The City of Austin is progressing towards the establishment of a new coordinated housing navigation center in South Austin, with the Sunrise Homeless Navigation Center designated as its tentative operator.
This forthcoming city-owned facility aims to deliver targeted housing navigation services for individuals at risk of homelessness. The selection of Sunrise follows a competitive process and signifies a notable advance in the city’s initiative to enhance its response to homelessness.
Located near I-35 and East Oltorf, the center will function as a central hub for Austinites seeking housing assistance. The city acquired the former game room for $4.3 million, highlighting the commitment to provide vital services in the area.
City officials assert that the location is accessible by public transit, has minimal impact on the surrounding neighborhoods, and is in proximity to the Southbridge shelter. David Gray, the Austin Homeless Strategy Officer, emphasized the necessity of these services, stating that without them, the community could see an increase in homelessness among families and children.
However, local residents express concerns about the center’s location, particularly its closeness to Travis High School and Travis Heights Elementary. Morgan Moran de Sanchez, a resident in the vicinity, voiced apprehensions regarding the safety of the neighborhood, which is already experiencing an increase in homelessness.
In a related development, the Sunrise Homeless Navigation Center will not be relocating to the proposed new site in South Austin, despite earlier indications. Currently, Sunrise operates near Joslin Elementary, and the state has previously filed a lawsuit against the center, alleging that it fosters crime and drug-related issues in the neighborhood.
City Council member Ryan Alter had previously mentioned plans to transition Sunrise’s operations to the new site, but the narrative shifted as the city recognized the need for navigation services beyond just Sunrise’s operations.
On Thursday, the Homeless Strategy Office revealed that Sunrise could potentially manage the new center. Moran de Sanchez raised crucial questions about ensuring neighborhood safety moving forward.
The city of Austin is actively seeking organizations to operate its South Austin Housing Navigation Center, acknowledging the community’s skepticism regarding the center’s impact. Moran de Sanchez expressed frustration at the perceived lack of transparency, suggesting that the center would replicate previous issues associated with Sunrise.
In a statement, Sunrise expressed its satisfaction in being chosen as the operator and reiterated its commitment to collaborate with the city to prioritize public safety and address community concerns. As the largest provider of homelessness services in central Texas, Sunrise has successfully rehoused 800 individuals in 2026.
Moran de Sanchez highlighted the need for operational changes to prevent hazardous situations for children, emphasizing the importance of safety in the surrounding areas.
The tentative selection of Sunrise as the operator is still subject to approval by the city council, with city staff scheduled to present the recommendation on July 23. Operations are anticipated to commence in June 2027.
