The Austin City Council tasked City Manager Spencer Cronk to find funding to help support a new Salvation Army homeless families facility.
Councilmember Kathie Tovo says they hope to close the financial gap in operating costs for the soon to be opened Rathgeber Center in far East Austin. “As the 2019 point in time count indicates homelessness in this community is unfortunately increasing….reversing that trend is really critical,” said Tovo.
Salvation Army Major Andrew Kelly explained the facility would be dedicated to homeless families and add add 200 beds to the anti-homelessness effort. Kelly explained, “each family will be provided with private spacious rooms that include a bathroom. Spacious outside play areas for children. Three full meals a day and most importantly,” Kelly continued, “security.”
Dick Rathgeber of the Center’s namesake, said the building is needed to get homeless families out of downtown. and recounted a story he heard from a staffer where an eight year old homeless girl was taken to a school bus early one morning only to witness an “indecent act.” Rathgeber say that kind of thing is more widespread than just behind the Salvation Army building.
With the support of the city, Rathgeber predicted the 200+ bed facility will be up and running in a matter of weeks.
(Photo:Shutterstock/Jevanto Productions)
