yard Emergency Shelter is now seeing twice as many successful exits as it did a year ago.
AUSTIN, Texas — More people are finding permanent homes through the city’s homeless shelter program.
The Homeless Strategy Office says its Marshalling Yard Emergency Shelter is now seeing twice as many successful exits as it did a year ago.
Nearly 30% of people who stay at the shelter are now moving into permanent housing. That’s up from just 15% last year. In total, 184 people have found homes through the program.
The city is also making changes to how people get into its shelters.
If you or someone you know needs help, the Sunrise Homeless Navigation Center is now the main point of contact. It handles the waitlist for both the ARCH, which serves men, and the Eighth Street Shelter, which serves women and transgender clients.
Meanwhile, the Marshalling Yard prioritizes clients referred through city-initiated efforts, such as the closure of homeless encampments in high-risk areas.
The Northbridge and Southbridge Shelters, which have been converted from hotel properties, will also remain in operation. Intake for those shelters will come from the city’s Housing-Focused Encampment Assistance Link, or HEAL, Initiative.
Next week, the city council will vote on keeping the Marshalling Yard Shelter open through the end of next year.
“I am incredibly proud of our team’s remarkable efforts to improve the positive exit rate from the Marshalling Yard Emergency Shelter,” said David Gray, homeless strategy officer. “These significant improvements underscore our commitment and ability to help individuals transition from homelessness to stable housing. Additionally, we are pleased to announce that we have a pathway for the temporary shelter to remain open until we secure a permanent replacement, ensuring that no one in need is left without support during this critical time. Together, we are creating lasting change for our community and empowering individuals to move forward with hope and stability.”
Those interested in the referral process are asked to contact the Sunrise Homeless Navigation Center at 512-522-1097.
