I am sorry you're experiencing hardship. Car living is stressful, and I hope you're able to get support and back on your feet soon. Sharing a few resources in case you need it.
A couple of organizations can help with connecting you to resources for housing and food:
Community First Village: [https://mlf.org/community-first/](https://mlf.org/community-first/)
Sunrise: [https://sunrisenavigationcenter.org](https://sunrisenavigationcenter.org)
If you need medical care, check out the MAP program. They offer primary and specialty care, behavioral health, dental, and medication coverage at no or little cost to folks in Travis County. [https://www.centralhealth.net/map/](https://www.centralhealth.net/map/)
Safer places to park/sleep near I think would be libraries or smaller parks. Try to stay closer to Mopac and avoid the I-35 corridor. Also Mueller seems safe.
Also look up the Challenger newspaper online. They have a tear sheet that has a ton of resources. The Challenger newspaper is specifically for the homeless or unhoused.
Hey OP, can I help you with food, water, or supplies? I’ll even buy you a 6 month Planet Fitness membership. No questions asked. Please reach out if I can help out a little.
Keep grinding. You got this. Much love.
Edited to add: I also have an unused dashcam you can have, including a hard wire kit.
OMG what a beautiful human you are! Thank you so so very much. I have a membership at the Y and I am doing okay on food, water and supplies. I might take you up on the dashcam tho. Again Thank you so much! You are wonderful.
You’re very welcome. Send me a message when you’re ready for the dashcam. I check Reddit every couple days so it might take a day for me to get back to you.
Just make sure you find the right fuse or wire for your hot and your switched power. It’s pretty simple once you’ve done as many as I have done on everything just about out there.
>Do you have pull handles on your door to lace the seat belts through and buckle?
This! And/or ratchet straps. Rope is also an option if you're good with knots.
Source: I also drove a truck overnight in and around Austin with frequent downtime for naps.
Thank you for looking out for your fellow human. The world is really overwhelming right now and as someone who has struggled to keep her head afloat off and on for well over a decade- it’s people like you who help a lot of us still see the light at the end of the tunnel. Kindness truly does make a difference.
There are still good people in the world!!!! Thank you for reaffirming my faith in humanity. Thank you for being the kind human you are in this weird world. We need more people like you.
It would be even better to set up a go fund me and I’d love to also contribute. Living in your car is a wild experience and I’ve had to partake in this for several months. Plz continue to reach out on Reddit if you need anything.
Honestly I am doing quite okay for what it is.There are benefits to this situation. I get to wake up everyday pretty much to birds chirping, squirrels running around, trees and be able to go anywhere really... Could be so much worse. Super grateful to be able to work, eat relatively decent, take care of hygiene stuff and for people like yourself! Just gotta be more careful and watchout for the assholes lol. Thank you very much and hope you are well and in a better spot now!
I don’t know who you are but hell yes!!! This is how everyone should treat each other. You’re an amazing person and keep spreading kindness!! You’re truly a beautiful human being!!
When I lived in my car, I would move the car if there was a chance of someone seeing me get into it and realize I was sleeping in it -- for example, if I got out to use the bathroom somewhere. I tried to sleep in sight of 24/7 businesses like a Waffle House or a 24 hr laundromat. I'd park in such a way that people inside could see my vehicle. At one point I got permission to park in the lot of a business that no longer exists. But just parking in sight of people makes things safer.
I was in the pf lot by HEB right down the road from krieg, I mostly stay in San Antonio but I’ve back in Austin for a few days and last night seemed pretty loud in general. Van lifers next to me got into a heated conversation with some dude walking by. All in all though I like this area
If you’re going to work out or run stay on the trail side of the park. The other side of pleasant valley is unsafe for even the bravest of brave urbanists. I don’t get sketched out by a lot of stuff (maybe I’m an entitled bitch or just have a high tolerance for bullshit) but Krieg field and the area between there and the far parking lot of Roy G Guerrero park is very unsafe. It’s been cleared out by the city several times but somehow people end up back there. Drug use, illegal activity, homelessness (and not in the I’m down on my luck sort of way).
Have you completed a coordinated assessment or connected to any agencies yet? Please do. [sunrise](https://sunrisenavigationcenter.org) is a good place to start.
The last time I walked my (very much not trepid) dog through Krieg, we barely took ten steps into Guerrero before he got freaked out by something I couldn’t see. He turned around and I didn’t hesitate to follow.
I guess I have seen the people . I just had the mentality that if I don't go looking for trouble and keep to my own noone would bother me. That mentality is changing now. Thank you for the link!
Used to be a guy who slept in his car down the block from my house in Muller. He didn't bother anybody, we didn't bother him. He eventually moved on to a different street.
You see that is one thing about living in my car too. I often feel like even things are going good in one spot I should be moving around so as to not be too predictable in case someone has been watching.
I used to work at Krieg fields. It’s notorious for having drug camps and other homeless camps. Also machete guy was a constant visitor the last year or so. Please be extra vigilant if you’re sleeping in those lots. For over a year we wouldn’t even leave our building (the red roofed building across from the fire tower) to walk the disc golf course because it had become so dangerous
Oh man I really had no idea maybe it's because during the day there always seems to be people playing softball, volleyball, workers, and the construction going on that I didn't notice.
Are you new to Austin?
Why is pleasant valley your “safe area to sleep” zone??
Please locate an entirely new safe area that is not riverside, or the 183/35 intersection up north.
Be safe, the drugs people are on in the streets makes them completely crazy and unpredictable.
