David Gray, the City of Austin’s homeless strategy officer, told the Community Development Commission on Jan. 14 that the city adjusted how and when it opens cold‑weather shelters this season and added services to improve access and safety.

Gray said the city simplified activation criteria so shelters are opened when the forecasted temperature is 35 degrees Fahrenheit or below. "If the temperature is forecasted to be 35 degrees or below, we will activate cold weather shelters," he said. He told commissioners the change has increased the number of activation nights this winter and given more people the chance to come inside.

The changes grew out of feedback from last winter’s operations, Gray said. The city now: announces activations up to 24 hours in advance rather than on the day of activation; arranges hotel rooms for families with children and for unaccompanied minors instead of placing them in recreation centers; provides an after‑hours shuttle service so people who miss the 6–8 p.m. registration window can still get to shelters between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m.; and has worked with vendors to improve meal quality and dietary options.

Gray described the registration and transport process. He said people register for shelter at One Texas Center between 6 and 8 p.m., where CapMetro provides free transport to shelter sites. The Austin Area Urban League operates the city’s first three sites under contract and was initially resourced to support the first 300 people per night; Gray said that threshold was raised to 375 during last week’s severe weather response and that the city can open additional shelters as needed.

Gray gave data from recent activations: typical nightly counts range from about 100 to 150 people; during a recent night the count was 137; last week’s cold spell produced a peak near 425 people and the city has recorded a past high of about 500 during an earlier winter storm. He also said last week’s operations provided roughly 1,500 bed nights and about 4,000 meals.

Gray described a text alert system that sends emergency notifications in English and Spanish to almost 5,000 registrants (with a roughly 70% delivery rate) and said earlier notices improve partners’ and clients’ ability to plan. He said funding for the increased effort was appropriated by city council to the Homeless Strategy Office, and that other city departments and community partners contribute staff time, facilities and food when activations expand.

Commissioners asked about capacity and funding: Commissioner Longoria asked about typical per‑night numbers and peak counts; Gray said there is no hard cap and that the city accommodates anyone who seeks shelter. Several commissioners praised the changes, asked for annual updates and requested HSO return next January with a year‑in‑review.

The Homeless Strategy Office said it will keep the commission informed about shelter operations and noted that earlier activations will not be rescinded if temperatures later rise: once activated, services remain available for the duration of the activation.

Ending: Gray emphasized that the changes are intended to reduce harm, expand access and coordinate partners earlier in the activation cycle. The Homeless Strategy Office will return next year for an annual briefing and continue to provide monthly operational updates as requested by the commission.