Austin-led HEAL initiative closes four encampments

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Four encampments are closed in Austin and 63 people relocated into shelters following efforts from Austin's Housing-Focused Encampment Assistance Link (HEAL) initiative, according to a news release by the city.

HEAL is an initiative that was approved by the city in February 2021 to try and "address homelessness and to return public spaces to their intended uses," the release said. The encampments that were closed were located at the Barton Creek Greenbelt, Williamson Creek East, Indian Grass Prairie and North Walnut Creek, the release added.

The City welcomed the people who are experiencing homelessness to the Northbridge and Southbridge shelters, offering them access to shelter and housing resources, according to the release. HEAL uses an assessment tool that measures over 40 factors to decide which encampments to intervene.

"Transitioning from encampments into shelter signifies a significant step towards stability, support and access to resources and care," Homeless Strategy Officer David Gray said in the release.

Since HEAL started in 2021, the initiative has helped 835 individuals move from "high-risk" encampments to Austin's Northbridge and Southbridge shelters, the release said.

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