Austin spent $838,753 on a three-week effort to clear homeless encampments, visiting 669 sites and engaging more than 1,200 people.
Scope and Reach
David Gray, the official leading Austin’s homelessness response, said the cleanup covered 669 sites, some of which were visited more than once. The city’s staff engaged over 1,200 individuals during the operation.
Outcomes
- 181 people were connected to shelters.
- 87 additional individuals were linked to services.
- 71 people received citations from the Austin Police Department.
- 22 people were arrested, mostly on outstanding warrants.
Debris and Resources
Hundreds of tons of debris were collected across the city. The cleanup employed 369 city staff members.
Cost and Challenges
Gray noted that the effort cost an estimated $838,753. He added that continuing the cleanup at the same intensity would require significant staff time and represent a considerable cost for the city. “We know that there is demand from our residents to do more cleanups and to be more responsive,” Gray said, “but sustaining this level of output would be challenging given post-Prop Q priorities and departmental needs.”
City Council Perspective
Austin City Council Member Ryan Alter asked, “Where did everyone else go?” He questioned the strategy of moving people to different camps. City staff replied that many individuals simply left and disappeared, hoping to encounter them again.
Key Takeaways
- The cleanup covered 669 sites and engaged more than 1,200 people.
- 181 people were moved to shelters, and 87 received additional services.
- The operation cost $838,753 and required 369 staff members.
The city’s three-week campaign highlights both the scale of Austin’s homelessness challenge and the substantial resources needed to address it.
