Week 1

A common perception of homelessness in Austin is a life of drug dependency, alcohol abuse, panhandeling, or criminals. According to "Solutions for Homeless Chronic Alcoholics in Austin," a recently released study co-authored by ARCH Executive Director Helen M. Varty and Knox-Woollard Professional Management: Of the approximately 3,451 homeless people in Austin, "Austin is short 1,800 units of housing for this population, which represents an unmet need of 52% for the homeless in our community." Another common misperception is that many of those are homeless don’t to anything to help themselves, but the truth is many don’t know how to help themselves. Front Steps’ mission is to provide a pathway home through shelter, affordable housing and community education. Front Step gives homeless individuals the resources they need to change their life around by providing excellent case management, support and shelter service; transitioning people experiencing chronic homelessness to a variety of sustainable housing options; and educating the community about the needs of men and women experiencing homeless and innovative approaches to meeting those needs. Front Steps is a local activist group help fighting homelessness in Austin. I believe the strategies they employ to help the homeless are the most successful means of ending homelessness in Austin. Imagine driving down the feeder road of i-35. You stop a red light and you see a homeless man holding up the sign “Need Money for Food”. You can give the man enough money for another meal, or you can refer him to the resources that will help him have food everyday.