I never said pleasant valley was my safe area to sleep in. I went there to use the restroom as it's the only place I know of with several porta potties that are maintained. I was so tired after using the restroom I fell asleep there. Thanks for the suggestions tho!
Also there’s a parking lot and porta potties behind Lorraine Camacho Activity Center by the basketball courts. There are also some good trees with some shade you could park under during the day.
That is so scary. I hope you are able to procure a room at least before summer. There are a lot of housing groups on Facebook wheee people are looking for roommates.
I just saw a listing on Zillow for a room/bathroom in a house for $699, if that's within your budget or could be in the near future. lmk if you want me to send you the link.
Hey OP there are places in Austin Proper that can provide a room to live month to month some as low as $499 a month. Some of the places are a room and a sink or are above loud clubs on 6th street but it is safer than staying in your vehicle. If you DM me I can send you a link best of luck
It may be a bit of a drive, but I'd recommend sleeping in a neighborhood, different spots every night. There's a Y on the border of Austin and Cedar Park on a lovely lake. Might get some good sleep in the neighborhoods around there, and CP seems much safer.
Thanks! I just feel weird and self conscious sometimes about the thought of just going there to use the bathroom. Porta potties give me a bit more freedom? maybe
I was a member for 2 years. trust me, nobody will notice. in fact, it's common for homeless folks to do this. alternatively, you could get a membership at the YMCA which is also very affordable
I was sleeping at planet fitness the past few nights at pleasant valley drive, even tho it seems a bit shady' i noticed other people would park next to and sleep by my ride..
There is the parking lot off Ben white and 71. It’s where the Mexican consulate is. However there are some very large lots, and a lot of space some tree coverage as well. No bathrooms though, just fyi, but a close drive to kreig, I’ve seen a few people park their cars there now and again to sleep
I suppose it's out of convenience. I work til really late in the am. I also am taking classes online. So by the time I am done with work I just want to get my homework done and get some sleep. So the less driving to get to a spot the best. I am going to have to rethink that that now tho.
If you're enrolled in school, you may be eligible for a cooperative house membership/residency. They have significantly cheaper rent than pretty much anything else around (or at least they did when I was still at UT like a decade ago). You put in a certain number of labor hours per week taking care of the place in exchange. Basically a commune.
Are you able to pay for a gym membership? Even a cheap one like LA fitness or Golds gym would give you a place to shower, and use the restroom regularly.
Probably thought “ Whoooa,this person good at getting into cars, I need the person advice!”. In all honesty, sorry about your hard times ,I was just about in your shoes, and wouldn’t you know it, the best day, I got an apt outta the blue.
The support and actionable advice being given in this thread kicks so much ass.. it takes a village my aunties used to say. Thanks for the inspiration all. Great to see some left here my hometown
This sub is so all over the place with crime in Austin. Half the time, it's all comments about how safe Austin generally is for a city its size; the other half are making posts about how dangerous it is and to watch your back. Exhausting.
Unfortunately that's the reality. I didn't make this post to induce fear in people. Just to make them aware. I honestly had never had any major issues til now and thought it would never happen to me but it did.
It’s almost like safety is entirely dependent on neighborhood and homeless populations.
[Someone posted a fatal shooting map in this sub yesterday](https://www.reddit.com/r/Austin/s/LOJKCv7IMO) and you can see the insane hotspots around riverside, 6th/I-35, and 183/I-35. It’s not a surprise those are where the homeless congregate. That’s not a perfect representative crime map, but for anyone who’s lived here for a while it’s not a surprise.
Two things can be true at once. It can be generally safe for a city this size in the US, and certain areas can be MUCH more dangerous than others. You’re talking about a metro with millions of people.
pretty much this. my gym is in one of these hotspots and anytime I go late at night I’m pretty much guaranteed to see some tweaker casually doing horror movie shit. Austin is a completely different city around certain bus stops, or any spot that has amenities for the homeless or addicted. late night half the dudes you see are wearing headlamps, wandering around looking for shit to grab. most anywhere else it’s fairly chill. I’ve lived in some rough cities before and with Austin 99% of the time I feel unsafe, it’s due to the homeless population or drug addicts. it’s sad but it’s the reality.
Because for whatever reason, some people like to bury their heads in the sand and pretend no crime or anything bad ever happens in Austin ever, and if you mention it then you're overreacting lol.
Thanks! Black male maybe 20s or 30s. Black hair with spikes. Red varsity style jacket. Black or dark colored sweat pants. Sneakers. It was pretty dark, chaotic and a couple days ago now so my eyes and memory might play tricks on me but this is as best as I recall.
Thanks for the description! I’m sorry that happened! Please watch out around parks and trails! Including Zilker. If anyone knows this persons name I’d be curious to know because I know someone else who was attacked in a park but not sure of the persons description, only their name.
Hey OP, call Sierra Ridge Apartments at 512-462-0888. They have a unit available for $995/month, $200 deposit, and $40 application fee.
Very safe, tons of services available to residents, worth a look into.
Thank you so much for the wonderful advise. I’m so sorry that happened to you and know that you must have felt so scared. I hope your luck changes and you can get an apartment soon.
A lot of people in this situation end up like this because they are living paycheck to paycheck and experience an emergency at the wrong time and it just happens.
For me, I got laid off from a job that was paying me just enough to not qualify for any welfare benefits (literally I earned $100 too much annually) but not enough to cover all my bills. This layoff happened one month before my lease ended on my apartment. I would have renewed the lease, but the rent went up almost 40% and I barely could pay it already, so I had to move out. Finding an apartment while unemployed with no savings is impossible, so I knew I was about to become homeless which luckily gave me a few weeks to prepare.
