By some counts, Austin has one of the largest populations of people experiencing homelessness in the US.

Several local entities are working to provide support to unhoused Austinites — here’s what you need to know, and how you can help.

How many people are experiencing homelessness in Austin?

Due to several factors that make counting the homeless population difficult, there are multiple, wide-ranging assessments of Austin’s unhoused population. Recent estimates include:

Point in Time, a one-night census of people sleeping outside: ~2,300 (2023)
ECHO, all sheltered and unsheltered homeless: ~5,094 (2023)
Individuals served by the Austin-Travis County Homelessness Response System: 13,208 (2021)
National Consultants, all sheltered and unsheltered homeless: ~10,350 (2020)

Although estimates range, trends show the homeless population is growing as Austin’s overall population increases. Austin ECHO also found:

Black and Hispanic people are significantly more likely to experience homelessness
11% are veterans
34% are survivors of domestic violence

What’s causing homelessness?

The causes of homelessness are complex and multifaceted. Acute factors like job loss, medical debt, or leaving an abusive relationship can lead a person into homelessness, but systemic structures also exacerbate the issue.

To top it all off, Austin's cost of living is increasing, and lack of affordable housing makes it difficult for some residents to find housing.

How to help

The City of Austin’s Action Plan to End Homelessness involves providing outreach and shelter, housing and support services, among other initiatives.

Last week, the City Council approved a round of funding for these efforts, including:

Renegotiating the lease the Downtown Salvation Army shelter and funding its operations
Funding behavioral health services at the Northbridge Shelter
Funding Austin Resource Center for the Homeless through the end of 2023

A slew of local nonprofits are also working to provide housing and resources to people in need — you can support their cause by volunteering or donating.