Homeless Student Statistics Just Released by Austin ISD - In the HousingWorks Austin Newsletter for August 2018

AUGUST 2018 EDITION

DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE
_____________________________________________

It's back to school time. Time for kids to pack away summer fun and get down to the business of learning and making good grades. But for thousands of students in Austin ISD, the bigger concern will be having a safe, peaceful place to go home to after school. Once again, HousingWorks Austin is starting the school year by releasing the number of homeless students in AISD from the district's program Project HELP. Once again the news is not good.

However, this year there is more reason for optimism. Thanks to the leadership of the Ending Community Homelessness Coalition (ECHO) and folks at Austin City Hall, a collaborative effort is underway to wipe out homelessness in our city, and that includes families with children and unaccompanied youth. It will take hard work and generosity from government, nonprofits, the business and faith communities and concerned citizens, but we believe Austin is up to the challenge. HousingWorks Austin is proud to be a part of this effort.

Please also make note of a few events mentioned in this newsletter and add them to your calendar. Thanks!

-- Nora Linares-Moeller
Executive Director, HousingWorks Austin

DATA SHOWS AUSTIN'S HOMELESS STUDENT PROBLEM PERSISTS

There were well over 2,000 students in Austin ISD who were classified as homeless in the last school year. Project HELP has released the official count, as well as a breakdown of where those students were living. You can find that information, and learn what Austin is doing to tackle all types of homelessness ON OUR WEBSITE.

COME LEARN ABOUT THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING BOND TUESDAY, AUGUST 21 6 - 8PM

HousingWorks Austin is partnering with other non-profits in the city who believe passage of the proposed $250 million Affordable Housing Bond is necessary to ensure people at all income levels can find a home in Austin. To show our commitment to passing the Bond in the November vote, we are taking part in a community conversation next Tuesday, August 21st 6-8PM. Please join us and learn more about what Prop A means, and how you can help make sure Austin is affordable for all. Find more information about the event on FACEBOOK.

AUTHOR, NOTED PUBLIC POLICY EXPERT TO HEADLINE SUMMIT

HousingWorks and the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas are excited that our 2019 summit, Housing + Equitable Communities: Building with Purpose, is taking shape. Richard Reeves will be the keynote speaker for the March 1 event. The author of Dream Hoarders, Reeves is a Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution where he leads research about social mobility and inequality. Learn more about Reeves and the summit ON OUR WEBSITE.

HOUSINGWORKS CO-HOSTING CITY CANDIDATES FORUMS

There is much work ahead toward solving Austin's affordable housing crisis. It is vital that we continue to have leaders on the City Council and in the mayor's office who will support innovative housing ideas and initiatives. Join us on September 22nd and 29th as we hear candidates vying for six positions at City Hall discuss their vision for housing in Austin. Learn more about the forums on SEPTEMBER 22ND and SEPTEMBER 29TH on our website.

JOIN US FOR A PANEL DISCUSSION ABOUT SENIOR HOUSING
LIVE ON FACEBOOK - THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13

By 2050, the population of US seniors, 65 and older, is projected to double. Most seniors wish to stay in their homes and communities as they age, but that creates challenges. Seniors face a higher risk of developing a chronic disease, functional limitations or mobility impairments, and those health concerns create specific housing needs. How can we expand housing repair programs for seniors and create more homes for senior renters? Join us on September 13th as an expert panel discusses questions like these LIVE ON FACEBOOK.