On the heels of a decision to end a contract between the City of Austin and the nonprofit Front Steps, the Austin City Council will vote on a new contract on July 28 with a California-based company to take over operations at the Austin Resource Center for the Homeless.
If approved, Urban Alchemy would be tasked with running the embattled homeless shelter. City staff has proposed a $4.1-million, 13-month contract.
The ARCH has been a source of controversy for years as police have struggled with ongoing crime, drugs, and filthy streets in the general vicinity.
Similarly, the city’s Homeless Strategy Division will host two virtual public meetings next month to provide a progress report on efforts to address homelessness. A question and answer session will also be included. According to the city, topics will include:
- American Rescue Plan Act investment framework
- Homelessness social service and housing solicitations
- HEAL Initiative
- Housing Production
- Cold weather shelter
- Camping ordinance enforcement and response.
“We’re looking forward to providing information on the City’s activities related to homelessness, and hearing from the community,” said Homeless Strategy Officer Dianna Grey.
Register to attend a Virtual Meeting
- First session: Wednesday, August 3, 6:30 – 8 p.m. Registration link: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_2ked9gIYSAi255bfSbX31w#/registration
- Second session: Thursday, August 4, 6:30 – 8 p.m. Registration link: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_vYdbUtYFQH-if-wVK2c64A#/registration
