Introduction

Homelessness is a nationwide issue and has been a prominent political conversation in many large cities for many years, including Austin. Homelessness is a complex issue and pursuing solutions will require creativity, funding, and community support. Almost all would agree that Austin’s citizens and elected leaders must provide more resources for addressing the needs of people experiencing homelessness and act to prevent more from losing their homes.

The Cherrywood neighborhood includes unhoused individuals currently living primarily within the interstate right-of-way, as well as a few people in other locations. Cherrywood includes transition housing. Several Cherrywooders have served on boards or volunteered with non-profits addressing social needs such as homelessness. 

Information about homelessness in the city of Austin can be found HERE.

CNA

On May 26, 2021, the CNA hosted a special called meeting via Zoom to start a focused conversation on how CNA could/should approach the issues of homelessness most directly impacting Cherrywood. The goal was to open up a conversation and to provide some basic information. Emphasis was made not to push any predetermined position one way or another but to gather resident feedback and concerns to help the CNA Steering Committee, if any action or statements are considered, to adopt a well-considered position after a thoughtful process.

Some information that was shared:

  • Known groups providing information/outreach and supporting our unhoused neighbors under I-35

  • Use of Days Inn by City of Austin as 'protective lodgings' during pandemic

  • Updates on City of Austin proposal to use Patterson Park as a temporary 'sanctioned encampment site'

The meeting was recorded and is available HERE (Passcode: 0f=DS^4H)

On August 11, 2021, the CNA hosted a regular Steering Committee meeting via Zoom and invited Charles Loosen, city staff with the City of Austin Homeless Services, to provide an update on the future plans for the Days Inn as well as to answer questions by neighborhood members. The meeting was recorded and is available HERE (Passcode: qj.H*9gY)