On February 4, 2021, the Austin City Council adopted resolution 20210204-049, establishing the Housing-focused Encampment Assistance Link (HEAL) Initiative. The Council’s action preceded a public vote to approve Proposition B on May 1, 2021, which resulted in the reinstatement of a City-wide public camping ban.
In the original resolution, the City Council specified four encampments to be closed during the first phase of the HEAL Initiative and provided City staff with guidance to create an encampment evaluation and prioritization process to be utilized in subsequent phases.
HEAL Initiative Timeline
March 1, 2021 - May 6, 2021
City staff planned and contracted social services to enable the sheltering, case management, and housing of individuals voluntarily relocated from the Phase 1 priority encampments.
June 16 - 18, 2021
New Southbridge shelter opened.
Terrazas Branch Library encampment successfully closed.
Press Release
July 14 - 16, 2021
Approximately 50 people moved to Southbridge shelter from Ben White and Menchaca underpass encampment.
Press Release
August 4, 2021
New Northbridge shelter opened.
Press Release
August 5 - 6, 2021
Downtown Hike and Bike Trail encampment near Cesar Chavez and Congress streets compassionately closed and residents relocated to the new Northbridge shelter.
Press Release
August 31, 2021
Approximately 23 people relocated to Northbridge shelter from US-183 and Oak Knoll underpass encampment.
Press Release
November 16, 2021
HEAL Initiative’s second phase began with sheltering of individuals from a high risk floodplain.
Press Release
January 11, 2022
Over 20 individuals moved from encampment adjacent to IH-35 service road and St. Johns Avenue.
Press Release
March 7 - 17, 2022
Over 28 people relocated from encampment near playground and a high flood risk area of West Bouldin Creek.
Press Release
March 25, 2022
Over 31 people experiencing homelessness sheltered from encampment adjacent to St. John Neighborhood Park.
Press Release
May 17, 2022
Over 20 people moved from encampment at Gillis Park and adjacent creek.
Press Release
September 12, 2022
Approximately 92 people moved from Roy G. Guerrero Colorado River Metro Park to Northbridge and Southbridge shelters.
Press Release
December 6, 2022
Approximately 45 individuals moved from Gustavo "Gus" L. Garcia District Park and 3 individuals moved from Asian American Resource Center to Northbridge and Southbridge shelters.
Press Release
February 14, 2023
City’s HEAL Initiative Closes Encampment at Pack Saddle Pass and US Highway 71.
Press Release
June 20, 2023
City’s HEAL Initiative Serves 75 More Unhoused Residents.
Press Release
August 15, 2023
72 People Moved from Central Austin Homeless Encampment to City-Owned Shelter.
Press Release
November 1, 2023
City’s HEAL Initiative Closes Encampments at Barwood Park and Tom Donovan Nature Trail at Williamson Creek Greenbelt.
Press Release
February 6, 2024
33 People Experiencing Homelessness Moved from High Flood Risk Area to City-Owned Shelter
Press Release
March 13, 2024
50 People Experiencing Homelessness Provided Shelter Through the City of Austin’s Latest HEAL Initiative Effort
Press Release
July 11, 2024
City’s HEAL Initiative Compassionately Closes Four Encampments Across Austin
Press Release