Austin Seeks New Property for Controversial Homeless Navigation Center

The city of Austin is working to purchase a new property for the Sunrise Homeless Navigation Center, a nonprofit that has faced criticism for operating across the street from an elementary school in South Austin, Council Member Ryan Alter confirmed Monday.

"We feel very confident that we have zeroed in on a location that ultimately will be a good fit to move the existing navigation center and those services to," Alter, who represents the district where the homeless center is located, said in an interview.

The city’s proposed purchase marks a major development in a years-long effort to respond to neighborhood complaints about the center, which is located near Joslin Elementary and the adjacent Joslin Neighborhood Park. Residents have reported finding trash, used needles and human waste in the area.

The backlash escalated in November when Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sued the organization for "operating as a common nuisance in violation of Texas law," claiming that the center is a "magnet" for drug activity and criminal activity."

The Sunrise Homeless Navigation Center currently operates out of Sunrise Community Church near West Ben White Boulevard and Menchaca Road. It is the largest provider of homeless services in Travis County, according to its website. While it does not offer overnight shelter, it provides free meals, showers, housing assistance, healthcare navigation, and mobile outreach services.

Groups of people are often seen waiting outside the church to access services.

In a statement Monday, Sunrise Executive Director Mark Hilbelink praised the city’s efforts.

"We’re excited the City of Austin is working on investments related to reducing homelessness, particularly by diversifying its investments across the full spectrum of services—from prevention and basic needs all the way to permanent supportive housing," Hilbelink said.

According to Hilbelink, the organization has operated at various locations, including the current church site, since 2015. The Sunrise Community Church has been at its current location since 1987. The building is not owned by the city.

According to financial records, the city has provided about $3.8 million in grants to support Sunrise’s services in recent years. Travis County has also contributed funding.

Alter said discussions about relocating the homeless center began "well before" Paxton’s lawsuit – and an unsuccessful legislative efforts to restrict how close homeless service providers can be located to schools.

The city has narrowed down a relocation site outside Alter’s South Austin district, he said, but a purchase agreement has not been signed. The 11-member City Council would have to approve any acquisition.

"It was very clear that if we were going to move this operation, they didn't have the money to go buy a new site, and so the city was going to have to play a big part in that," Alter said.

KXAN first reported news of the proposed purchase Monday.

David Gray, Austin’s Homeless Strategy Officer, said in an interview Tuesday that if the relocation is approved, most services would likely move to the new location but some would likely stay, including family services. That’s because some families experiencing homelessness are registered with the church’s address for school enrollment purposes.

Gray said there will be a robust community engagement process if and when an agreement is finalized. The city also does not have the authority to force Sunrise to move, he noted.

"Nothing is a done deal right now," Gray said.},