News & Events - In the News
February 2013
Austin Police Department investigating suspicious death.
Police are categorizing this suspicious death as murder number three of 2013, the first involving a homeless.
July 2012
Homeless advocates push for Women's Shelter
Advocates for Austin’s homeless population are pushing to fill a gap in the city’s resources, one that leaves out single homeless women.
June 2012
YNN
Homeless welcome water donations
Workers at the Austin Resource Center for the Homeless began passing out bottled water Wednesday.
Homeless woman's murder exposes Austin's most vulnerable.
Valerie Godoy was found beaten to death in Duncan Park in downtown Austin early Friday morning.
KXAN
Homeless get large refreshing donation
I Am Waters Foundation donated 76,000 bottles of water to Front Steps, which manages the Austin Resource Center for the Homeless.
Feburary 2012
The Daily Texan
New Affordable Housing Complex proposed
A parking lot downtown may soon be the site of a new residence for low-income individuals.
KUT News
Front Steps' New Leader Plans to Help Homeless
With a few weeks under his belt, Luteran is ready to delve into the issues of ending homelessness.
January 2012 - KUT News
New Front Steps Executive Director named
A new Executive Director will lead Front Steps, the nonprofit that runs the Austin Resource Center for the Homeless.
 December 2011
Affordable Housing complex on North Lamar completes renovations
The Palms houses 14 formerly homeless Front Steps clients.
Front Steps Activates Cold Weather Plan
Freezing temperatures require a strategic plan to get folks off the street.
September 2011 - Austin Statesman
Grant funds allow case manager hirings
AmeriCorps Program restarted at Front Steps ARCH.
Should Homeless people work for their keep?
A question of paid labor versus free labor.
Homeless shelter repairs pile up
Long needed and extensive repairs begin this week at the ARCH.
August 2011- Austin Statesman
No respite from heat for Austin's homeless
Homeless people are among those most vulnerable to heat-related illnesses.
August 2011- My Fox Austin
Video to Help APD Deal with Homeless
A new training video is helping Austin Police deal with the homeless population.
August 2011- Austin Statesman
Austin Homeless Shelter Renovations Set for Fall
Click to read more about the details of the improvements taking place at the ARCH.
August 2011- YNN
Renovations Slated for Austin Homeless Center
Watch the interview with Mitchell Gibbs as he explains the renovations the ARCH is receiving.
June 2011 - My Fox Austin
Austin's Homeless Receive Some Help
Check out a video of our very own Mitchell Gibbs and I Am Waters Foundation Elena Davis giving an interview regarding the partnership to distribute water this summer to our homeless neighbors.
June 2011 - KXAN
Homeless Get Some Cool Relief
The homeless will get some extra help in beating the heat this summer at the ARCH.
June 2011 - KUT
76,000 Bottles of Water for Austin's Homeless
With a donation from the I Am Waters foundation, Front Steps is able to hand out 50,000 water bottles to the homeless during these hot summer months.
May 2011 - KUT
Front Steps Hires New Executive Director
KUT's Nathan Bernier interviewed our new Executive Director, Jim Ormand. Click on the link above to read the full story.
March 2011- Front Steps News
Runners Unite to End Homelessness
Running in the Statesman Cap 10k? Why not raise money for Front Steps and our housing programs in the process? When you register (free!) at www.mycharityrace.com/frontsteps , the site will generate a page for you to track your fundraising efforts. Post an invitation from the site on your Facebook or Twitter social media accounts and watch your friends and neighbors donate on to Front Steps on behalf you and your 10k efforts.
March 2011- Front Steps News
Austin No Sit / No Lie Ordinance Impacts Homeless [pdf]
In an Austin City Council meeting on March 3, 2011, new changes were adopted relating to Austin’s No Sit/No Lie ordinance. The ordinance, which targets those sit/lie in public walkways and doorways, particularly in the downtown area, was met with resistance by some homeless advocates, including the non-profit, House the Homeless and an endorsement by others, including the Downtown Austin Alliance.
March 2011- KXAN
Homeless Solutions Through Art
Kate Weidaw reports on Daniel Rudin's experiences as a Studio Arts Masters student at University of Texas studying panhandlers and possible solutions to homelessness in Austin.
February 2011- My Fox Austin
Veterans Among the Homeless at Shelters
Interviews of veterans who have become homeless explain their experiences during war and after returning home to live on the streets.
February 2011- Rooted Austin
Parth Three in A Series About Homelessness in Austin
A dedicated team of writers and photographers are telling the stories of Austin and Austinites at rootedaustin.com.This is the final part in a series of three articles on homelessness in Austin. Please read about Clarence and his wife, Lisa, who were relocated to Austin during Hurricane Katrina. You can find the links to Part Two in this series from February 2011 and Part One from January 2011 below.
February 2011- YNN
Life In Action: Front Steps
Jennifer Borget's article and it's accompanying video explains the role of Front Steps in our community.
