Nonprofits fighting to end homelessness in Austin say COVID-19 measures have created new challenges

Source: Community Impact Newspaper

With the number of tents on Cesar Chavez Street growing on both sides of I-35, Austin’s homelessness crisis has become more visible, experts at local nonprofits said.

The prevalence of tents is linked to the repeal of a local public camping ban in 2019 and does not necessarily indicate an increase in homelessness overall. However, Matt Mollica, the executive director of Austin’s Ending Community Homelessness Coalition, said there are many signs homelessness has risen due to the economic effects of COVID-19.

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