The City of Austin’s Homeless Strategy Office and its contracted shelter operator, Urban Alchemy, are proud to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the Eighth Street Shelter. Since opening in December 2023, the 150-bed shelter has served 485 clients and helped 84 relocate to a housing destination. Additionally, 143 guests used the shelter’s “safe sleep beds” to meet their immediate overnight emergency needs. The Eighth Street Shelter serves women and transgender guests, providing a safe haven and support hub for those seeking stability, housing, and essential services.  
 
"As we celebrate the one-year anniversary of the Eighth Street Shelter, we are reminded of the significant strides we’ve made in providing a safe and supportive space for individuals experiencing homelessness. This shelter stands as a testament to our ongoing commitment to ensuring that homelessness is rare, brief, and nonrecurring for all members of our community. The work we do here—alongside our partners at Urban Alchemy—helps individuals access not only a place of refuge but also the essential services they need to rebuild their lives and achieve long-term stability," said David Gray, City of Austin Homeless Strategy Officer. 
 
All guests at the shelter can access comprehensive services including three nutritious meals per day, laundry facilities, showers, educational classes, case management services, and healthcare coordination to foster well-being and stability. In addition, the shelter offers mental and physical healthcare support, weekly life skills classes, and benefits enrollment assistance. These services empower guests on their path toward independence.
 
"At the Eighth Street Shelter, we are honored to witness the resilience and determination of our guests as they work to overcome challenges and build brighter futures," said Kevin Lee, Urban Alchemy Austin Director of Operations. "This milestone is a testament to the power of Urban Alchemy’s mission, to transform lives through compassion, stability, and opportunity, and we’re proud to celebrate the lives we’ve touched over the past year." 
 
As the Eighth Street Shelter celebrates this pivotal anniversary, its ongoing commitment to providing compassionate care continues to make a lasting impact. The shelter remains a critical resource for individuals working to rebuild their lives and regain stability.

To learn more about homelessness in Austin, please visit www.austintexas.gov/homelessness