February 2011- Rooted Austin
Part Two in A Series About Homelessness in Austin
A dedicated team of writers and photographers are telling the stories of Austin and Austinites at rootedaustin.com.This is Part Two in a series of three articles on homelessness in Austin. Please read about Clarence and his wife, Lisa, who were relocated to Austin during Hurricane Katrina. You can find the link to Part One in this series from January 2011 below.
February 2011- KXAN
Austin's Homeless Face Snowy Night
KXAN's Josh Hinkle reports on interviews conducted with two homeless individuals coping with Austin's freezing temperatures and snow.
February 2011- Austin American-Statesman
Brief Respite from Freezing Temps? Maybe After Snow
This report by The Austin American-Statesman's Isadora Vail explains the aftermath of Texas' recent freezing temperatures and accumlation of snow, including information indicating that more 600 people sought shelter over two nights in early February, which called for an additional emergency shelter to accommodate the higher number of people.
January 2011- Rooted Austin
Part One in A Series About Homelessness In Austin
A dedicated team of writers and photographers are telling the stories of Austin and Austinites at rootedaustin.com.This is the first in a series of three articles on homelessness in Austin. Please read about Clarence and his wife, Lisa, who were relocated to Austin during Hurricane Katrina.
January 2011- KVUE
Travis County Volunteers Count Homeless Population
In this report by Stevel Alberts, Dawn Perkins, Front Steps' Community Relations & Volunteer Coordinator, and Chris Buhler explain the importance of participating in this year's Austin/Travis County Homeless Count and Survey
January 2011- KUT
Austin Resource Center for the Homeless Distributing 200 Blankets Today
KUT's Nathan Bernier reports on Front Steps' plan to distribute 200 blankets on Friday, January 14, announced by Mike Abkowitz, Front Steps' Interim Executive Director.
January 2011 - KUT
Austin Homeless Resources Heat Up In Cold
KUT's Gretchen Sanders reports on the ARCH's donation needs for this winter, including only new and unusued blankets due to a recent policy change.
January 2011 - Your News Now - Austin/Round Rock/San Marcos
Homeless Shelters Prepare for Cold
This article by Alana Rocha is accompanied by a related video, both explaining Front Steps' preparation for the cold weather our clients are facing this season.
December 2010- Community Impact Newspaper
State Budget Cuts Threaten Local Mental Health
Andrea Leptinsky and Beth Wade report on plans proposed to the Texas Legislature to cut millions of dollars in mental health services, and the consequences these actions could have on Austin's residents.
December 2010 - My Fox Austin
Front Steps Helps Austin's Homeless
An interview with Front Steps' Interim Executive Director, Mike Abkowitz, regarding in-kind donation needs this holiday season.
November 2010- Austin American-Statesman
Better Approach Needed for Housing the Homeless
This article by the Austin American-Statesman's Editorial Board discusess several appraoches proposed to Austin's City Council to address the issue of homelessness.
November 2010- Austin American-Statesman
Day on the Streets Gives Ott Striking View of the City
Ken Herman of the Austin American-Statesman has prepared a video and article explaining City Manager Marc Ott's experiences while spending a day on the streets in Austin.
November 2010- Austin American-Statesman
They Walk Among Us, But They Are Invisible
This editorial discusses recent changes regarding homelessness in Austin, and focuses on Front Steps and the ARCH in particular.
November 2010 - KUT
City Manager Talks Homelessness in Austin
City Manager Marc Ott spent a day living as a homeless person on the streets of Austin. He shared his story with KUT’s Mose Buchele to mark Austin Hunger and Homelessness Awareness week.
September 2010 - National Alliance on Mental Illness in The New York Times
The Power of Lived Experience: NAMI's Stories of Recovery
A release by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) on their members' stories on Schizophrenia being featured in The New York Times
March 2010 - Austin American-Statesman
Getting to know the homeless
An article featuring the story of Jim Briggs, a Front Steps' Board Member who experienced homelessness, by Statesman Philanthropy columnist, Andrea Ball.
February 2010 - KVUE
Austin Homeless Counted to Assess Needs and Funding
An article on this year's Homeless Count & Survey by News 8's Harlan Schmidt
February 2010 - KUT
Fewer Counters for 2010 Homeless Tally
A report from KUT's Moses Buchele explaining complications in this year's count
January 2010 - KVUE
A Day of Wellness for Austin's Homeless
Reporter Quita Culpepper covers the MLK Day of Wellnedss, hosted by Front Steps' Keep Austin Housed AmeriCorps Program.
January 2010 - Austin American-Statesman
Helping the sick and homeless
An article about the Front Steps' Recuperative Care Program by Statesman Philanthropy columnist, Andrea Ball.
December 2009 - KVUE
4 1/2 year old teaches, learns lessons about compassion
Reporter Clara Tuma brings holiday cheer through a heartwarming story about a young girl who conducted a blanket drive for Front Steps.
