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Shelter For ALL

"We will overcome homelessness

when we choose to build houses."

Why We Care

  • This is an issue of morality and values: Are we a compassionate society or not? There is no trying on this issue, there is only do or do not.  

  • We should not be sustaining a status-quo of allowing our fellow city-mates to suffer and die on the streets; it is sad and wrong.

  • Overcoming Homelessness Improves Public Safety, Public Health, & Saves Money; Businesses and citizens will feel better about themselves and the spending of their tax dollars.

Honest Reflections

  • We cannot solve a problem with the same thinking that created it.

  • We currently have solutions that help a number of folks, but for how long? What about those who do not fit into this mold? 

  • What true help are we providing if we get people hooked back into the same system that failed them in the first place? What about those who do not want to return to being slaves to the dollar? Who do not want to re-join the 'rat race'?

  • It's time for us to think more sustainably, more holistically, and creatively, outside the normal realm of thought.

  • By the admission of community leaders on this matter, organizations addressing homelessness are drastically underfunded and are constantly seeking more money. These budgets surpass millions of dollars per year, and yet they constantly need many more millions to operate within their current strategy and thinking. Many organizations seem to be more burdened by fundraising rather than spending all of their resources and time on building lasting, long-term solutions. Where is this money being spent? How might we redirect these funds toward more permanent solutions? Is there a better way to use this money so it does not have to keep being renewed? Can our solutions be 'automated' to a degree? Are we perpetuating a 'band-aid' approach?

  • The bitter truth is that IF this was truly a priority, it would have been solved years ago.

  • Let me be clear: I do not blame those attempting to help, I just believe you need more support in creative and long-term and holistic thinking. I am grateful to ALL who have sacrificed and worked tirelessly to help those among us experiencing homelessness. You have saved many lives, you have done important work. In addition to this acknowledgement, I believe the time has come for an additional set of solutions. 

  • Never make assumptions about anyone who is homeless. We don't know how they got this way and we should never judge or blame them for experiencing this.

  • Always ask questions and listen to their story. The worst thing we can do is to ignore them or pretend like they aren't valuable. This only perpetuates the cycle. 

  • I believe the solution exists in the Contributionism philosophy, with the power of our collective will, and our ability to think creatively and employ new technologies. 

  • This is a matter of sheer will power. Together we can come together as a community and prioritize this issue, and we will be amazed at the results of focused action!

  • WE CAN AND WILL ACCOMPLISH THIS GOAL TOGETHER!

EcoVillage Community

  • I propose the city purchase 20-40 acres of land in and around our city to design a new type of housing development: sovereign people-owned sweat-equity debt-free, rent-free, utility bill free, eco-villages, all across the city. These serve a multitude of purposes, primarily as dignified and abundant homes, customized to the resident's/family's needs, with true sense of 'ownership' and stability with a life-long lease and generational inheritance of this new type of stewardship over shared land assets. 

  • Each village serves a different purpose, and will meet the immediate and long term needs of the people, such as healing, skills development, family needs, 

  • This could help our nearly 7,000 people go from homeless to homeowners. How? We work together to build an off-grid, self-sustaining, and ecologically-sound community of various sized homes, cafes, gardens, recreation, and healing centers. 

  • Those who are homeless and able-bodied can participate in the construction of these homes, with the guidance and support of our talented local citizens. 

  • All who participate will become an owner of a customized dwelling that meets their specific needs. This is truly an opportunity for sweat equity to manifest. All contributors become owners in the land trust of the entire project. 

  • Once these domiciles are built and operational (net-zero, carbon-sequestering), there is no more cost associated. People literally live FREE off the land! 

  • If these individuals choose, they can get a job somewhere and rebuild their life within the system. Or, if they don't want to, they can just remain a contributing member of our community, feeding themselves through our Contributionism cooperative farming model and spending the rest of their lives on creative pursuits like music, art, or whatever their hearts desire. 

  • There is only one requirement to live in these communities: Everyone must contribute to the greater good of all people, in some way. This might mean construction of new domiciles for new residents, growing food, useful crafting, or for those who are not as able-bodied, something! Everyone can do something to help their community! Everyone is valuable and important! 

  • Over time, the need for budgets will disappear, homelessness will be a thing of the past, we will increase homeownership without a mortgage, community service and trust will strengthen, and our entire city will feel better about ourselves.

  • This is the meaning of "from homeless to homeowner" 

Other Solutions

  • Incentivize property owners to house folks in vacant domiciles in exchange for work-stay, tax exemptions and free electricity, and/or other benefits.

  • Encourage and Incentivize Employment of homeless for city worker positions, cleanup, construction, and/or any job that benefits the greater good of community as a whole.

  • Expand the use of plant medicine, indigenous healing ceremonial practices, spiritual guidance, and counseling for those with severe mental illness or substance abuse.

  • Eliminate criminalization of homelessness, exercise extreme compassion 

  • Inspire expanded citizen participation and mentorship

  • Explore $1 per month, per citizen idea to fund eco-village construction (this is roughly $12,000,000 per year) -- this refines 'panhandle charity'

  • Focus on Categories of Folks to Best Address Customized Solutions:

    1. Severe mental health and addiction - need immediate professional care​ 

    2. Families with children

    3. Able-bodied, generally single (without children)  

Please share your reflections and solutions:

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Headshot Photography by Teodora Pogonat

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Political Advertising paid for by the Travis Duncan for Austin Mayor Campaign, P.O. Box 41013, Austin, TX 78704. Karen Donsbach, Treasurer. This campaign has agreed to comply with the contribution and expenditure limits of the Austin Fair Campaign Ordinance.

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