Frequently Asked Questions by Front Steps' Clients

We understand that there is a lot of information, and it can be overwhelming when you walk into the ARCH. Here is a list of Frequently Asked Questions that may help you find your way.

What is the ARCH?
Austin Resource Center for the Homeless, or ARCH, is one building occupied by numerous organizations and agencies focused on transitioning homeless adults into housing. The ARCH is managed by Front Steps. You can learn more about the ARCH below or by clicking here.

What is Front Steps?
Front Steps is a private non-profit organization contracted by the City of Austin to manage the ARCH. Front Steps offers not only a variety of basic needs services for homeless adults, but also offers longer term programs focused on transitioning clients into housing.

What services does the ARCH offer?
The ARCH is comprised of a Day Resource Center, an Emergency Overnight Shelter, and a Homeless Health Clinic. Managed by Front Steps, we are co-located with nine other social service agencies, which offer a variety of programs to help you transition into housing. These include permanent and transitional shelter, case management, a MAP eligibility site, a drug and alcohol recovery program, among others. 

How do I get into the ARCH?
Anyone over the age of 18 in need of services offered at the ARCH is permitted to enter the building for day services. Clients using services at the ARCH will be required to complete a brief registration questionnaire and will be assigned a ServicePoint number.

Who can use ARCH services?
Any homeless person over the age of 18 can utilize the ARCH. For more information regarding shelter for men and women, please click here. If you are under the age of 18, please visit the LifeWorks website or visit 211.

Do I need identification to use ARCH services?
No, however it is preferred. If you do not have identification, we have an ID program available to help you get the documents you need.

When is the ARCH open?
The ARCH is open for day services from 6:30 am until 5:30 pm on weekdays and from 6:30 am until 4:00 pm on weekends. Night shelter begins at 6pm.

How do I stay the night at the ARCH?
The ARCH offers overnight stay to homeless men over the age of 18. Some beds are offered on a reservation basis through the Front Steps’ Case Management program. All other beds and mats are distributed nightly on a lottery basis. Click here to find out how lottery works.

Can I have my mail sent to the ARCH?
Yes. Homeless individuals needing an address to have personal, business, or other mail sent to can use the following address:
  (your name)
  P.O. Box 2509
  Austin, Texas 78768
Mail is delivered Monday through Friday only, but can be checked daily.

How can I set up a voice mail account?
There are two ways to receive a voice mail account as an ARCH client. The first is through the S.T.E.P. Workshop, a Front Steps' job training program. You must be in Case Management for two weeks in order to receive a voice mail account. 

The second is to visit the Austin/Travis County Integral Care site to learn if you are eligible for Community Voice Mail (CVM).  CVM provides voice mail to community members, who are in crisis or transition, and who do not have access to a phone with voice message capabilities. It is a free service for people who have a case manager. To learn more, please click here. 

What is the Case Management program?
The purpose of the Case Management program is to provide you with support and resources to help you find a job, obtain housing, or work toward other goals that will help you to move into a home. Please click here to learn more about our Case Management Program.

What is a Service Point Number?
A ServicePoint number is a number that is automatically generated when a client using services at the ARCH is entered into our database system. The name of the electronic database system is ServicePoint, and all information within it is kept private and secure. You will be referred to by your name, not your number. Upon entering the facility to use services, however, the database moves much faster when numbers as opposed to names are entered.

How do I obtain a Service Point Number?
ServicePoint numbers can be obtained by registering with any staff member at the front desk.  Registration includes completing a brief questionnaire of basic information.

• Make sure you keep your belongings with you at all times. For information about lockers, please click here.  
• Visit the Resource Bins by the Front Desk for information on community resources. To download these, please click here. 
• To learn more about the ARCH, please click on the Day Resource Center, Emergency Overnight Shelter, or for a general overview, click here.
• To learn about Front Steps' Case Management, please click here. 
• To learn more about Front Steps' Housing, please click here.