December 2009 - Austin American-Statesman
An Austin Nativity Scene turns into a different kind of shelter
Lynn Goodman-Strauss of the Mary House Catholic Worker shares the story of the origins of the Cold Weather Shelter Program.
December 2009 - News 8 Austin
Freezing Temps Drive Homeless Shelters to Capacity
Reporter Jenna Hiller shares information about how the cold weather impacts Austin's homeless and the organizations that serve them.
December 2009 - KEYE
Groups Offer Shelter During Freeze
KEYE Reporter Stephanie Serna details the Cold Weather Shelter Plan and informs the Austin community about Front Steps' need for blankets. Click here for a list of donation needs.
December 2009 - KUT 90.5
Austin Prepares for Snow
KUT reporter Crystal Chavez outlines Austin's preparations for its first snow of the winter season.
November 2009 - Austin American-Statesman
A Day of Help for the Homeless
Joshunda Sanders reports on the Homeless Resource Fair, held on Saturday, November 14, 2009.
November 2009 - KUT 90.5
A Helping Hand for Austin's Homeless
KUT reporter Erika Aguilar provides coverage about the Homeless Resource Fair and Annual Art from the Streets Show and Sale that took place during the weekend of November 14-15, 2009.
October 2009 - Austin American-Statesman
Editorial: Whose sensibilities would be spared by expanded ban in Austin?
The Statesman Editorial Board addresses the proposed expansion of Austin's panhandling ordinance, featuring quotes from Front Steps' Executive Director, Helen Varty, about the organization's support of the proposed changes to the ordinance.
October 2009 - Austin Chronicle
Faces of Homelessness
Chronicle writer Marc Savlov presents a view of the homeless versus the houseless, citing statistics about homelessness in Austin and putting a face on those experiencing homelessness in our local community.
The Latest Proposal
Michael King provides an update on the proposed expansion of Austin's existing panhandling ordinance, along with the education campaign that is to accompany it.
DAA Proposes New Anti-Solicitation Ordinance
The Austin Chronicle provides links to Austin's existing solicitation ordinance, the "Solutions for Homeless Chronic Alcoholics in Austin" white paper, the proposal by the Downtown Austin Alliance to strengthen the solicitation ordinance, and a report about solicitation released in December 2008.
September 2009 - Austin American-Statesman
Editorial: A Safe Place for Homeless Alcoholics to do their Drinking?
Ken Herman highlights proposals presented in a white paper entitled "Solutions for Homeless Chronic Alcoholics in Austin," released by ECHO (Ending Community Homelessness Coalition) with financial support from Front Steps.
July 2009 - KXAN
More Donations Needed During Heat Wave
During the summer heat, Front Steps reaches out to the community to ask for hot weather related items such as hats, bandanas, and sunscreen for our homeless neighbors. To learn more about how you can make a difference with in-kind donations, please visit our wish list.
May 2009 - Austin Business Journal
Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2009 - FINALISTS
Front Steps' Executive Director, Helen Varty, has been selected as a finalist for the 2009 Ernst & Young Social Entrepreneur of the Year Award, which recognizes extraordinary nonprofit leaders.
March 2009 - KUT 90.5
PR Firm Schools Austin Non Profits
Local public relations firm TateAustinHahn chose ten groups, including Front Steps, to join free workshops on how to market themselves.
February 2009 - KXAN
Lighting up city streets to curb crime
A group of nonprofits, including Front Steps, are hoping to curb crime downtown by lighting up city streets.
January 2009 - People Magazine
A Good, Hard Kick
This is an inspiring story about a Front Steps client who made it all the way to the Homeless World Cup, in Melbourne Australia, by playing street soccer with Austin’s homeless soccer team.
December 2008 - KEYE
Austinites reach out to homeless on freeze nights
On nights that the temperature is expected to fall below 32 or 35 and freezing rain, Front Steps, along with the host churches, City of Austin, Salvation Army and Cap Metro, shelter homeless individuals.
November 2008 - The Austin Chronicle
Art from the Streets
A documentary about one of the ARCH’s co-located partner agencies, Art from the Streets, captures how Austin's homeless population finds purpose in art.
November 2008 - KEYE
Some Austinites need extra help keeping warm
When the weather is expected to fall below 40 degrees, Front Steps distributes blankets. For more information on how to donate, email Dawn Perkins.
September 2008 - Street Soccer USA Blog
My Story: Tad Christie, USA National Team 2008
Austin’s very own homeless street soccer team, comprised of members from the ARCH and surrounding social services, not only made it to DC, but one of the players was chosen to play for the US Homeless Street Soccer Team in the Homeless World Cup!
August 2007 - Austin Business Journal
Nonprofit targets team-building companies to grow revenue
To learn more about Front Steps’ team building workshop, Fired Up!, read this article from the Austin Business Journal. If your business would like to participate, please email Amber Fogarty.
Should homeless people work for their keep?
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