In May 2026, the Convene team hosted a community conversation with residents and advocates connected to SAFE Alliance to better understand experiences accessing substance use support, family services, and community resources in Travis County. Participants shared perspectives on the barriers people face navigating systems, the importance of holistic and family-centered care, and the need for stronger communication and outreach about available services.

A major theme throughout the conversation was that many people struggle to access support, not because services do not exist, but because resources are scattered, difficult to navigate, and not widely known within the community. Participants described low awareness of available programs as a significant barrier, especially for individuals living in areas with fewer visible services or outreach efforts.

Community members also emphasized that language accessibility remains an important challenge. Spanish-speaking participants shared that language barriers can make it significantly harder to locate services, understand eligibility requirements, and feel comfortable navigating systems. Participants discussed the importance of culturally responsive and multilingual services that help individuals feel welcomed and understood.

At the same time, participants identified several organizations and programs that are working well within Travis County. SAFE Alliance was repeatedly highlighted as a supportive environment where individuals can access multiple resources in one location. Participants also described positive experiences with Integral Care, particularly noting kind staff, accessible online services, reasonable wait times, and supportive services for Spanish-speaking clients.

 Participants emphasized the importance of holistic support services that address more than substance use alone, including rental assistance, legal services, childcare support, tutoring, meals, and family programming.

Throughout the discussion, participants emphasized the importance of family-centered approaches to care. Parents, particularly mothers, were identified as a group facing additional barriers to accessing services. Community members explained that many programs focus primarily on the individual while overlooking the needs of children and family systems. Participants expressed interest in more opportunities for group therapy, family activities, and childcare support integrated directly into service settings.

Childcare support emerged as an especially important topic. Participants described how a lack of childcare can prevent individuals from attending appointments, accessing treatment, or even completing basic daily tasks. Programs such as “buddy systems” that provide temporary childcare support while parents attend appointments or complete responsibilities were described as particularly helpful and worth expanding.

Participants also discussed several areas where current systems continue to fall short. Long wait times for therapy and services were described as discouraging and emotionally draining. Community members shared frustrations with difficulty reaching organizations by phone and being repeatedly transferred without receiving clear answers or support.

Another recurring theme was the importance of more personal guidance and navigation support. Participants described feeling overwhelmed when given large packets of information or lengthy resource lists without individualized assistance. Community members emphasized that one-on-one guidance from advocates or peers can be much more effective than simply distributing pamphlets or referral sheets.

Participants also discussed the need for stronger communication systems within communities themselves. Suggestions included creating community bulletin boards, hosting regular resource-sharing meetings, and developing spaces where residents can share updates about services, programs, and opportunities available around town.

Word-of-mouth and lived experience were repeatedly identified as powerful tools for increasing awareness and trust. Participants emphasized that hearing directly from people who have successfully navigated services often feels more meaningful and motivating than printed outreach materials alone.

Throughout the conversation, participants described what a successful support system would look like in Travis County. Community members envisioned a centralized, comprehensive location where individuals could access multiple services in one visit, reducing the need to navigate disconnected systems spread across the city.

Overall, the discussion reinforced the importance of holistic, accessible, and family-centered support systems that prioritize personal connection, clear communication, and practical navigation support. Participants emphasized that successful systems should help people feel supported rather than overwhelmed while making it easier to access services in ways that are culturally responsive, community-centered, and easier to navigate.

Key Takeaways

• Participants identified scattered resources, low awareness, and language barriers as major challenges to accessing support in Travis County.
• Parents, particularly mothers, were identified as groups facing additional barriers due to limited childcare and family-centered programming.
• Participants emphasized the importance of holistic services that address housing, childcare, legal support, family needs, and substance use together.
• Community members highlighted the need for more personal guidance, navigation support, and advocate involvement rather than relying solely on printed resource materials.
• Participants envisioned a centralized, comprehensive support system where individuals could access multiple services in one accessible location.