AUSTIN, Texas — On Wednesday, the City of Austin’s Homeless Strategy Office launched a new digital platform called “ Open Now ” to connect unhoused residents to more resources in the community.
The digital platform has more than 100 different resources, including water fountains, heating and cooling centers, showers, storage, and even mental health resources. The map on the platform shows residents how close they are to resources and even connects them with directions to the location.
Charles Loosen, the Community Engagement Consultant with the HSO said they’ve been developing this platform for about a year, but have been talking about it for several, from hearing feedback from unhoused residents.
“Residents had really expressed a desire to get better information about existing resour