In North Austin, a local nonprofit is getting ready to turn a Carpenter Avenue building into a lifeline for people sleeping outside. We Can Now announced on Thursday that it plans to open a new services hub next month that will offer short-term shelter along with on-site support. CEO Antony Jackson, who has experienced homelessness himself, said the site near North Lamar Boulevard will provide beds plus mental-health care, meals, clothing, and haircuts. The group is still lining up community partners to help run programs and connect people to longer-term housing.
Jackson told reporters the center is scheduled to open in July and is expected to provide temporary housing for about 70 people, with space for case managers and outreach teams to work on site. Those plans were outlined in coverage by KXAN.
What We Can Now already does
We Can Now already runs street outreach, a Wellness Pantry, and a diversion program that the group says is designed to move people directly from the streets into housing. On its website, the nonprofit reports that its diversion efforts have "diverted over 80 people into housing since 2023" and points to the relatively low cost of small-scale diversion work. Recent filings and financial data for the organization are listed by ProPublica.
Capacity and partners
Jackson told reporters his group has helped house roughly 170 people and estimated that about 90% have "stayed off the streets," according to KXAN. The new Carpenter Avenue site is expected to operate with community partners and plug residents into the region's coordinated entry system for housing referrals. Locally, that system is coordinated by the Ending Community Homelessness Coalition (ECHO).
Where it fits in Austin's response
City officials and partner organizations say the need for shelter space remains intense. The mayor's office has noted an estimated 5,000 people were experiencing homelessness as of February. Recent City of Austin reporting and coverage of the city's homelessness strategy describe an ongoing push to add bridge beds and navigation centers to the system. Earlier this year, KUT reported on that plan and its projected capacity.
Next steps and how to help
We Can Now says it is looking for faith communities, health providers, and volunteers to help staff and support the North Austin hub. Contact information and donation options are listed on the organization's website, We Can Now. The group says intake at the new shelter will begin once partners are secured and staffing is in place.
