Austin City Proposes Purchase of New Property for Sunrise Homeless Navigation Center (Austin, Texas)

The city of Austin is pursuing the purchase of a new property for the Sunrise Homeless Navigation Center, a nonprofit organization that has drawn criticism for its location near an elementary school in South Austin. Council Member Ryan Alter confirmed that the city has identified a potential site for the center, signaling a significant step in addressing long-standing neighborhood concerns.

Residents have raised complaints about the center’s proximity to Joslin Elementary and Joslin Neighborhood Park, citing issues such as trash, used needles, and human waste in the area. The backlash intensified in November when Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against the organization, alleging it operates as a common nuisance in violation of Texas law. The lawsuit claims the center serves as a “magnet” for drug and criminal activity.

The Sunrise Homeless Navigation Center currently operates from Sunrise Community Church, located near West Ben White Boulevard and Menchaca Road. It is the largest provider of homeless services in Travis County, offering free meals, showers, housing assistance, healthcare navigation, and mobile outreach. The center does not provide overnight shelter.

Sunrise Executive Director Mark Hilbelink expressed appreciation for the city’s efforts to invest in reducing homelessness. He highlighted the organization’s long-term commitment to providing a range of services, from prevention to permanent supportive housing. The current church location has been used since 2015, while the building itself has stood since 1987 and is not owned by the city.

The city has provided approximately $3.8 million in grants to support Sunrise’s services in recent years, with additional funding from Travis County. Council Member Alter noted that discussions about relocating the center began as part of a broader effort to address community concerns and ensure the services are accessible and appropriately situated.

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