AUSTIN, Texas — About two years after the City of Austin voted to lift its ban on public camping, Austin voters on May 1 elected to reinstate it.
With the passage of Proposition B, it will become illegal as of May 11 to camp in any public area not designated by the Parks and Recreation Department; to sit or lie on a public sidewalk or sleep outdoors in and near the downtown area and the area around the University of Texas campus; and to panhandle at specific hours and locations.
With the changes heavily impacting where Austin's homeless population can set up personal shelter around the city, you might be looking for ways to help out.
There are many nonprofit groups established around Austin that are accepting donations and volunteers. Here is a list of local homeless organizations that have been pitching in to help those in need in our area:
- Angel House
- Art From the Streets
- Austin Area Urban League
- Austin Free-Net
- Austin Mutal Aid
- Caritas of Austin
- Casa Marianella
- Ending Community Homelessness Coalition (ECHO)
- Family Eldercare
- Foundation for the Homeless
- Free Lunch ATX
- Front Steps
- Integral Care
- LifeWorks
- Maximizing Hope
- Mobile Loaves and Fishes
- The Other Ones Foundation
- SAFE Alliance
- Salvation Army
- Saint Louise House
- Street Youth Ministry
- Sunrise Homeless Navigation Center
- Trinity Center
For more information on homeless assistance from the City of Austin, click here.