Nonprofit plans new North Austin resource center amid growing need for homelessness services

The navigation center, located on Carpenter Avenue, off North Lamar Boulevard, is expected to open in the coming months.

AUSTIN, Texas — A nonprofit organization is expanding its outreach efforts with a new navigation center in North Austin aimed at helping people experiencing homelessness access services and support.

For years, We Can Now said it has connected people experiencing homelessness with resources through street outreach. Now, the organization is preparing to open a new resource center designed to provide a centralized location for people looking for help.

This story continues below.

CEO Antony Jackson Sr. said the center was created in response to what he sees as a growing need for resources in North Austin.

“There’s literally no resources out here,” Jackson said. “And so, that’s what has, you know, compelled us and brought us to this navigational center is the people need it. And so, we’re here to offer that resource.”

The center will be located on Carpenter Avenue, off North Lamar Boulevard. 

Jackson said the center will serve as a one-stop resource hub, offering services like mental health support, meals and housing assistance for up to 90 people by partnering with organizations, including Integral Care, Central Health, 212 Catalysts and others.

The center is being funded through donations and grants and is not affiliated with the city of Austin. The city is also planning its own navigation center in South Austin.

Jackson said having resources closer to where people are located can help remove barriers that often prevent people from getting the assistance they need.

“It’s just added barriers added on to trying to navigate to get the resources that you need,” he said. “And so, you need spaces where they are in close proximity that you can go to, to get the help, and the access to resources that you need.”

The planned center has received mixed reactions from neighbors. While some support having more services available in the area, others have raised concerns about the potential impact on the surrounding community.

Jackson said the organization is working to address those concerns, including plans for security volunteers who will help connect people with their next steps after receiving services.

“We’re going to have security volunteers that are going to go all the way down each which way just to make sure, ‘Hey, I know you just came from the resource center. Is there anything you need? Where’s your next destination? How can we get you there?’” Jackson said.

Jackson, who has experienced homelessness himself, said the center is personal for him and reflects the kind of support he once needed.

“I’m just grateful that I’m here and I get to do the work that I’m doing in my city for people that were just like me,” he said.

Jackson said the organization is looking for volunteers and donations to help bring the project to completion. We Can Now hopes to officially open the navigation center in the coming months.