50 more people assisted with Austin’s HEAL Initiative

AUSTIN (KXAN) — The City of Austin said it continued making progress for those experiencing homelessness in Austin through the Housing-focused Encampment Assistance Link (HEAL) Initiative.

The city said it has provided shelter and social services to 43 people at the Northbridge and Southbridge shelters, and seven other people were also currently receiving assistance at the Marshalling Yard Emergency Shelter.

According to the city, it recently launched its 18th HEAL Initiative effort since its approval in February 2021. So far, the city said the initiative has focused on areas near the East Cesar Chavez Street corridor between U.S. Interstate 35 and North Pleasant Valley Road.

“HEAL Initiatives close homeless encampments that pose the highest public health and safety risks,” the city said. “The HEAL Initiative is one element of the City’s broader effort to address homelessness and return public spaces to their intended uses. Since HEAL began in June of 2021, 737 individuals have moved from high-risk encampments to the City’s bridge shelters.”