Posting Language
Title
Approve negotiation and execution of a memorandum of understanding with Downtown Austin Alliance d/b/a DAA to pay the City $411,000 for the City to contract with Urban Alchemy to provide intervention services to individuals experiencing homelessness. Funding: $411,000 is available from Downtown Austin Alliance. A City funding match is not required.
De
Lead Department
Homeless Strategy Office.
Fiscal Note
Funding in the amount of $411,000 is available from Downtown Austin Alliance. A City funding match is not required.
Prior Council Action:
April 24, 2025 - Council approved the negotiation and execution of an amendment to the agreement with Urban Alchemy on an 11-0 vote.
October 10, 2024 - Council approved the negotiation and execution of an agreement with Urban Alchemy on an 11-0 vote.
For More Information:
David Gray, Homeless Strategy Officer, 512-974-7836; Kelechukwu Anyanwu Jr, HSO Program Manager III, 512-972-5136; Estella Kirscht, Administrative Specialist, 512-972-4423.
Additional Backup Information:
Approval of this item will authorize the City to negotiate and execute a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Downtown Austin Alliance (DAA) to pay $411,000 to the City. The City will then contract with Urban Alchemy to provide Homelessness Engagement Assistance Response Team (HEART) services. The HEART program launched on February 1, 2024, in high-need areas of downtown Austin to improve outcomes for people experiencing homelessness based on individual needs. HEART continues to be a boots-on-the-ground, proactive engagement program. Engagements by a HEART practitioner allow for relationship building, assessing individuals' needs, connecting with and transporting to services, and reuniting people with families and personal support networks.
This MOU will provide funding for HEART services in the DAA's public improvement district (PID). DAA's board of directors approved the grant to the City in the amount of $411,000 to c...
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