Governor Greg Abbott, Austin Mayor Kirk Watson and TxDOT announced the expansion of the Esperanza Community in Austin, which will significantly increase capacity for the homeless.
The expansion comes as TxDOT prepares for construction of the I-35 Capital Express Central project. During construction, TxDOT will remove elevated structures and reconstruct bridges throughout the project corridor, where some homeless individuals seek shelter. TxDOT purchased an additional seven acres of land for the Esperanza Community that will allow it to potentially double its capacity.
“In the last four years, TxDOT’s Austin District created the blueprint for how cities across Texas, and the country, can help address homelessness,” said Governor Abbott. “This additional capacity for temporary housing for those at risk of experiencing homelessness will allow more Texans to get the services they need at the Esperanza Community. This will help ensure TxDOT can continue the planned reconstruction of I-35 to further boost the Texas economy.”
In October 2019, Governor Abbott tasked TxDOT, along with the Department of Public Safety and Texas Department of Emergency Management, to establish a state-sanctioned camp for those sheltering along
I-35 and other adjacent corridors.
“Through the guidance and direction of Governor Abbott, TxDOT continues to provide solutions for Austin’s homeless population,” said TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams. “While we will continue to work with law enforcement to help reduce unlawful camping in the state right of way, this collaborative effort will ease the transition, for the Esperanza Community, as improvement to I-35 through downtown begins.”
“We’re building on the unique partnership with the state to address the needs of our unhoused neighbors and expand upon TxDOT’s award-winning work at the Esperanza Community,” said Austin Mayor Kirk Watson. “I appreciate the leadership of Gov. Abbott to recognize that we’re more effective working together to help community members get out of encampments and into safe, supportive homes.”
The Esperanza Community was built and is presently managed by The Other Ones Foundation. With a goal of transitioning Austin’s homeless population into a productive community through shelter, opportunity and support, their programs include highly personalized case management, housing navigation, 24-hour crisis management, substance use support, and work opportunities.
“When we initially established our community, we couldn’t have anticipated the significant support we would receive from TxDOT, the city, and the state to enrich our offerings for those affected by homelessness,” said The Other Ones Foundation Executive Director Chris Baker. “We are deeply grateful for their assistance and believe positive impact can be extended even more with the active engagement and support of Austin’s community members and local partners.”