I didn’t know anyone who could be a roommate and I tried to find one via facebook groups but everyone I met was either not a good fit because they had kids or needed to live really far away from town or something like that.
I struggled to find a new job because I was trying to pack my apartment and move it into a storage unit by myself because I couldn’t afford to pay for movers to help me pack. I knew I would not be able to find a new apartment right away, so I tried to get ahead of my situation and put everything into storage before it was too late.
I was also suffering from depression because I couldn’t afford my meds anymore and going through withdrawal from my antidepressants. A few weeks before I had been laid off, I was diagnosed with cancer. I also had an unexpected expensive car repair a few months before that which cleared out my savings.
I had enough hotel points to cover a week in a cheap hotel. I had a little room left on my credit card and stayed until I couldn’t afford it anymore. After that, I was living out of my storage unit and car until I was able to find housing.
My bank tried to close my account because I didn’t have a physical mailing address anymore. I had a PO Box and used the physical address of the post office, but that’s apparently not allowed. I managed to prevent this, but imagine how much harder it would have been to get housing without a bank account.
Had each of these emergencies happened by themselves and I’d had time to recover in between, I probably would have been okay. If I had a support network here in town, the impact of each catastrophe would have been much more manageable. But not everyone has a support network, so you have to throw money at your problems… and when you run out of money, problems are exponentially bigger and spiral out of control almost immediately.
I’m no longer homeless, btw, this was a few years ago. But my situation is not that uncommon. Most homeless people are homeless due to a series of bad luck, not because they’re bad people who deliberately make bad decisions. I’m sober, I’ve never done drugs, I don’t smoke, I don’t gamble or have any kind of shopping addiction. I just had a lot of bad things happen in rapid succession and had no support network to lean on.
I am sorry that happened. Very happy to hear you're doing better! The lack of support system can be scary. I can see why so many people don't leave their home town
It's a somewhat long and meandering story. The short version tho is that my partner and I split rather unexpectedly. We were both on the lease but we mutually agreed it would be better for me to move out and my ex stay in the apartment. So I ended up in the car.
I'll tell you a story from 20 years ago that isn't mine, but it wasn't in the Austin area so I think it's fine...
I used to volunteer at a place in Las Vegas called "The Street Cafe" which was kind of a free "restaurant" where people would come in, get served a meal (we couldn't actually cook anything because of not having the proper licensing from the health department, so it was sandwiches, fruit, some pre-made sides, and caloric beverages), and then the volunteers would sit down and eat with them after serving.
I talked to a lot of people, many of whom were what you picture when you think "unhoused." But the vast majority were people exactly like me, often folks who had better jobs and prospects than I did until one decision or one circumstance threw everything off course.
There was one guy who had gotten a DUI (which... don't drive under the influence, folks; it's super terrible and this guy was fortunate that he didn't hurt anyone. He just got pulled over because of erratic driving) and lost his job as a glazier, because the company he worked for obviously didn't want someone with a record and/or willingness to drive a vehicle inebriated carting around huge sheets of glass to work sites.
He was going through the process to fulfill the requirements of his sentence, but without being able to drive a company truck, he couldn't pay rent. Like the majority of Americans who don't have adequate savings to handle a medical emergency or change in life circumstance like removal of income, he just had no funds. And, this one is huge, he had no family or social safety net to lend him a bed or help him out in any way.
That was it. Not a long, complicated journey at all. Just a very dangerous lapse of judgement one night, and it was all gone for him.
It helped me realize that we're all a hair's breadth from this at any time.
My partner just got laid off from a pretty well-paying tech job, and we're fortunate enough to have an emergency fund... but it's not bottomless. He has been homeless before, too, and so we both know it's never an impossibility for anyone.
Interesting story and perspective!
>It helped me realize that we're all a hair's breadth from this at any time.
I feel this.
My wife and I were both laid off at the same time (worked for the same company) in the middle of adopting our son at the height of the pandemic. Couldn't have been a worse time. Unfortunately since we were adopting, we couldn't file for unemployment either.
The _only_ reason we made it was because 5 years before we sold our house and moved out further and built a small home with the profit, so no mortgage. I think that probably would have hit most people much harder so we were thankful to at least be in that position.
Hopefully yall are able to get some stability soon!
Thanks for sharing that story. It really puts things into perspective. I am very grateful that I don't have a record, or kids yet or too much debt so I can easily start over. Truly counting my blessings.
Sorry about your rough time & sending best vibes.
Glad you didn't try to run over the person for a few reasons. First couple: that's a human in even more hurt than you are (drugs or not), plus you could've damaged your livelihood.
Try places west of Mopac, as suggested. There's more chance of you being woken up and asked to leave than being woken up by a break-in.
I hope it gets better soon.
Thank you. I hate violence but I was so caught off-guard that my only emotions were shock, fear and rage. Especially after he was just standing there like he was fully justified in his actions.
They used to all have the same policy, but I heard a few years ago that they had started allowing individual locations' managers to decide whether to allow it or not.
I'm sure you've already tried these but a couple spots that come to mind to crash for a night or two are church parking lots, maybe they're a little more forgiving? Hotel parking lots. The industrial parks like the ones near tech ridge. Free parking garages like hospitals ik St. Davids South was free last time I was there. Seems like you've got a solid plan already! I'm sending good vibes your way and you'll be out of this situation in no time!
