A new homeless navigation center is set to debut in North Austin this summer, aimed at providing essential services such as food, shelter, and hygiene facilities to those in need. Located near the intersection of North Lamar Boulevard and Rundberg Lane, this facility is spearheaded by the local nonprofit organization We Can Now, which seeks to address the significant barriers faced by individuals experiencing homelessness in the area.
Antony Jackson, the CEO of We Can Now, expressed his disbelief and gratitude at the realization of this project. Reflecting on his own experiences with homelessness, Jackson stated, “It’s a true testament to the power of God. To secure a piece of real estate in the city where I grew up and once faced homelessness, and now to provide services to others in similar situations—it’s incredible.”
Jackson founded We Can Now after enduring a difficult childhood marked by periods of shelter living and even sleeping in his car. His personal journey through homelessness ignited a passion to assist others facing the same struggles. “When I went through it, there weren’t any resources or organizations like this that existed,” he noted, emphasizing the importance of offering support to those in need.
While South Austin’s Sunrise Homeless Navigation Center and various downtown organizations provide vital resources such as meals, clothing, and healthcare, Jackson highlighted a long-standing gap in services for North Austin residents. Through outreach efforts, he discovered that many individuals experiencing homelessness must travel downtown to access these resources, presenting an additional obstacle to their already challenging circumstances.
“Traveling downtown adds another layer of difficulty to homelessness,” Jackson explained. “You need money for bus fare, knowledge of routes, and a stable mindset. Many people in this area feel hopeless, and our center aims to change that.” The new facility is expected to accommodate around 70 individuals who are currently homeless or at risk of losing their housing.
We Can Now began its mission in March 2020, concentrating on street outreach in East Austin. Each Sunday, volunteers gather at the intersection of San Marcos and East Cesar Chavez streets, distributing food, drinks, hygiene supplies, and clothing to between 50 and 75 individuals.
On a recent Sunday, volunteers engaged with those seeking assistance, offering prayers for comfort, help with securing identification, and support in finding housing and employment. Participants expressed gratitude for the supplies available to them, highlighting the communal spirit of the outreach efforts.
Among the crowd was Joann Causey, who has been living in her truck with her dog. She shared her daily struggle to find basic necessities, including a shower. “I often wash up in abandoned houses or at the lake,” she said, underscoring the challenges faced by individuals without access to consistent resources. Causey believes that the navigation center would significantly improve the situation, providing vital services like showers and food.
Statistics reveal that on any given night, nearly 5,000 individuals find themselves without shelter in Austin, according to the Ending Community Homelessness Coalition (ECHO). Executive Director Matt Mollica emphasized the need for geographically diverse services to meet the needs of the homeless population, particularly in areas like West Austin, which he described as a “desert” for those in crisis.
The new navigation center in North Austin is anticipated to open by the end of July, promising to bring much-needed support to a community that has long been underserved.
