We Asked Austinites:

The following stories have been submitted by Austinites. We’re working hard to keep the page updated with everyone’s submissions but given the overwhelming volume, we may be delayed.

Introduction: In 2019, Mayor Adler and Council imposed an experiment on Austinites. We were told that only by removing our longtime and commonsense restrictions on where "camping" and aggressive panhandling could occur in public spaces would we be able to better help those who are homeless. But what has ensued is broadly agreed to be very negative for our city. Crime has risen by double digits, our cityscape, parks, trails, and sidewalks have become littered, and we Austinites feel far less safe than we did just 2 years ago.

First things first: Because of the petition submitted by Save Austin, there will be a special ballot in May to allow Austinites to reinstate those commonsense restrictions on where" public camping" can occur, as well as on aggressive forms of panhandling. The surge in crime and the feeling that we're not as safe as we used to be is widespread among Austinites. The question then comes up, mostly because of messaging from city hall - “where will the homeless go?”. We again believe commonsense solutions are the answer here. If there are not enough Homeless Shelters or Transitional Housing at a given time, then support should go to allowing camping at the state campground which is safe, has police on site, is self-enclosed, and has electricity and toilets. What we're seeing right now makes the homeless less safe and makes all others unsafe as this collection of stories shows:

“I’m a physician in the general area of Ben White and Lamar and typically get to work before sunrise. I didn’t previously give this a second thought, but since the relaxation of camping laws, I am always concerned about my safety unlocking my office door and getting into the building.”

— Donovan

“I’ve seen people shooting up, having personal relations with another person, in the middle of the day, and people going to the bathroom in the street!”

— Kelsey

“I am a Progressive and a strong believer in the rule of law - we can have both sensible approaches to addressing the homeless and have a safe city. By removing all laws related to publicly camping, we're seeing the city’s specialness unravel before our very eyes. Our family now avoids downtown whenever possible. We need to change course immediately to save our once beautiful and peaceful city.”

— Jennifer

“My daughter was sexually assaulted on the wide river trail around 10 a.m. about 6 months ago.”

— Philip

“I was swimming in Barton Springs with my daughter when two homeless people decided our cozy part of the river was the best place to wash their clothes and bodies.”

— Paisley

“I [worked with the homeless], cleaned up after them and sat with them and listened to their stories about how they came to be homeless. I have spoken at City Council Meetings advocating programs to help the homeless. Now, I am shocked and disgusted. I do not recognize this city. The filth is sickening. I have even heard of one kind and a gentle giant homeless man I came to know was murdered during these months [a lawless approach to camping hurts the homeless - it creates more violence among other things]. A percentage of the homeless here simply have nowhere to go, but a large percentage [have] criminal backgrounds and have now been given a green light to do whatever they want, including destroying the safety, cleanliness, and natural beauty of our city. This must end now!

— Ellie

Stories Continue Below

“I’ve seen a lot lately… [We] had a high “camper” break into our shed in our backyard…and had to confront him at 3am. It was scary. [The] cops said that the homeless now cruise this neighborhood in the wee hours and there are multiple break-ins nightly. [We] also tried to go to dinner downtown and sit at an outside table. We were approached multiple times for money, with one person outright yelling - and threatening us - when we declined. [We] have seen folks pooping in parking lots and sidewalks several times. [We] have been yelled at and threatened when driving for not giving demanded funds. [And] as a woman, I can no longer walk around town lake without an escort.”

— Shelby

“The bus is my mode of transportation, and I have to be more cautious than ever before. I’ve been approached several times by panhandlers and homeless, not to mention having to be warier of those at the bus stop, screaming or ‘drowsy’. Also, the bus drivers have had to deal with more than they can/should have to handle. This relaxation of camping/panhandling laws has reduced the safety of Austin citizens.”

— Elesha

“My husband was mugged by knifepoint downtown after dinner with his boss”

— Faith

“Drug needles found daily on the grounds of Galindo Elementary School”

— Cleo

“My office is across the street from a Spanish immersion preschool. One morning [someone] wearing only red shorts came running my office… Keep in mind this was 8:00 am in November… He was so hyped up he went into my bathroom and wiped off his sweat with my towels. He sat in a visitor chair at my desk & left sweat stains. He wouldn’t leave. I FINALLY convinced him to go. He went across the street with a sledgehammer & jumped the fence into the backyard of the preschool. The 3 female teachers were scared to death because their backdoor was unlocked. THANK GOODNESS IT WAS A SCHOOL HOLIDAY. Otherwise, all the little children would have been playing in the backyard. APD came to our rescue. He was long gone fast…”

— Susan

“Just driving by the shelter downtown is terrifying. They yell at you while you are In your car. I wouldn’t dare get out. Before covid, I was handing out socks and granola bars and was met with hostility. I want to help but open camping is not the answer.”

— Christian

“We are prisoners in our own neighborhood (Ohlen/183). I’ve had to force [someone] off our porch... People shooting up in our yards. A nearby neighbor just shared her ring cam footage of a vagrant on her porch for over 2 hours. He finally threw up and wandered away. It’s intolerable.”