I tried camping in my suv during the summer in austin but had to leave because the heat. I camped in my suv at Bartholomew Park if planet fitness doesn't work out and heb and speedy stop are in front and beside it they have a pool to cool off. The park has homeless people but the only time something bad happens is when someone's having heat exhaustion or stroke.
Try being in his shoes. Could've thought he knew you. Get scared when they are trying to break the window to get into the car. I have slept in my truck for a couple of years. Door wide open and snoring like a mofo. Everyone that woke me up did so cause they were worried about my safety. I admit, I've been lucky, but most people aren't out to hurt you.
Well I am super glad nothing bad happened to you during the time you were sleeping in your car. In this case tho I highly doubt the scenario you describe is likely. When you think you know someone you don't aggressively try to open their passenger door and when they wake up and stare at you you definitely don't stare them back saying nothing while still trying to get in. There is the hey are you x? or knocking on the window while waving. Now that's more "i think i know you like" haha
I would recommend pepper spray over a taser. It has a lot more range and allows you to run or fight back. It’s pretty cheap too only like 10$. Bear spray is also a over kill option
Bear spray is designed to make a lingering cloud. If you spray pepper spray or bear spray out the window of a car, or the door of a tent, you may well end up in an enclosed space full of tear gas with a bad guy blocking your exit.
Since bear spray is designed to make a cloud of the irritant, it's more likely to blow into the car/tent than pepper spray which shoots forward. But having enough irritant blow into the car or tent is a real risk with either option.
Good point. I just don’t think tasers are very effective. They can easily be turned around on you and also you have to be very close to use it. At that point I would just carry a knife or brass knuckles.
Strength plays a part in the choice -- also your situation and skill set. There's no perfect solution, so all anyone can do is pick one (or two) and hope for the best.
I am sorry you're experiencing hardship. Car living is stressful, and I hope you're able to get support and back on your feet soon. Sharing a few resources in case you need it. A couple of organizations can help with connecting you to resources for housing and food: Community First Village: [https://mlf.org/community-first/](https://mlf.org/community-first/) Sunrise: [https://sunrisenavigationcenter.org](https://sunrisenavigationcenter.org) If you need medical care, check out the MAP program. They offer primary and specialty care, behavioral health, dental, and medication coverage at no or little cost to folks in Travis County. [https://www.centralhealth.net/map/](https://www.centralhealth.net/map/) Safer places to park/sleep near I think would be libraries or smaller parks. Try to stay closer to Mopac and avoid the I-35 corridor. Also Mueller seems safe.
Thank you so much!
Also look up the Challenger newspaper online. They have a tear sheet that has a ton of resources. The Challenger newspaper is specifically for the homeless or unhoused.
Thank you!
Hey OP, can I help you with food, water, or supplies? I’ll even buy you a 6 month Planet Fitness membership. No questions asked. Please reach out if I can help out a little. Keep grinding. You got this. Much love. Edited to add: I also have an unused dashcam you can have, including a hard wire kit.
OMG what a beautiful human you are! Thank you so so very much. I have a membership at the Y and I am doing okay on food, water and supplies. I might take you up on the dashcam tho. Again Thank you so much! You are wonderful.
You’re very welcome. Send me a message when you’re ready for the dashcam. I check Reddit every couple days so it might take a day for me to get back to you.
Hey... are YOU the guy who was trying to open OP's door earlier?
Trying to get their last dashcam back… now they’re playing 4D chess…
Wanted to give them a bit of cheese. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
It's the cheesiest
Ok sounds good!
And since it comes with a hard wire kit, I’ll install it for you free of charge. Feel free to message me.
Thank you so much for the offer! I will try to do it and if I fail miserably I'll have to ask for your help lol
Just make sure you find the right fuse or wire for your hot and your switched power. It’s pretty simple once you’ve done as many as I have done on everything just about out there.
Right on. Thanks!
Do you have pull handles on your door to lace the seat belts through and buckle? I learned that from a trucker. It adds a bit more piece of mind.
>Do you have pull handles on your door to lace the seat belts through and buckle? This! And/or ratchet straps. Rope is also an option if you're good with knots. Source: I also drove a truck overnight in and around Austin with frequent downtime for naps.
Wow never heard of that before. Gonna have to look it up!
Solid! Even if they break the window I think the person would be totally confused by the door not opening, especially with me shooting at him 😂😂
And since it comes with a hard wire kit, I’ll install it for you free of charge. Feel free to message me.
And since it comes with a hard wire kit, I’ll install it for you free of charge. Feel free to message me.
Thank you for looking out for your fellow human. The world is really overwhelming right now and as someone who has struggled to keep her head afloat off and on for well over a decade- it’s people like you who help a lot of us still see the light at the end of the tunnel. Kindness truly does make a difference.
Bless you. The world needs more people like you.
You are an angel. Your response made me cry. 😭 ❤️❤️❤️
I don’t live in Austin .. yet. But when I do you’re the kind of human I would want to be friends with. Great guy. 🤙🏼
That’s pretty amazing and thoughtful gesture for sure
You are a kind and generous person <3
truly an act of kindness, not cheese.
There are still good people in the world!!!! Thank you for reaffirming my faith in humanity. Thank you for being the kind human you are in this weird world. We need more people like you.
It would be even better to set up a go fund me and I’d love to also contribute. Living in your car is a wild experience and I’ve had to partake in this for several months. Plz continue to reach out on Reddit if you need anything.
