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The ARCH cuts down on beds to shift focus to long-term housing, case management

Under the new model, clients will be paired with case management services that can help them find housing after leaving the shelter.

AUSTIN, Texas — The Austin Resource Center for the Homeless (ARCH) has shifted its resources from providing emergency shelter to more long-term efforts for housing and case management.

Under the new model, clients will be paired with case management services that can help them find housing after leaving the shelter.

The plan will mean fewer beds or mats. But by moving out around 60 mats, the shelter can move in more case managers and offer more resources for the existing 130 clients.

Previously the ARCH was cycling people in and out without offering more long-term assistance.

"Instead of providing an emergency night shelter for individuals, we're wanting to be a housing-focused shelter," said Front Steps executive director Greg McCormack.

Front Steps is the organization that manages the ARCH.

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McCormack said if individuals are involved in case management, then a higher percentage of them will get into housing.

The ARCH has been a focal point over the past few months as the city council deals with the consequences of rolling back regulations on homeless camping in June.

On Monday, Mayor Steve Adler said he would ask the city manager how to help move people camping and loitering outside the ARCH off the streets.

It is one of four questions regarding homelessness Mayor Adler has for the manager.

"All things that the city could do right now with the authority that's been given to them," said Adler.

He adds it is the city's goal to find housing for the homeless.

"If all we're content to do is to move people around the city from one place to another, our challenge will continue to get larger and greater," he said.

RELATED: It's now legal for homeless to camp on Austin streets

The City narrowed the sidewalks around Seventh and Neches streets and is improving the lighting in the areas around the shelter.

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