No Wrong Door: Breaking the Homelessness & Mental Health Cycle

Join the Downtown Austin Alliance for an informative presentation and panel discussion on Austin's most urgent and complex challenge: breaking the cycle of homelessness and behavioral health.

This Issues & Eggs forum features Austin/Travis County leaders who are part of the No Wrong Door coalition. This coalition brings together public health, criminal justice, social service and government relations partners to build an improved crisis care system for people with acute behavioral health, social and housing needs.

Panelists will discuss actions being taken and address attendees' questions on the work being done to close system gaps – from acute crisis response to jail diversion and long-term stability – and progress being made to improve coordination across systems in Austin and Travis County.

Join the conversation and become part of this unified effort to build the case for further action for cross-sector solutions.

Featured Speakers:

• Chief Maris Herold — Chief of Strategic Initiatives, Austin Police Department
• Carrie Rogers — Government Relations Officer, City of Austin
• Dr. Pat Lee — President & CEO, Central Health
• Judge Andy Brown — Travis County Judge
  

The numbers tell the story:

Only 2% of all people arrested are high system utilizers, but they account for 17% of all arrests

• 85% have experienced homelessness
• 55% face behavioral health issues

Without sustained care, these cases cost Travis County taxpayers an estimated $137 million annually across hospitals, emergency departments, police and jail.