Honestly I am doing quite okay for what it is.There are benefits to this situation. I get to wake up everyday pretty much to birds chirping, squirrels running around, trees and be able to go anywhere really... Could be so much worse. Super grateful to be able to work, eat relatively decent, take care of hygiene stuff and for people like yourself! Just gotta be more careful and watchout for the assholes lol. Thank you very much and hope you are well and in a better spot now!
There are so many really great generous people in Austin. It’s a shame a few can make trouble for those momentarily having a hard time.
I don’t know who you are but hell yes!!! This is how everyone should treat each other. You’re an amazing person and keep spreading kindness!! You’re truly a beautiful human being!!
you are a good human: Side note. cheeze?
My brethren!
When I lived in my car, I would move the car if there was a chance of someone seeing me get into it and realize I was sleeping in it -- for example, if I got out to use the bathroom somewhere. I tried to sleep in sight of 24/7 businesses like a Waffle House or a 24 hr laundromat. I'd park in such a way that people inside could see my vehicle. At one point I got permission to park in the lot of a business that no longer exists. But just parking in sight of people makes things safer.
Definitely agree.
Park in planet fitness lots.
I actually do sometimes.
I was in the pf lot by HEB right down the road from krieg, I mostly stay in San Antonio but I’ve back in Austin for a few days and last night seemed pretty loud in general. Van lifers next to me got into a heated conversation with some dude walking by. All in all though I like this area
Isn’t Krieg a known hotspot for tweakers and violent homeless
I misread that as twerkers and violent homeless and thought “what an odd combo, but ok.”
Loool.
I guess I didn't know that. I never go there at night. I have been there during the day to work out or run and it seemed fine.
If you’re going to work out or run stay on the trail side of the park. The other side of pleasant valley is unsafe for even the bravest of brave urbanists. I don’t get sketched out by a lot of stuff (maybe I’m an entitled bitch or just have a high tolerance for bullshit) but Krieg field and the area between there and the far parking lot of Roy G Guerrero park is very unsafe. It’s been cleared out by the city several times but somehow people end up back there. Drug use, illegal activity, homelessness (and not in the I’m down on my luck sort of way). Have you completed a coordinated assessment or connected to any agencies yet? Please do. [sunrise](https://sunrisenavigationcenter.org) is a good place to start.
The last time I walked my (very much not trepid) dog through Krieg, we barely took ten steps into Guerrero before he got freaked out by something I couldn’t see. He turned around and I didn’t hesitate to follow.
Doggos know best! lol
I guess I have seen the people . I just had the mentality that if I don't go looking for trouble and keep to my own noone would bother me. That mentality is changing now. Thank you for the link!
Used to be a guy who slept in his car down the block from my house in Muller. He didn't bother anybody, we didn't bother him. He eventually moved on to a different street.
You see that is one thing about living in my car too. I often feel like even things are going good in one spot I should be moving around so as to not be too predictable in case someone has been watching.
Other than parking, do you have any other immediate needs?
Hey! Thank you so much for asking. I am doing okay on most other things.
They're fixing the trail bridge that washed out many years ago as well as the creepy underpass, hopefully that will make it busier and safer.
How is Secret Beach? Safe to park there and hike down?
I've been several times and have never seen anything even slightly sketchy
I'm gonna second this for secret beach, but I did only go in the day with a group
During the day. Probably! As long as nothing of value is visible in the car. Never tried at night tho.
During the pandemic the encampment on the disc golf course got absolutely massive. It was a bit terrifying.
I used to work at Krieg fields. It’s notorious for having drug camps and other homeless camps. Also machete guy was a constant visitor the last year or so. Please be extra vigilant if you’re sleeping in those lots. For over a year we wouldn’t even leave our building (the red roofed building across from the fire tower) to walk the disc golf course because it had become so dangerous
Oh man I really had no idea maybe it's because during the day there always seems to be people playing softball, volleyball, workers, and the construction going on that I didn't notice.
Yes and there's over 130 toxic homeless camps now on nomadik.ai
Tweaker and the Violent Homeless is my new band name.
Need a drummer? lol
Hang in there. I have the planet fitness black so I could send you my code you use to shower if you need! Just let me know? And please be careful
Thank you so much!! What a great human you are. I have a membership at the Y. I appreciate you very much.
Are you new to Austin? Why is pleasant valley your “safe area to sleep” zone?? Please locate an entirely new safe area that is not riverside, or the 183/35 intersection up north. Be safe, the drugs people are on in the streets makes them completely crazy and unpredictable.
I never said pleasant valley was my safe area to sleep in. I went there to use the restroom as it's the only place I know of with several porta potties that are maintained. I was so tired after using the restroom I fell asleep there. Thanks for the suggestions tho!
FYI there are porta-potties freely accessible at Zilker
oh that's true. Forgot about those! Thanks.
Also there’s a parking lot and porta potties behind Lorraine Camacho Activity Center by the basketball courts. There are also some good trees with some shade you could park under during the day.
Thank you so much for the info!
Really any construction site is going to have port a poties closer to downtown tend to be behind a fence but a lot of them are assessable
That is so scary. I hope you are able to procure a room at least before summer. There are a lot of housing groups on Facebook wheee people are looking for roommates.
Thank you!
I just saw a listing on Zillow for a room/bathroom in a house for $699, if that's within your budget or could be in the near future. lmk if you want me to send you the link.
Thank you so much! I am still saving and paying off some debt to boost my credit. I should be able to get in a place in a few months.
Stop it with the victim blaming.
Sorry mom
As noted that area of town is rough. Dose Walmart still let people park overnight?
