Homeless Encampments at Risk as Austin Faces Rising Floodwaters

Tuesday morning, firefighters in South Austin performed a spectacular rescue, saving three people and a dog from rapidly rising floodwaters that carried away their tent near South First Street and West Gibson.

The group was caught on a little ledge as the rapid flooding raised the water almost six feet.

Austin Fire Captain Chris Throop said, "They were surrounded by water, unable to get themselves out of the creek." One individual had already been carried downstream before we arrived.

The rescue emphasizes continuing difficulties with Austin's homeless population, especially in flood-prone regions. Even if homeless camps are illegal statewide, they nonetheless exist in the city and pose significant hazards during bad storms.

Emphasizing that storms can quickly produce life-threatening situations, AFD Battalion Chief Pete Constantine advised those living on the streets to search for higher ground.

"Our community members experiencing homelessness must migrate to higher ground and find shelter when storms approach," Constantine added.

Austin's Homeless Strategy Office moved around thirty people from high-risk flood zones to shelters last week. Still, more is to be done.

Proposed annually by the Austin Resource Recovery program is a $1.2 million annual budget to help to clear campsites from municipal parks. The Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) now employs just four people to handle the cleanup of campsite trash—far less than the required capacity.

Officials urge citizens to report camps by phoning 311 to help these initiatives.

Firefighters caution Austin about these common rescue scenarios. Fire Specialist Chase Ashcroft said, "I think it's a recurring situation."

Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis also mentioned daily challenges for law enforcement and first responders, include calls about homeless-related events.

City authorities underline the need for emergency readiness and ongoing relocation initiatives for Austin's unhoused population as additional rain is predicted.

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