Homelessness

People experiencing homelessness who have a mental health crisis can stay at The Inn, a facility operated by Integral Care, for up to a week. Patients are given access to substance abuse treatment and medication, and are connected with longer-term treatment options.

The sites would have to be set up before a state law banning encampments goes into effect Sept. 1. The city's homeless strategy officer said that likely wouldn't give staff enough time for community outreach.

One of the potential campsites is on Manor Road in East Austin and the other is on Convict Hill Road in South Austin, according to a memo released Monday.

The city's preparing a shelter to open up in August and it's eying two possible sites for temporary encampments for Austinites experiencing homelessness, according to a memo.

The Other Ones Foundation launched an effort to build 200 tiny homes last year. Now, it hopes to build on that effort with a renovated, community-focused space for Austinites experiencing homelessness.

The bill widely seen as a legislative snipe at Austin goes into effect Sept. 1.

Officials said Monday's arrests at City Hall weren't for violating the city's reinstated camping ban, and that police hope outreach will lead to fewer arrests going forward.

City officials said officers met with people staying in tents in the area Monday morning and told them they had to leave. Those who refuse will be given a citation or face arrest for violating the reinstated city ordinance banning camping in public places.

The city introduced a phased-in approach to enforcing the bans after voters approved their reinstatement last month.

The delay comes after controversy surrounding the list of proposed sites and passage of a bill that would ban camps on parkland without the state's approval.