Get Involved

Help us end homelessness


Whether you’re volunteering with one of our partners, writing to your elected officials about the need for housing, delivering supplies to people, or taking any action that supports people working to find safe, stable places to live, ending homelessness in our community takes all of us.

Volunteer Opportunities Partner with Us

Photo of hand holding care kit in front of Austin skyline

Give

  • Supplies to give year-round

    Keep a care kit or two in your car or bag to give out to someone who needs it. Here’s a good starting point for a care kit shopping list:

    • Gallon-sized pastic bags
    • Travel-size hygiene items
      • Hand sanitizer
      • Toothpaste/toothbrush & toothbrush holder
      • Deodorant
    • Soft snacks
    • Baby wipes/tissues
    • Bottled water
    • Socks (long, not ankle-length)
    • Tampons/pads
    • Flashlight + batteries
    • Cash or HEB/Walmart gift card
    • Bus passes
    • Hand warmers (winter)
    • Printed housing resource list (PDF)
    • Card/note of encouragement

     

    Mark Horvath, founder of the nonprofit Invisible People, asked people living outside what they most needed. Everyone’s needs are different, so if it’s possible to ask someone what they need, ask.

Learn

  • Voices From the Street

    A collaboration between the Austin Youth Collective and Dell Medical School, this interactive webpage walks through some common experiences and barriers our unhoused neighbors face.

    Voices from the Street

  • Housing First

    Learn more about this national best practice housing strategy from our partners at the National Alliance to End Homelessness

  • Stay Up to Date

    Join our and our partners’ mailing lists to stay informed on what’s happening locally, statewide, and nationally.

Advocate

  • Join governance meetings

    All meetings of the Austin/Travis County Homelessness Response System Leadership Council and associated committees and workgroups are open to the public, unless otherwise noted, at the links provided in the calendar. Community members are encouraged to attend meetings, engage in the conversation, share experiences and expertise, and ask questions. A slate of elected voting members make final decisions at the committee level. There are no formal voting members in workgroups.

    Governance Meetings

  • Contact your elected officials

    Tell your local, state, and national elected officials you support permanent housing paired with supportive services to end homelessness in our community.

    Not sure what to say? Try this sample letter.

    Download Sample Letter