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 stability.
In addition to shelter operations, Urban Alchemy expanded community support through initiatives like the Oasis, a welcoming space between the ARCH and 8th Street Shelter offering showers, food, water, and weather-specific resources for unhoused and housed neighbors. The Homeless Engagement Assistance Response Team (HEART) public-safety and outreach team also continued its growth, building on its successful pilot program.
“Urban Alchemy is on a mission to end homelessness in Austin and throughout the country,” said Kevin Lee, director of operations in Austin. “We’re proud of the number of Austinites we served this year, and our goal is to have an even bigger impact in 2025.”
In 2025, Urban Alchemy aims to help more people secure permanent housing and gain essential skills for stable employment, including through programs like the Austin Community College HVAC training program.
“I’ve lived in Austin for most of my life, and worked in homelessness response for nearly 20 years,” said Harriet Young, field operations specialist. “I joined Urban Alchemy because they lead with love, empathy and purpose. And it’s working. I’ve never seen so much progress in such a short time.”
Urban Alchemy, which also focuses on hiring formerly incarcerated, plans to expand its footprint in Austin for both the unhoused and returning citizens.