Texas AG Sues South Austin Homeless Center Over Crime Concerns

Ken Paxton, the attorney general of Texas, is suing the Sunrise Homeless Navigation Center in South Austin. He says that the center's activities have turned a once-peaceful area into a place where drugs are used, and violent crimes happen. 

The center is close to Joslin Elementary School and, despite helping people with their mental health for almost ten years, has become a nuisance to the young students and parents.

In his lawsuit, Paxton says that the center has made it easier for criminal activity to happen. He uses complaints from nearby neighbors who say they have found syringes, used condoms, and other drug items close to the center. 

Ashley Hammack, the mother of a student at Joslin Elementary, said she found syringes on the school field and now stays away from that area with her son.

"It breaks my heart." Hammack said, "I can't let my child play here."

Dale Herron, the head of the Western Trails Neighborhood Association, shared these worries. He said he was worried about the safety of the children and felt terrible about how the center was affecting the community.

A significant point of disagreement has been the center's program to give out syringes to stop the spread of disease. The Austin City Council members are considering moving the center, but no date has been set.

Residents and politicians in the area hope things will move quickly as Paxton's lawsuit continues. At the same time, the center's future is uncertain because supporters and opponents are thinking about what part it should play in helping Austin's homeless.

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