AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- As the City of Austin continues its efforts to re-implement a ban on public camping following the passage of Proposition B in May, city leaders are focusing on opening additional shelter capacity - and moving some unsheltered encampments into transitional housing.
Some of that work could be seen at Ben White Boulevard and Menchaca Road in south Austin on Tuesday, where crews could be seen helping several people who have been living in an encampment there move to the Southbridge Shelter - a converted 75-bed motel along Interstate 35.
Officers are continuing to visit other encampment sites across the city, focusing on outreach and education efforts, and issuing warnings when needed.
“Coordination during this effort has been productive through progressive enforcement, outreach and education,” said Interim Austin Police Chief Joseph Chacon. “While officers may write citations for violations, we are hopeful for no punitive penalties and to connect individuals to services and resources through diversion efforts in partnership with Downtown Austin Community Court. Enforcing this ordinance is a challenge. Like many communities battling homelessness, there simply aren’t enough places for people experiencing homelessness to go.”
Following the passage of Proposition B in May, it is illegal to camp in public areas, to sit or lie down in the downtown or University of Texas campus areas, or to solicit money or other things of value at specific hours and locations. Violations of the ordinance are Class C misdemeanors and punishable by a fine.
In addition to the Southbridge shelter, crews are hard at work on preparing a 55-room shelter in central Austin for its expected opening in August. Despite these efforts, city leaders say they continue to face significant bed and social service capacity challenges.
“Austin Police Department has done an excellent job working with City and community partners on both outreach and education and connecting people with critical resources,” said the City of Austin's Homeless Strategy Officer, Dianna Grey. “But we want to be clear with the community that while we are investing in additional crisis beds, like so many other cities working to actively end chronic homelessness, there will not be enough immediate shelter for all unsheltered Austinites.”
Homelessness spending is expected to be a factor in the upcoming city budget process, which began with City Manager Spencer Cronk's proposed budget last week. Cronk's budget proposal calls for $65.2 million in continued funding for the city's homelessness response, along with $106.7 million in federal relief dollars that Council previously authorized for housing and services for those experiencing homelessness.