— AT

“My daughter used to ride the bus up & down Manchaca to & from UT…I was so glad when she transferred to Florida International University in Miami. Yep - you heard that right. She’s so much safer in Miami. They don’t let [people] sleep & piss anywhere. The campus is beautiful & clean. Not a tent in sight.”

— Susan

“Too many experiences to list but the most shocking was when my two daughters and I witnessed a drugged-out vagrant stumble into the street at Lamar/6th, right in front of Whole Foods. He proceeded to scream at passing cars and took his pants down to defecate. Unfortunately, this was in full view of my girls. I got stopped at the light and he later proceeded to walk between the cars screaming and hitting the cars. My girls were crying and begging me to leave but I was stuck between cars who were apparently too stunned to move. Finally, we got out of there…my youngest still hates downtown.”

— Sandra

“A drugged-up young guy approached me and my two young children at Bear Paw ice cream place across from True Food. He was all bloody… He asked for money and we ignored him. He hovered around us for about 3 minutes. My kids were scared and I was too. I didn’t know if I was going to have to fend him off he was trying to intimidate me. We moved here last fall. I’m thinking that we might have made a mistake and need to move elsewhere.

— Lisa

“I moved to Metric between Parmer and Braker because it was peaceful, quiet and had walking trails and all kinds of places I could walk to nearby. I started noticing in the past year or 2 things were changing. I started feeling uncomfortable, seeing things that just didn't fit the area… I rarely walk anywhere anymore, if I do I carry a taser and/or pepper spray. I no longer carry a purse, as I don't feel safe doing so... My complex has been hit with massive amounts of crime, robberies, thefts, break-ins, and assaults. Austin has become a real disappointment, I look around and it's dirty, ugly, encampments everywhere, I came here 10 years ago when I met my husband, this is not the Austin I came to.”

— NA

“On my way to drop off my kids at school in the early morning hours, I stopped to check my oil & fill up with gas. I had my wallet in my right side jacket pocket halfway hanging out and there were a couple of homeless people that [walked up] about to rob me. A bystander stepped in, that gentleman was my angel that day.”

— Nicole

“My business is at Burnet and 183… We frequently see used needles at our fences.”

— Ryan

“The camping has been very overwhelming. Late at night the homeless have broken into our gate and would bathe in the pool or hot tub. I don't feel safe enough to walk outside past sundown as I never know if someone is going to be wandering in my complex.”

— Britnye

“We moved here a year ago when my husband got a job transfer. We used to love Austin and were really excited, but it has turned into a dump with the homeless cities and trash everywhere. We can’t wait to leave.”

— Ashley

“I’ve seen people shooting up, having personal relations with another person, in the middle of the day, and people going to the bathroom in the street!”

— Kelsey

“Pretty much every intersection has someone aggressively panhandling and harassing motorists. One guy asked to wash my windshield for money. I said no so he got on the hood of my car. I called the police and they said we can't do anything - call your city council.”

— Alayna

“Took my kids for a fun day last year. They were 9&11 at the time. We got followed by a homeless woman from our car to the front door of the restaurant, and then followed back to our car when we were leaving. We were cursed and screamed at because I didn't have any cash to give to her, even though I offered to buy her a meal if she was hungry. She didn't want food...just drug money. We haven't been back to Austin ever since. Did I mention that this took place in broad daylight?”

— Sarah

“I went to a bar on S Lamar a month ago for dinner with a friend. It was dark when I went out to my car in the parking lot behind the bar. I heard something and there were two men shooting drugs behind the dumpster 6 ft from my car. I was startled and couldn't get in my car fast enough. I definitely learned a lesson to be much more aware of my surroundings, even in places I frequent.”

— Ericka

“I feel very unsafe in my neighborhood. We have camping on both ends. I used to walk and ride my bike but I no longer feel safe. A home across the street was broken into not long ago. I am ready to leave Austin. I have lived here for almost 50 years.”

— Peggy

“I don’t know where to start. One of them threw their fecal matter on one of Ben whites highway beams in the middle of the day. This was on Manchaca underpass @ ben white rd. I live about 100 yards from the highway in western trails. They have stolen stuff out of my front yard and were caught in the act once.”

— Gavin

“My family and I loved coming [downtown]. We loved staying downtown and going for runs around the lake. It was great because we could walk everywhere with our son. None of those things are possible now. The area around the lake smells like sewage and it isn’t safe for adults much less for children. I hope something changes soon.”

— Leigh

“It’s unsafe to walk or bike the city! Places that used to be beautiful public spaces are now tent cities. The freeways aren’t safe due to debris falling or flying off tents and unpermitted “structures” under overpasses!”

— Tisa

“I was taking my kids to the Museum of the Weird and before I could open my car door a homeless man was at my window….I literally could not open my door. When we did get out we were closely followed… and my ten-year-old was begging me to take them home.

