HtH supports the direction being taken by the City of Austin’s relatively new Homeless Strategy Office, led by a very committed and responsive David Gray, and with the commitment of Charles Loosen and other staff. We further strongly advocate ALL positions below that preceded The vote to basically criminalize homelessness — especially:
reinstating a camping ban must consider that those with disabilities, the aged, and in fact anyone with no place to go. The no sit/no lie ordinance is absolutely inhumane and unconscionable we must have at least 15 minute respites particularly for those with disabilities and make other provisions.
Mayor Kirk Watson, elected in 2023, is working to secure funding for homeless services from the State and within the City Budget.
2025 interests:
City Council approved a resolution making homelessness a top financial priority.
Increase the capacity of the Homeless Strategy Office to address and implement a comprehensive approach to strategic advancements in homelessness response. (Plan detailed in a 50-page memo from David Gray, June 2025).
Examples:
1. Expand HOST (Homeless Outreach Street Team) support including team members:
APD officers, EMS paramedics, behavioral health clinicians, social workers, peer support staff.
2. Support for Marshaling Yard operations.
3. Rapid Response housing and safe housing, especially for families.
4. Increase shelter beds with support; and more.
The Austin city council recently voted to put on its May 2021 ballot a vote to reinstate the no camping ban including the no sit/no lie ordinances. Now is the time to contact your mayor and council members particularly those who have supported decriminalizing homelessness, such as Mayor Adler, Kathy Tovo, Ann Kitchen, Greg Casar, Sabino Renteria, and others, we pray.
First call to action is cold weather shelter. Anyone that reads this, our urgent plea is to email our mayor and city council in this urgent time of cold weather. House the Homeless is encouraging to use the Convention Center or other alternatives sites that are already over burdened due to Covid-19 or at capacity.
A second call to action is to not displace unsheltered neighbors from bridges and the four major camp areas without having an immediate plan for alternative shelter/housing.
Finally, advise your mayor and council members that the wording for the May ballot regarding reinstating a camping ban must consider that those with disabilities, the aged, and in fact anyone with no place to go. The no sit/no lie ordinance is absolutely inhumane and unconscionable we must have at least 15 minute respites particularly for those with disabilities and make other provisions.
Federal resolve is insufficient; highly recommend Universal Living Wage formula indexed on the cost of housing wherever the person lives and works.
Richard Troxell with ‘House the Homeless’ says businesses wind up harming themselves when they are stingy with their workers pay, they wind up hurting their business, “What we’re suggesting is embrace the living wage, they will empower these minimum wage workers to be able to sustain themselves and not be a detriment to any other business.” Listen to the interview here.
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Great progress on the Homecoming Bronze Statue. Please click to see two videos of world-renowned Sculptor, Timothy Schmalz work and speak about the project.
House the Homeless president, Richard R. Troxell, lays out a jobs plan to put millions of Americans back to work; jumpstart the construction industry building housing for the newly-employed; stimulate the economy through a surge in consumer spending; delay, reduce, and restructure foreclosures; while at the same time reducing taxes and subsidies from the federal government to the unemployed. Impossible? No! It’s actually quite realistic. Check out the plan here.
BENCHES can get our citizens up from the sidewalks and out of our gutters! Dignity & Fairness!!!! By signing, I call for enough benches for all!
Check out Josh Hayes’ amazing documentary and be looking for ways to support a showing in your community or with your organization.
House the Homeless continues to make masks for the most needy in the nation, most recently sending 20 to the Speakers Bureau of the National Coalition for the Homeless and over 100 to Catholic Charities of D.C. for a total of 372 as of 5/12/20. Because these are washable and reusable, they provide 22,320+ uses. If you’ve got the time and you want to help, make some masks.
Richard and Sylvia Troxell are working in North Carolina to make masks for men, women, and children in the Union County Community Shelter for people experiencing homelessness. Pattern can be found at aha.org
Please take a look and download House the Homeless’s year in review for 2020.
Click Here to Download PDF
Board Confirmations/Elections: Co-founder Cecilia Blanford elected as President/Treasurer; Will Hyatt, Chaplain & Vice-President Public Relations; Blythe Plunkett, Secretary. Member-at-Large appointments: Greg Gibson, Kevyn Meagher and JoAnn Koepke. Richard R. Troxell continues to serve as HtH National Education Director (NED).
The Board expresses deep appreciation to P.J. Liles for serving as President, having successfully completed his year of commitment and who will continue with HtH as a volunteer ambassador. Kudos were also expressed to Sylvia Troxell for a wealth of fundraising and support. Sylvia is continuing to serve as an Advisory member. Watch for our Annual Year in Review FMI including details for the Memorial Service hosted by Caritas on Sun., November 15th, which kicks off our annual appeal in support of HtH HUGSS Winter Survival Clothing give away.
Glimmer Austin has granted HtH a $10,000 COVID-19 Emergency Grant stating that “G|A is proud to support House the Homeless’ efforts to help expand and sustain direct services. G|A funding will ensure that their current strategies remain uninterrupted as they address the UNMET COVID-19 needs of the homeless population in 2020.” Thank you Glimmer Austin!
Before you go, help us make a difference.
Imagine not having a safe place to call home. Every night, thousands of people face that harsh reality. But together, we can change that.
Your donation, no matter how small, can help provide shelter, warmth, and hope to those who need it most. By supporting our mission, you're not just giving someone a roof over their head — you're offering them a chance to rebuild their life.
Please DONATE using links below:
Mail a check to House the Homeless,
P.O. Box 2312, Austin, TX 78768 (no fee)
