In May 2026, the Convene team hosted a community conversation at the May Pop up Resource Clinic (PURC) at the Terrazas Branch of the Austin Public Library. Participants shared lived experiences and perspectives related to navigating services while unhoused, the challenges of accessing care and information, and the importance of creating safe, welcoming community spaces.

Throughout the discussion, participants emphasized that emergency response systems are often the primary point of contact when someone is experiencing a substance use crisis. Community members shared that they frequently call 911 when witnessing individuals struggling with substance use or mental health crises, with some participants noting that emergency calls related to these situations occur multiple times each week.

A major theme throughout the conversation was that accessing support can feel especially difficult for unhoused individuals. Participants described how many services are discovered almost entirely through word-of-mouth rather than through visible outreach or centralized communication. Community members explained that people often do not know what resources exist, where services are located, or how to access support unless someone directly tells them.

Participants also reflected on the emotional experience of trying to access services. Several community members described inconsistency in how individuals are treated by organizations and staff. Participants shared that some days people feel welcomed and supported, while other days they feel dismissed or pushed away, creating uncertainty and distrust while seeking help.

At the same time, participants identified several organizations, spaces, and community resources that are viewed as helpful and supportive. Participants also described libraries as important public spaces where unhoused community members can sit, decompress, and access a safe indoor environment.

Participants expressed sadness over the closure of some of the community-centered spaces, emphasizing how important they were for providing rest, connection, showers, and opportunities to feel safe and humanized.

Access to basic hygiene needs emerged as one of the strongest themes throughout the discussion. Participants described a major shortage of public shower access and affordable hygiene resources across Travis County. Community members explained that the inability to shower or maintain hygiene can increase isolation, worsen mental health, and make it harder to access employment, services, or social support.

Participants shared that some individuals are relying on expensive bathhouses or gym memberships simply to access showers. Community members emphasized that access to showers, restrooms, fresh water, laundry, and safe public spaces should be viewed as essential supports rather than luxuries.

The conversation also highlighted the importance of creating more neutral, non-religious spaces where unhoused individuals can access support comfortably. While churches and faith-based organizations were recognized as important service providers, participants noted that not everyone feels comfortable receiving services in religious settings and emphasized the need for additional community-centered alternatives.

Mental health support and social connection were also recurring themes throughout the discussion. Participants described the high levels of stress, isolation, and emotional exhaustion experienced while living unhoused and emphasized the need for increased access to therapy, group conversations, and mental health support. Community members also suggested creating more outreach efforts and services directly in areas where unhoused individuals already gather, including parks and highly populated public spaces.

Participants repeatedly emphasized the need for more visible outreach and communication about available resources. Suggestions included distributing clearer flyers with detailed information about meals, showers, food assistance, transportation, and available services throughout the city, particularly at bus stops and other frequently accessed public locations.

Women and elderly unhoused individuals were identified as groups facing additional barriers to support. Participants expressed concern about the lack of safe, separated shelter spaces for women and emphasized the vulnerability of unhoused senior citizens navigating homelessness and substance use without adequate support.

Throughout the conversation, participants envisioned a more successful support system as one that provides safe community spaces, easier access to basic needs, more outreach, and services staffed by individuals with lived experience who understand the realities of homelessness and recovery firsthand.

Overall, the discussion reinforced the importance of creating more visible, accessible, and human-centered systems of support for unhoused individuals impacted by substance use in Travis County. Participants emphasized that successful systems should not only provide treatment and crisis response, but also create spaces where people can feel safe, respected, connected, and able to meet their basic daily needs.

Key Takeaways

• Participants described word-of-mouth as one of the primary ways unhoused individuals learn about available services and supports.
• Access to showers, restrooms, laundry, fresh water, and safe public spaces were identified as major unmet needs across Travis County.
• Community members emphasized the importance of libraries, harm reduction organizations, outreach spaces, and community centers as places of safety and connection.
• Participants highlighted the need for more mental health support, outreach, and services staffed by people with lived experience.
• Women and unhoused elderly individuals were identified as groups facing additional barriers to safety and support.
• Community members emphasized the need for more visible outreach, detailed resource information, and neutral, non-religious spaces where unhoused individuals can access services comfortably.