— Kim

“Numerous issues of panhandlers coming up to me in the car and lurking in parking lots. Used to love downtown but now do not want to go to any events in that area. Manchaca and Ben White at Taco Cabana men coming out of bushes with knives. Coming right up to my car. Going under the Ben White and Manchaca underpass I was stuck in traffic and being exposed [he] just peed next to my car. “

— Linda

“[It just] feels so unsafe now!! I was at work yesterday by slaughter & I35 and a guy was going #2 on the outside of IHOP!! In front of people & their families.”

— Lorette

“I recently had to step over a passed-out man surrounded by drug Paraphernalia in a staircase in my parking garage. It was the most unnerving experience… I truly miss our safe city. Adler has made it unrecognizable”

— Crissy

“I got chased by a homeless man on a run close to Cesar Chavez & Congress [who had] a needle in his hand, [and I] ran away so quick into the street I almost got hit by a car... thankfully the car had good brakes & only bumped me… He saw the guy coming after me, shakes his hand & waved with his hand for me to sprint thru. I haven’t run since…”

— Samantha

“Unsafe going downtown to dinner. Unsafe in my own parking lot with uncapped needle recently found. This is nasty disgusting and intolerable. I am moving out of austin.”

— Kristie

“I work near the State Capitol and arrive predawn. A homeless man started following me and demanding a blow job and it made me come to terms with how dangerous and creepy downtown has really become at 7 am. I keep my cell phone out ready to dial 911; when I make eye contact and act like I’m dialing my phone they’ll curse me but wander off. It’s a shame how routine these tactics have become..”

— Ellen

“I was going into a Dollar General store near North Lamar. Before I got out of my vehicle I noticed a man with his pants down sitting on a brick wall that a tree and flowers. Looked again and realized he was taking a poop into the flower-tree bed..”

— Deanie

“Our city no longer feels safe and is being trashed with litter. This is enabling further drug use and crime created by a huge surge in the homeless population. I’ve known several people personally that have had homeless burglaries of their homes, leaving them with fear to live in their once safe neighborhood..”

— Travis

“I drive under the Manchaca and Ben White overpass daily...During the past year, it has gotten worse and worse. The city puts trash bins out for them, but instead of actually using them, most of the trash is thrown in the streets...I've seen some disgusting things..people defecating...shooting up....and endless aggressive panhandling, which is only getting worse and worse. I live in the apartment complex right next to that area, and I can tell you vandalism and theft are on the rise. I moved here 14 years ago, and I am seriously thinking of moving away because it just seems so hopeless...I don't understand why this is allowed to continue. It's INSANITY. If someone had this situation in their yard, you can BET the Board of Health would be ALL OVER it, yet, this is not only permitted, but condoned by Mayor Adler and the ridiculous city council..”

— James

“I was driving with my 8-year-old son under an overpass on 183. There was a homeless woman next to a half dozen tents littered with trash. She was standing on the sidewalk completely naked screaming at all cars passing by. Our windows were down and of course, my son was scared as we came to a stop close by. This is a minor encounter compared to many friends and colleagues who have seen much worse with an abundance of violence and drug-related issues..”

— Jason

“I went to a bar on S Lamar a month ago for dinner with a friend. It was dark when I went out to my car in the parking lot behind the bar. I heard something and there were two men shooting drugs behind the dumpster 6 ft from my car. I was startled and couldn't get in my car fast enough.”

— Ericka

“Even while sitting in my car at a red light downtown I am not safe. I had a homeless man demand money and when I ignored him he slammed his hands down on the front of my car and began to scream at me then call me a white b*tch. Horrible.”

— Ashley

“I used to love outdoor workouts. On several occasions, I have been stopped by homeless individuals, and one directly touched my bike handle holding it and asking if I could give it to him because he needed it. Since then, I no longer ride or walk alone. It is very concerning to even be outdoors in a group. It has decreased the beauty of this city and there are trash and tents everywhere. How dangerous and embarrassing for anyone visiting this once safe and beautiful city.”

— Denise

“I took my daughter and her 2 friends on a Retro Boat ride. Along the riverbed, just West of the Longhorn damn. A man was "pleasing" himself. Not a fun conversation to have with a group of 11 year olds!”

— Christi

“This free camping has led to uncontrolled groups camping right outside the school headquarters. It is not safe for employees to take a walk during lunch or walk to run an errand at the nearby Walmart on 290 and I-35. People have been harassed for money in order to pass across the sidewalk safely. More than one employee who arrived at work early was greeted by a drugged homeless guy who was trying to enter her car.”

— AISD Employee

“I was assaulted in July on Brazos and 6th at 1:30pm in the afternoon after meeting a friend for lunch [by] 4 people who asked me for money [then] attacked me after I said I don’t carry cash, sorry….they surrounded me screaming and yelling. A very tall woman put her face right in my face and told me to get to the Bank NOW and give her all my money… I have NEVER been back to DT Austin and will never go unless this mess is fixed!”

— Michelle

“A young woman that works in the Frost building was out walking to get lunch. A homeless man, unprovoked... punched her in the face... injuring her, and breaking her glasses. We need to take back our streets. APD was so backed up, a simple assault is not a high enough priority to get a timely response. We have our City Council and Mayor to thank for the rapid deterioration of our beautiful city.”

— Downtown Worker