In May 2026, the Convene team hosted a community conversation at SAFE Alliance about experiences related to substance use, trauma, mental health, family systems, and access to support services in Travis County. Participants shared perspectives from both professional and lived experience, highlighting the importance of trauma-informed care, compassionate support, and systems that address the underlying causes of substance use rather than focusing only on crisis response.

Throughout the conversation, participants emphasized that substance use often intersects with mental health, family instability, housing insecurity, domestic violence, and involvement with child protective systems. Community members shared that many individuals seeking help are already navigating significant emotional stress, trauma, and isolation before substance use is ever addressed.

Participants described trauma-informed care as one of the most important aspects of effective support systems. Staff and advocates discussed the importance of allowing individuals to choose what services they want to engage with and creating environments where people feel safe asking for help without fear of judgment or shame. One participant shared that they intentionally begin conversations with those who may be impacted by substance use by first asking about mental health and emotional well-being rather than immediately focusing on substance use itself.

At the same time, participants described significant barriers to accessing support in Travis County. Transportation, insurance access, and lack of centralized services were identified as recurring challenges. Community members noted that even when organizations provide bus passes or referrals, transportation barriers can still prevent individuals from consistently accessing services and maintaining stability.

Participants also discussed the need for more visible outreach and education related to substance use services. Several community members shared that they rarely see flyers, public information, or outreach materials related to substance use support in public spaces throughout Austin. Participants suggested expanding outreach efforts through locations such as bus stops, grocery stores, and community gathering spaces.

Throughout the discussion, mental health and peer support services were repeatedly identified as valuable resources within Travis County. Participants emphasized that peer support can help individuals feel less isolated and more understood while navigating recovery and healing. At the same time, community members stressed the importance of expanding access to advocates, counselors, and trauma-informed professionals across systems.

Housing and transitional support were also major themes during the conversation. Participants discussed the need for more transitional housing, halfway houses, and accessible recovery support systems that intervene earlier rather than waiting until individuals reach a crisis point. Community members also raised concerns about overcrowded and poorly regulated housing environments that may create additional instability rather than support recovery.

Participants identified youth, high school students, elderly individuals, justice-involved populations, and families impacted by substance use as groups who may be missing out on support. Community members expressed concern that substance use among young people is often not recognized early enough and emphasized the importance of prevention efforts, counseling, and education within schools.

The conversation also explored the importance of holistic and family-centered approaches to care. Participants noted that systems often focus on one individual rather than supporting entire families impacted by substance use, trauma, or mental health challenges. Community members emphasized the need for services that support parents, children, and family systems together.

A recurring theme throughout the conversation was the importance of compassion and flexibility within recovery systems. Participants shared that successful support systems should allow individuals to return to services after relapse without shame or judgment. Community members emphasized that relapse should be treated as part of recovery rather than as a failure.

Participants also discussed the importance of addressing practical barriers that can contribute to relapse, including financial stress, unemployment, childcare challenges, and lack of stable housing. Suggestions included employment programs, short-term financial assistance, childcare support, coping skills education, and stronger coordination between systems.

The conversation also highlighted concerns about potential reductions in trauma-informed and survivor-centered services, including possible changes affecting Eloise House and forensic examination services. Participants emphasized the importance of maintaining safe, supportive environments where individuals experiencing trauma or violence can receive care without having to repeatedly retell painful experiences.

Overall, the discussion reinforced the importance of creating more holistic, compassionate, and trauma-informed systems of support in Travis County. Participants emphasized that successful substance use support systems must address mental health, family stability, financial stress, housing, and trauma alongside recovery itself.

Key Takeaways

• Participants emphasized the importance of trauma-informed, client-centered care that reduces shame and allows individuals to choose the services that feel most supportive to them.
• Transportation barriers, insurance challenges, and a lack of centralized services continue to make accessing support difficult for many community members.
• Peer support, advocacy, and compassionate outreach were identified as critical components of effective recovery systems.
• Participants highlighted the need for more transitional housing, halfway houses, and earlier intervention before individuals reach crisis situations.
• Youth, families, elderly individuals, and justice-involved populations were identified as groups facing additional barriers to support.
• Community members emphasized the importance of holistic, family-centered approaches that address trauma, mental health, housing, employment, childcare, and long-term stability alongside substance use recovery.