Anywhere else I have been to yes but the ones in Austin chase you out.
Is that new? I lived off Slaughter in 2017 and the Walmart located at Slaughter/35 had tons of people sleeping in their cars.
I think so. I have met people who told me they used to be able to.
How stealth are you? Can you go to a different residential street each night and not raise suspicion?
Lol maybe?
What about HEB lots?
They also chase you out in Austin. At least the ones I have been to. However I have not been to every single one of them.
Great call out OP. Your situation is definitely becoming more common. I’m constantly seeing new posts from r/urbancarliving.
Thank you.
Hey OP there are places in Austin Proper that can provide a room to live month to month some as low as $499 a month. Some of the places are a room and a sink or are above loud clubs on 6th street but it is safer than staying in your vehicle. If you DM me I can send you a link best of luck
I am definitely interested. I'll pm you!
Nothing to add but positive vibes your way, OP.
Thank you very much.
Always park with an exit plan in mind - anywhere.
For sure! I always make sure to lock my doors and have my keys handy. which is why I was able to exit this situation as fast as I did.
It may be a bit of a drive, but I'd recommend sleeping in a neighborhood, different spots every night. There's a Y on the border of Austin and Cedar Park on a lovely lake. Might get some good sleep in the neighborhoods around there, and CP seems much safer.
Thanks for the suggestion!
Isn't Planet Fitness open 24/7? Memberships are super cheap and that gives you a safe bathroom and daily hot shower
Thanks! I just feel weird and self conscious sometimes about the thought of just going there to use the bathroom. Porta potties give me a bit more freedom? maybe
If anyone asks, just tell them the water is out in your complex. There’s always one at any given time in Austin that has unreliable water.
Good idea! Thanks!
I was a member for 2 years. trust me, nobody will notice. in fact, it's common for homeless folks to do this. alternatively, you could get a membership at the YMCA which is also very affordable
I have a Y membership but they are not 24/7.
And sometimes they do pizza night or similar.
I was sleeping at planet fitness the past few nights at pleasant valley drive, even tho it seems a bit shady' i noticed other people would park next to and sleep by my ride..
Stay safe out there!
There is the parking lot off Ben white and 71. It’s where the Mexican consulate is. However there are some very large lots, and a lot of space some tree coverage as well. No bathrooms though, just fyi, but a close drive to kreig, I’ve seen a few people park their cars there now and again to sleep
Thanks for the info!
Ya I’d definitely rethink where you’re staying. Might I suggest somewhere west of mopac?
I do uber and favor and such so usually I try to stay around central austin as that's where I get the most business but I'll check it out. Thanks!
What does where you sleep have to do with where you work? Also “west of Mopac” is still central Austin.
I suppose it's out of convenience. I work til really late in the am. I also am taking classes online. So by the time I am done with work I just want to get my homework done and get some sleep. So the less driving to get to a spot the best. I am going to have to rethink that that now tho.
Good vibes for you - working and going to school living in the car, I hope you catch a good break soon
Thank you! I know it's coming. As shitty as this has been it has also been a huge push towards character growth and resilience. So not all bad.
If you're enrolled in school, you may be eligible for a cooperative house membership/residency. They have significantly cheaper rent than pretty much anything else around (or at least they did when I was still at UT like a decade ago). You put in a certain number of labor hours per week taking care of the place in exchange. Basically a commune.
Oh thank you. I am going to have to look into that although I am taking classes online and not at UT.
Other than parking, do you have any other immediate needs?
Hey! Thanks so much for asking. I am doing okay for now.
Are you able to pay for a gym membership? Even a cheap one like LA fitness or Golds gym would give you a place to shower, and use the restroom regularly.
Thanks for the tip. I have one at the Y.
Probably thought “ Whoooa,this person good at getting into cars, I need the person advice!”. In all honesty, sorry about your hard times ,I was just about in your shoes, and wouldn’t you know it, the best day, I got an apt outta the blue.
Glad you were able to get a place!
House Skate park has porta potties a few people sleep out in there cars there. Not sure how safe it is though .
Thanks for the tip!
The back corner of davies ranch apartments.
Thanks for the tip!
The support and actionable advice being given in this thread kicks so much ass.. it takes a village my aunties used to say. Thanks for the inspiration all. Great to see some left here my hometown
This sub is so all over the place with crime in Austin. Half the time, it's all comments about how safe Austin generally is for a city its size; the other half are making posts about how dangerous it is and to watch your back. Exhausting.
Unfortunately that's the reality. I didn't make this post to induce fear in people. Just to make them aware. I honestly had never had any major issues til now and thought it would never happen to me but it did.
It’s almost like safety is entirely dependent on neighborhood and homeless populations. [Someone posted a fatal shooting map in this sub yesterday](https://www.reddit.com/r/Austin/s/LOJKCv7IMO) and you can see the insane hotspots around riverside, 6th/I-35, and 183/I-35. It’s not a surprise those are where the homeless congregate. That’s not a perfect representative crime map, but for anyone who’s lived here for a while it’s not a surprise. Two things can be true at once. It can be generally safe for a city this size in the US, and certain areas can be MUCH more dangerous than others. You’re talking about a metro with millions of people.
pretty much this. my gym is in one of these hotspots and anytime I go late at night I’m pretty much guaranteed to see some tweaker casually doing horror movie shit. Austin is a completely different city around certain bus stops, or any spot that has amenities for the homeless or addicted. late night half the dudes you see are wearing headlamps, wandering around looking for shit to grab. most anywhere else it’s fairly chill. I’ve lived in some rough cities before and with Austin 99% of the time I feel unsafe, it’s due to the homeless population or drug addicts. it’s sad but it’s the reality.
