The Austin City Council approved a 12-month lease agreement on Thursday for the former Salvation Army Downtown Shelter, as well as a contract with Urban Alchemy to operate the site. Urban Alchemy currently operates the Austin Resource Center for the Homeless or ARCH, which is adjacent to the Salvation Army property. the new location is expected to house roughly 150 people each night.
The 1-year lease agreement starts July 1, 2023.
“Homelessness continues to be a challenge, rooted in the lack of available housing. Yet, we know we can do something about it,” said Interim City of Austin Manager Jesus Garza. “Keeping the doors open and ensuring resources are accessible at the Salvation Army’s former site is another step towards our commitment to creating a safer and healthier environment for all of our community members.”
Later this summer, Council will consider providing up to 300 more beds by establishing a temporary emergency shelter facility at the City-owned Marshalling Yard, located on Airport Commerce Drive near the intersection of U.S. 183 and TX 71.
