On Thursday, November 16, HousingWorks Austin assembled dozens of Austin professionals who work with families with children who are experiencing homelessness in the Austin area. Sponsored by Ascension – Seton Healthcare Family, the forum was a follow-up to our Housing + Health Summit, which we hosted in November of 2016 in conjunction with the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas. It’s purpose was to set into motion an actionable and well-conceived plan to end homelessness in Austin.

One of the highlights of the forum was a panel discussion moderated by Mark Williams, an Austin Community College Trustee. Four people who are on the front line in terms of assisting these families who experiencing homelessness spoke very candidly about the problem, and shared ideas they believe can help us eliminate family homelessness in Austin.

You can view the entire panel discussion by clicking on the video below.

After the discussion, participants viewed a preliminary version of a framework, which the Ending Community Homelessness Coalition (ECHO) will implement to end family homelessness in Austin, using the experience it gained in the effort to end veteran homelessness and in the current efforts to end homelessness among unaccompanied youth. HousingWorks Austin looks forward to assisting in this important work.