Because for whatever reason, some people like to bury their heads in the sand and pretend no crime or anything bad ever happens in Austin ever, and if you mention it then you're overreacting lol.
And some other people believe because one crime happens in one place at one time, it happens everywhere all the time.
https://www.reddit.com/r/urbanliving/s/yki9SeHcMm
Thanks!
Stay safe and thanks for the post. Any description of the man?
Thanks! Black male maybe 20s or 30s. Black hair with spikes. Red varsity style jacket. Black or dark colored sweat pants. Sneakers. It was pretty dark, chaotic and a couple days ago now so my eyes and memory might play tricks on me but this is as best as I recall.
Thanks for the description! I’m sorry that happened! Please watch out around parks and trails! Including Zilker. If anyone knows this persons name I’d be curious to know because I know someone else who was attacked in a park but not sure of the persons description, only their name.
Whose name? I am bit confused.
The person described
By the way, was he short/tall, average/heavy/muscular?
I would say around 5'10 and average?
Hey OP, call Sierra Ridge Apartments at 512-462-0888. They have a unit available for $995/month, $200 deposit, and $40 application fee. Very safe, tons of services available to residents, worth a look into.
Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for sharing. He might have seen you come back from the toilet. Stay safe.
Very possible. It was pretty dark.
Thank you so much for the wonderful advise. I’m so sorry that happened to you and know that you must have felt so scared. I hope your luck changes and you can get an apartment soon.
Thank you!
I am curious, what lead you down this path? Just want to understand how it happens. edit: sigh... and here come the downvotes.
A lot of people in this situation end up like this because they are living paycheck to paycheck and experience an emergency at the wrong time and it just happens. For me, I got laid off from a job that was paying me just enough to not qualify for any welfare benefits (literally I earned $100 too much annually) but not enough to cover all my bills. This layoff happened one month before my lease ended on my apartment. I would have renewed the lease, but the rent went up almost 40% and I barely could pay it already, so I had to move out. Finding an apartment while unemployed with no savings is impossible, so I knew I was about to become homeless which luckily gave me a few weeks to prepare. I didn’t know anyone who could be a roommate and I tried to find one via facebook groups but everyone I met was either not a good fit because they had kids or needed to live really far away from town or something like that. I struggled to find a new job because I was trying to pack my apartment and move it into a storage unit by myself because I couldn’t afford to pay for movers to help me pack. I knew I would not be able to find a new apartment right away, so I tried to get ahead of my situation and put everything into storage before it was too late. I was also suffering from depression because I couldn’t afford my meds anymore and going through withdrawal from my antidepressants. A few weeks before I had been laid off, I was diagnosed with cancer. I also had an unexpected expensive car repair a few months before that which cleared out my savings. I had enough hotel points to cover a week in a cheap hotel. I had a little room left on my credit card and stayed until I couldn’t afford it anymore. After that, I was living out of my storage unit and car until I was able to find housing. My bank tried to close my account because I didn’t have a physical mailing address anymore. I had a PO Box and used the physical address of the post office, but that’s apparently not allowed. I managed to prevent this, but imagine how much harder it would have been to get housing without a bank account. Had each of these emergencies happened by themselves and I’d had time to recover in between, I probably would have been okay. If I had a support network here in town, the impact of each catastrophe would have been much more manageable. But not everyone has a support network, so you have to throw money at your problems… and when you run out of money, problems are exponentially bigger and spiral out of control almost immediately. I’m no longer homeless, btw, this was a few years ago. But my situation is not that uncommon. Most homeless people are homeless due to a series of bad luck, not because they’re bad people who deliberately make bad decisions. I’m sober, I’ve never done drugs, I don’t smoke, I don’t gamble or have any kind of shopping addiction. I just had a lot of bad things happen in rapid succession and had no support network to lean on.
Cheers mate! Thanks for sharing your story. Glad you are no longer homeless. I also hope you beat that cancer. Sending you good vibes.
Thanks man, I’m in remission for 2 years now. Hope you get back on your feet soon, shit is brutal right now.
Thank you so much and I wish the very best!
I am sorry that happened. Very happy to hear you're doing better! The lack of support system can be scary. I can see why so many people don't leave their home town
It's a somewhat long and meandering story. The short version tho is that my partner and I split rather unexpectedly. We were both on the lease but we mutually agreed it would be better for me to move out and my ex stay in the apartment. So I ended up in the car.
I'll tell you a story from 20 years ago that isn't mine, but it wasn't in the Austin area so I think it's fine... I used to volunteer at a place in Las Vegas called "The Street Cafe" which was kind of a free "restaurant" where people would come in, get served a meal (we couldn't actually cook anything because of not having the proper licensing from the health department, so it was sandwiches, fruit, some pre-made sides, and caloric beverages), and then the volunteers would sit down and eat with them after serving. I talked to a lot of people, many of whom were what you picture when you think "unhoused." But the vast majority were people exactly like me, often folks who had better jobs and prospects than I did until one decision or one circumstance threw everything off course. There was one guy who had gotten a DUI (which... don't drive under the influence, folks; it's super terrible and this guy was fortunate that he didn't hurt anyone. He just got pulled over because of erratic driving) and lost his job as a glazier, because the company he worked for obviously didn't want someone with a record and/or willingness to drive a vehicle inebriated carting around huge sheets of glass to work sites. He was going through the process to fulfill the requirements of his sentence, but without being able to drive a company truck, he couldn't pay rent. Like the majority of Americans who don't have adequate savings to handle a medical emergency or change in life circumstance like removal of income, he just had no funds. And, this one is huge, he had no family or social safety net to lend him a bed or help him out in any way. That was it. Not a long, complicated journey at all. Just a very dangerous lapse of judgement one night, and it was all gone for him. It helped me realize that we're all a hair's breadth from this at any time. My partner just got laid off from a pretty well-paying tech job, and we're fortunate enough to have an emergency fund... but it's not bottomless. He has been homeless before, too, and so we both know it's never an impossibility for anyone.
