Homelessness Around America: Austin

Austin, Texas, has experienced a recent population growth that has seen the city almost triple in size since 2000. Tech firms are establishing themselves in glimmering skyscrapers, while thousands migrate from California and other states to ATX. While this city has seen incredible growth in its population, it has also seen an increase in its unhoused population. After visiting Austin for my Uncle’s wedding, I documented what the city is like for the unhoused, and how Austin is fighting their own homelessness crisis.

Taken on my iphone

By the Numbers

Austin has a current unhoused population of around 3,200 people. While not as startling as a population of 10,000 as seen in many Californian cities, Austin’s unhoused population has jumped from around 2,300 people in 2023. 60% were born in Austin, and the vast majority are White, Black, or Hispanic. Many of the individuals are around 50 years of age and live alone without a family.

How Austin Can Fix This

Austin has publicly recognized their homelessness crisis, and has released a new solution for 2026-2027. Their plan calls for expanding sheltering by 650 beds, creating a task force with the Downtown Alliance to help those directly on the streets, and supporting outreach teams like HART (Homeless Engagement Assistance Response Team) to aid with mental health assistance. All in all, Austin has a sizable problem ahead of it that only seems to increase. Time will tell whether the city’s plan for the next year can help people, or will end up fixing nothing.