Street Outreach
Created in 1993 by a collaboration of six local agencies, LifeWorks' Street Outreach has been recognized around the country as a model program. It is the only program of its kind in Austin providing outreach and support services to homeless, runaway and street dependent youth.

Youth may access: education, GED preparation, hygiene supplies, washer and dryer services, educational groups, alternative activities, medical care, food, clothing, drug and alcohol assessments, transportation services, immunizations, HIV counseling and testing, pregnancy testing, mental health services, drug and alcohol counseling, and case management services.

Program Outcomes

• 4326 contacts were made. (target = 4000)
• 248 received a program assesment (target = 240)
• 63 received case management (target = 60)
• 2054 accesses of drop-in center services (target = 720 or 18% of contacts)
• 954 accesses of health care and/or dental services (target = 800 or 20% of contacts)

Grande Communications Supports Street Outreach
LifeWorks is pleased to receive a grant of $4,500 from Grande Communications to help expand the agency’s Street Outreach Program. The Street Outreach Program is the first step in LifeWorks’ continuum of housing services, and helps establish a pathway from the street to self-sufficiency for runaway and homeless youth. Pictured from left to right: Libby Malone, LifeWorks Board Member and Senior Director of Communications for Grande; Cathy Davis, Blake Smith, Ida Hinojos, Board members of Grande’s “Passion and Commitment” Club; LifeWorks client Roneshia Adams; and LifeWorks Executive Director, Susan McDowell.



Emergency Shelter
LifeWorks operates the only walk-in emergency shelter for youth in Travis County. This shelter provides runaway and homeless youth (including teen parents), ages 10 to 19, a secure place to sleep, food, clothing, and case management to coordinate family reunification, medical care, transportation, educational services, tutoring, and counseling.

Program Outcomes

• 170 cilents provided shelter (target = 200)
• 87% of youth were discharged to a stable living situation (target = 85%)
• 82% of runaways dropped off by APD were returned to their family or a safeplace within 48 hours (target = 80%)

Transitional Living Services
In operation since 1989, LifeWorks' Transitional Living Services (TLS) is a 24-hour residential facility that provides secure housing and case management services for up to 18 months to homeless youth transitioning into adulthood. TLS is a coed program which houses 15 residents ranging in age from 16-23. In addition, the program offers residents independent living skills classes, aftercare services, financial support, and 24-hour on-site assistance from direct care staff. The facility is located in central Austin next to two public transportation lines.

Program Outcomes

• 42 cilents served (target = 50)
• 74% of particpants discharged were still in stable housing at 30-day follow-up (target = 85%)
• 74% of participants increased their independent living skills (target = 90%)

Supportive Housing
The Supportive Housing Program (SHP) is an apartment-based independent living program providing subsidized apartments with paid utilities and furniture/household items, financial assistance, and on-site management with staff available 24/7. Supportive Housing provides case management, including advocacy and case coordination, independent living skills training, and financial management. Other services provided include assessment and linkage to needed services such as child care, medical services, mental health services, education and job training. On-site tutoring as well as other independent living skills training is also provided.

Download the Supportive Housing Application now.

Program Outcomes

• 78 cilents were served (46 adults/32 children) (target = 60)
• 88% of cilents were discharged to stable housing (target = 85%)
• 85% of cilents housed for at least 90 days increased their employment stability and/or educational attainment or skills (annual target = 80%)