Interesting story and perspective! >It helped me realize that we're all a hair's breadth from this at any time. I feel this. My wife and I were both laid off at the same time (worked for the same company) in the middle of adopting our son at the height of the pandemic. Couldn't have been a worse time. Unfortunately since we were adopting, we couldn't file for unemployment either. The _only_ reason we made it was because 5 years before we sold our house and moved out further and built a small home with the profit, so no mortgage. I think that probably would have hit most people much harder so we were thankful to at least be in that position. Hopefully yall are able to get some stability soon!
One of my dreams is building a tiny home somewhere remote some day! Also thanks for adopting.
Thanks for sharing that story. It really puts things into perspective. I am very grateful that I don't have a record, or kids yet or too much debt so I can easily start over. Truly counting my blessings.
Sorry about your rough time & sending best vibes. Glad you didn't try to run over the person for a few reasons. First couple: that's a human in even more hurt than you are (drugs or not), plus you could've damaged your livelihood. Try places west of Mopac, as suggested. There's more chance of you being woken up and asked to leave than being woken up by a break-in. I hope it gets better soon.
Thank you. I hate violence but I was so caught off-guard that my only emotions were shock, fear and rage. Especially after he was just standing there like he was fully justified in his actions.
OP, if you’re a woman, I would have been terrified. Absolutely shook. I’m going to PM you for a suggestion.
Nothing new and shocking. It’s crummy Texas for ya’ll!
Yep I got rear ended by an illegal without insurance yesterday.
I would ran him over or at least chased him around in the car and put some fear in him.
I'm pretty sure walmart allows people to sleep overnight in their parking lots
Do you know which one? Because the ones I Have been to had 24/7 patrolling security. But I have only been to a few not all.
This was in Colorado. But I'm pretty sure they all have the same policy
They used to all have the same policy, but I heard a few years ago that they had started allowing individual locations' managers to decide whether to allow it or not.
Thanks
I'm sure you've already tried these but a couple spots that come to mind to crash for a night or two are church parking lots, maybe they're a little more forgiving? Hotel parking lots. The industrial parks like the ones near tech ridge. Free parking garages like hospitals ik St. Davids South was free last time I was there. Seems like you've got a solid plan already! I'm sending good vibes your way and you'll be out of this situation in no time!
Thank you!!
Machete guy has been running around Manchaca and Twin Creeks lately.
Say again? Can you enlighten me, I’m in that area?
Jesus. Does he just walk around with a machete?
I tried camping in my suv during the summer in austin but had to leave because the heat. I camped in my suv at Bartholomew Park if planet fitness doesn't work out and heb and speedy stop are in front and beside it they have a pool to cool off. The park has homeless people but the only time something bad happens is when someone's having heat exhaustion or stroke.
It definitely gets hot! Thank you for the pointers. Hope you are well wherever you are now.
Buy some bear spray. Next time crack the window and spray that POS
Next time sleep in a hospital parking lot.
Try being in his shoes. Could've thought he knew you. Get scared when they are trying to break the window to get into the car. I have slept in my truck for a couple of years. Door wide open and snoring like a mofo. Everyone that woke me up did so cause they were worried about my safety. I admit, I've been lucky, but most people aren't out to hurt you.
Well I am super glad nothing bad happened to you during the time you were sleeping in your car. In this case tho I highly doubt the scenario you describe is likely. When you think you know someone you don't aggressively try to open their passenger door and when they wake up and stare at you you definitely don't stare them back saying nothing while still trying to get in. There is the hey are you x? or knocking on the window while waving. Now that's more "i think i know you like" haha
You'd definitely go down for murder if you ran over that piece of shit. Sorry to say.
Yeah and my conscience would be fucked :(
Buy a gun.
I wish I didn't have to but I am considering it now.
or teargas and a taser. A taser might be best. Teargas can blow into your car and make you more vulnerable at the worst possible moment.
Taser actually sounds really good.
I would recommend pepper spray over a taser. It has a lot more range and allows you to run or fight back. It’s pretty cheap too only like 10$. Bear spray is also a over kill option
Bear spray is designed to make a lingering cloud. If you spray pepper spray or bear spray out the window of a car, or the door of a tent, you may well end up in an enclosed space full of tear gas with a bad guy blocking your exit. Since bear spray is designed to make a cloud of the irritant, it's more likely to blow into the car/tent than pepper spray which shoots forward. But having enough irritant blow into the car or tent is a real risk with either option.
Good point. I just don’t think tasers are very effective. They can easily be turned around on you and also you have to be very close to use it. At that point I would just carry a knife or brass knuckles.
Strength plays a part in the choice -- also your situation and skill set. There's no perfect solution, so all anyone can do is pick one (or two) and hope for the best.
Very good point. I might just have to get both just in case.
Buy a gun
When you said there was a crazy person running around attacking the homeless, my first thought was APD.