This section is kept up to date; please check back for new information. Thank you for all you do.

For the latest information about the City's implementation of the camping ban visit Proposition B and Homeless in Austin.

Bringing Events Back Guidance

Bringing Events Back: Austin-Travis County COVID-19 Safety Guide for Venues and Special Events
outlines both COVID-19 health and safety recommendations and the new requirements for event and
venue organizers in Austin and Travis County. 

(webpage current as of 5/18/21)

Memo to Mayor and Council: Homelessness Update (12/22/2020)

Meet the new Homeless Strategy Officer

In 2021 Dianna Grey joined the City of Austin as the Homeless Strategy Officer. Learn more about Dianna and the experience she brings to the office.

Memo to Mayor and Council: Update on Services for Addressing Homelessness (Dated 9/11/2020) 

REPORT: Investing for Results: Priorities and Recommendations for a Systems Approach to End Homelessness was released July 23, 2020. The report, produced by Barb Poppe and associates offers recommendations and strategies to help ensure that public and private investments into programs and initiatives to address homelessness in Austin have the maximum impact. 

Providing Resources to People Experiencing Homelessness

The Eating Apart Together (EAT) Initiative has created a distribution system that provides food, educational resources, hygiene supplies and other items to people experiencing homelessness around Austin. Learn more about the initiative and how you can help it reach more people with more resources. 

The City of Austin launched the Violet KeepSafe Storage program to offer free, secure storage to people experiencing homelessness. Located in the downtown area, clients can be referred through the HOST program

The Homeless Texting Alert System is a one-way text messaging system to get critical information out quickly and effectively. The program launched in early September with approximately 600 numbers from phones distributed by Integral Care, the Downtown Austin Community Court, and Front Steps. Additional numbers can be added at any time and without risk sending duplicate messages. This program is another
communication tool that can influence action and build trust with people experiencing homelessness
across the city. To add phone numbers of clients or staff to the system please contact Kim Caldwell (kimberly.caldwell@austintexas.gov). 

Relief of Emergency Needs for Tenants (RENT) Assistance Program - is accepting applications through 9/21/2020 for full rent payment for income-eligible Austin renters financially impacted by COVID-19.

Resource Links for Providers

City of Austin Covid-19 Site

IRS Information and Application for Non-Filers to Receive Stimulus Funds

Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) COVID-19 Site

Center for Disease Control (CDC) COVID-19 Site

Center for Disease Control (CDC) Interim Guide for Homeless Shelters

Center for Disease Control (CDC) Confirmed COVID-19 Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection Recommendations

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Coronavirus Disease 2019 Situation Summary 

United States Interagency Council on Homelessness: COVID-19 Resources

Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): Infectious Disease Toolkit for Continuums of Care

National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC): COVID-19 Response

National Alliance to End Homelessness: State and Local Leaders - How to Help

World Health Organization: Rolling updates on coronavirus disease

Coronavirus Emergency Loans - U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Small Business Guide and Checklist

Mental Health First Aid Resources

 

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City of Austin Control Orders and Emergency Rules

Current Orders

Health Authority Emergency Rules - August 14, 2020

Stay Home, Mask, and Otherwise Be Safe (Austin) - August 14, 2020

Stay Home, Mask, and Otherwise Be Safe (Travis County) - August 14, 2020

Order Relating to Extension of Vacate Notices (Austin) - July 24, 2020

Order Relating to Extension of Vacate Notices (Travis County) - July 22, 2020

Order of Control Measures for In-Person School Campus Instruction (Austin) - July 14, 2020

COVID-19 Prevention Guidelines and Order (Stay Home, Save Lives) (Austin) − June 16, 2020 

Stay Home - Work Safe: Guidance for the Construction Industry (Austin) − March 24, 2020

Order of Control for Mass Gatherings and Critical Infrastructure (Austin) − March 21, 2020 

Order of Control for Mass Gatherings and Critical Infrastructure (Travis County) − March 21, 2020 

Executive Order relating to COVID-19 Preparedness and Mitigation (Texas) − March 19, 2020

Order of Control for Bars and Restaurants (Austin) − March 17, 2020

Order of Control Measures for Healthcare Facilities (Austin) − March 13, 2020

Resolution to Ratify Declaration of Local State of Disaster (Austin) − March 12, 2020

Order of Control Measures for nursing homes, assisted living and other long-term care facilities (Austin) − March 11, 2020

Previous Orders

Stay Home, Mask, And Otherwise Be Safe - July 02, 2020

Stay Home, Mask, And Otherwise Be Safe - June 26, 2020

Gatherings of Individuals Order (Travis County) - June 25, 2020

Travis County COVID-19 Prevention Guidelines and Order 2020-11 − June 16, 2020

Stay Home - Work Safe Order (Austin) − May 29, 2020 

Stay Home - Work Safe Order (Travis County) − May 8, 2020

Stay Home - Work Safe Order (Austin) − May 8, 2020 

Stay Home - Work Safe Order (Austin) − April 13, 2020 

Stay Home - Work Safe Order (Travis County) − April 13, 2020 

Stay Home - Work Safe: Supplemental Guidance Based on Executive Order No.GA-14 - April 2, 2020

Mayoral Order Impacting Commercial and Residential Landlords and Tenants (Austin)  - March 26, 2020

Stay Home - Work Safe: Guidance for the Construction Industry (Austin) − March 24, 2020

Stay Home - Work Safe Order (Austin) − March 24, 2020 

Stay Home - Work Safe Order (Travis County) − March 24, 2020 

Order of Control for Bars, Restaurants, and Gatherings (Austin) - March 20, 2020

Order of Control for Bars, Restaurants, and Gatherings (Travis County) - March 20, 2020

Executive Order relating to COVID-19 Preparedness and Mitigation (Texas) - March 19, 2020

Order of Control for Mass and Community Gatherings (Austin) − March 15, 2020

Order of Control for Mass and Community Gatherings (Travis County) − March 15, 2020

Food Establishment Rules (Austin)− March 13, 2020

City of Austin local state of disaster / Travis County local state of disaster − March 6, 2020

Share your Story

The City of Austin has create ATX for ATX, a repository for stories of helping during COVID-19. Individuals or organizations can post stories to highlight their good work and inspire others to do the same. 

Connect to local help: The City has launched the How to Help Campaign for nonprofit, faith-based and government programs to share their COVID-19 related needs with the community. Serving organizations can learn more and enter their opportunities today! 

Go back to the Homeless Strategy COVID-19 Support page.

Go to the City of Austin COVID-19 Information page.