Austin Mayor Proposes Extending Temporary Homeless Shelter Amid Search for Permanent Solution

Mayor Kirk Watson has introduced a resolution to extend the use of the provisional shelter established in the southeast district of Austin as the city continues its search for a permanent homeless shelter. Since its establishment in August 2022, the shelter at the Austin Convention Center Marshalling Yard has furnished approximately 300 additional cots.

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Councilmember Vanessa Fuentes stated, "We have been unable to locate a permanent location for an emergency shelter, so that remains an unmet need." The shelter's one-year contract with the city cost over $9 million. An eight-month extension of the contract added $500,000 to the cost.

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The city council will vote on a resolution on Thursday to extend the shelter's operation beyond its scheduled termination in March 2025 to find a permanent solution. "We certainly need more overnight shelter capacity throughout our city," Fuentes emphasized. On the other hand, she raised concerns regarding the financing of the facility's ongoing operations, questioning the city's ability to secure up to $9 million to maintain its operation.

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Mayor Watson underscored the significance of the Marshalling Yard on the social platform X, asserting that "The Marshalling Yard is an essential component of our homeless response system and must remain operational until an alternative shelter is established." Despite the presence of facilities such as the Marshalling Yard, we are still insufficient by at least 600 shelter spaces.

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