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City expands cold‑weather shelter activations, adds shuttle service and hotel rooms for families
Summary
The City of Austin’s Homeless Strategy Office said it activated cold‑weather shelters more frequently this winter after changing activation thresholds, added hotel placements for families and an after‑hours shuttle to bring people to shelters.
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…
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