Media
by EDUCO
Read about our impact, recent successes, and how we are making a difference with and in the lives of returning citizens, as well as healing neighborhoods throughout the country.
Press Releases
Urban Alchemy Serves Thousands of Austinites at Homeless Shelters and Oasis
The nonprofit secured permanent housing for almost 100 guests AUSTIN, TX – Through its management of the Austin Resource Center for the Homeless (ARCH) and the 8th Street Shelter, Urban Alchemy served almost 1,000 unhoused Austinites and assisted 100 guests in finding permanent housing. These 2024 impact numbers highlight the organization’s commitment to supporting unhoused neighbors and creating paths to…
URBAN ALCHEMY ANNOUNCES NEW STUDY ON SAFER NEIGHBORHOODS IN EAST AUSTIN
Urban Alchemy, a San-Francisco based nonprofit that employs citizens returning from incarceration to help heal cities and neighborhoods, is undertaking a landmark study to reduce nonviolent crime in Central East Austin.
Residents at Arch and 8th Street Homeless Shelters to Receive Job Training Through Austin Community College
Unhoused guests staying at the ARCH and 8th Street homeless shelters will soon be able to take a training program in heating and air conditioning maintenance through Austin Community College.
The City of Birmingham Taps Urban Alchemy to Manage a Community-Based Public Safety Program
The City of Birmingham has selected California-based organization Urban Alchemy to lead a new program focused on serving unhoused residents in crisis.
Urban Alchemy Welcomes New CFO: Melek Totah
Urban Alchemy has hired Melek Totah as its new chief financial officer. She brings more than 20 years of experience working with nonprofits and publicly traded companies to manage and improve their financial controls and processes.
Urban Alchemy Hires Dr. Lisa De La Rue as Director of Training
Urban Alchemy is announcing that it has hired Dr. Lisa De La Rue to serve as Director of Training. Dr. De La Rue, who holds a PhD in counseling psychology, will be the first person to fulfill this important role.
In the News
San Francisco’s Big Bet on The Real World
“Trash tells a story,” said Lou Hammonds, Director of Community-Based Public Safety Programs for Urban Alchemy, whom we met at Mint Plaza during the subscriber-only tour in San Francisco last week.
Portland man leaves homelessness to help others through nonprofit work
A man who spent a decade homeless in North Portland is now housed and working at a tiny home village just feet away from where he used to live out of a tent.
HEART Birmingham hits the streets to address homeless concerns
Homelessness is still a concern in Birmingham. On Jan. 6, HEART (Homeless Engagement Assistance Response Team) launched to address those concerns.
Birmingham Council Approves $2.6M for Homeless Shelters, Services
The Birmingham City Council on Tuesday approved two contracts totaling $2.69 million in which two groups will provide shelter and support services to residents experiencing homelessness.
Eighth Street Shelter completes first year aiding homeless women and transgender guests
The Eighth Street Shelter in Austin has completed its first year of operation, marking a significant milestone for the City of Austin’s Homeless Strategy Office and its partner, Urban Alchemy.
Impact of L.A. County’s wildfire evacuations ripples into Skid Row
Two weeks ago, she was approached by members of the CIRCLE program, which is aimed at addressing calls for service involving homeless people. She agreed to go to the Weingart Center on Skid Row for a place to stay.
Heart Response Team launches in Birmingham
Recently, Urban Alchemy launched HEART, which is the Birmingham Homeless Engagement Assistance Response Team.
Urban Alchemy mobilizes team to reach out to Birmingham homeless; cold weather makes it urgent
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin said there are currently 350 homeless people on the streets of the city, and this week many of them are shivering and trying to stay warm.
Urban Alchemy announces launch of HEART response team in Birmingham
Urban Alchemy announced the official launch of the Birmingham Homeless Engagement Assistance Response Team (HEART), a community-based public safety program focused on people experiencing homelessness, addiction, and/or mental health crises.
City of Birmingham officially launches HEART program to help homeless people find resources
350.
That’s the number of people without housing across the city of Birmingham. A city initiative hopes to change that, though, and it’s coming just in time, ahead of the expected cold weather later this week.
Downtown homelessness pilot program expanding, receiving city funding
A pilot program aimed at both improving safety on Sixth Street and connecting people experiencing homelessness with necessary resources is expanding.
A 95% formerly incarcerated or unhoused staff | How Urban Alchemy’s team is making a difference in Downtown Austin
Urban Alchemy’s secret to successfully connecting with the unhoused population is its staff, 95% of which are people who were formerly incarcerated or unhoused.