1 Windshield Survey - North Austin Windshield Survey - North Austin Future RN Concordia University Texas Windshield Survey - North Austin 2 This windshield survey was conducted on May 10th, from 1100-1230.. Initially, the windshield survey was done without a vulnerable population in mind, however it became apparent that the homeless of North Austin must be addressed. This area was the focus of the study because of the proximity to the hospital that the surveyor will be an advocate at. Boundaries of the Windshield Survey The windshield survey was conducted in North Austin, on the border of Jollyville, Texas. Specifically, the survey focused on Research Blvd and McNeil Road to Research Blvd and Lakeline Mall Road. For the survey, it is important to note that Research Blvd is also Hwy. 183. This mailing zip code of this area is primarily 78729. Another name for this area is “Anderson Mill” area. This area is located in Williamson County. Demographics of the Austin, Texas The estimated population of Austin, Texas in the year 2019 was approximately 978,908. The population grew approximately 22.1 percent between the years 2010-2019. According to the United States Census Bureau, 49.2 percent of the population is female. The percentage of people aged 65 and over is 8.9 percent. 72.6 percent of the population identify as being white, with 7.8 percent of the population identifying as Black or African American. The next largest race group is the Hispanic or Latino population at 33.9%. From the years 2015-2019, 36,094 Veterans lived in the Austin area. Last number of importance is the health information reported. 6.2 percent of people had a disability and was under the age of 65. People under the age of 65 without health insurance was around 14.7 percent. (United States Census Bureau, n.d.) Housing Several different types of housing were available in this area. There were several apartment complexes off of Research and Anderson Mill area. The housing available was for Windshield Survey - North Austin 3 single people or small family units with 1 bed, 2 bed, and 3 bed options. Across Anderson Mill, were condo style homes available. On Anderson Mill Rd., across from Springwoods Park was an older neighborhood for multi-member families. Towards the end of the survey boundary was an area called “Balcones Woods.” This area featured homes of a higher value. Underneath overpasses on Research Blvd were several homeless camps with members of the homeless population living underneath the overpasses. Community Vitality People were visible in the community. Off of Anderson Mill Rd is a park called “Springwoods Park.” Several members of the population were at the park. Some people were taking walks, eating lunch, or playing with children at the playground in the park. The area featuring several apartment complexes had members of several different age ranges, but most in their 20s, 30s, and 40s. At the other end of the survey boundary was a higher income area where the median age of persons seen within the area was 60. People living in this area, with the exception of the homeless population seem to be happy and active. Most seem well-nourished and with a well-kept appearance. There are several businesses that are tourist generally tourist attractions such as a Kerbey Lane Café and Amy’s Ice Cream, however this particular area is not a very touristy part of Austin. Indicators of Social and Economic Conditions The survey area is a urban and established part of town. Towards one end of the survey boundary were several apartment complexes geared for single people and small families. When driving on Research Blvd. towards Balcones, the survey showed higher-income housing for established and larger families that featured a country club for the residents in that area. Windshield Survey - North Austin 4 The primary mode of transportation is personal automobiles. While most community members were seen driving in cars, several other modes of transportation were seen including bicycle use, walking, and a bus route. It is important to note that part of the road on Pond Springs Rd. did not have a sidewalk for pedestrians to utilize, although there was a fair amount of pedestrians. Pedestrians would walk on the part of the road that the surveyor calls “the access area,” where a car that is not working might be pulled over. This poses a safety risk for those who walk to access the nearby small businesses and other utilities nearby. Women hanging out in the street and excessive amounts of day workers were not observed in this area. The only children seen hanging out during this time of day were the young children that were with their caregivers at Springwoods Park. Children observed in the park during school hours seemed to be age appropriate. Older children seen may also have been part of a homeschooling population. There are several different schools and several different churches in the area. In the Survey area on Pond Spring Rd., there are four different kinds of churches. On Research Blvd, a church exists called the Mosiac church which is a nondenominational and multi-generational church with a homeless outreach program. Health Resources One major hospital with an Emergency Department is present within survey boundaries. This hospital is Ascension Seton North West Hospital, off of Research Blvd. In addition to this hospital, there is a 24 hr urgent health clinic at Research Blvd and Anderson Mill, in the same parking lot as Kerbey Lane Café. Several pharmacies exist in the area including Walgreens, CVS, and the pharmacy located inside the H.E.B. grocery store at Research and Pond Springs Rd. There were several dental places on Pond Springs Rd. between Anderson Mill and Research. The resources that are available may be sufficient for those who have health insurance, housing, Windshield Survey - North Austin 5 and a reliable source of income. The survey did not show any signage for health fairs or other resources for free and low-cost health care that could serve the homeless population of the area. Environmental Conditions Related to Health The general condition of the housing in the area seems to be in good repair. The buildings in this area are old but have been well maintained. Windows have screens and no bars. The conditions of the road are fairly poor with several uneven lanes, cracks, and potholes. Sidewalks are present in most of the survey area; however, the sidewalks seem to be uneven and in disrepair. A vulnerable elderly person with a walker would have a difficult time walking on the sidewalks. Parts of the survey area exists where several pedestrians are present but there are no sidewalks available. Therefore, pedestrians walk on the access lane part of the road. Buildings and business seem to have ample parking for handicapped patrons as well as handicapped access to buildings including ramps. Two parks fall within the survey boundary and are clean and very well kept up with, with no signs of loitering and gang-activity. The two parks are the Springwoods Park, which is available to the public, as well as the Balcones Country Club greenbelt which seems to be utilized by members living in that community. Lastly, there are several stray cats in the area but no other stray animals to note. An area of concern is underneath the overpasses of Hwy 183/Research Blvd. where several homeless members live. At Research Blvd. and Pond Springs Rd., there is an overwhelming smell of urine and fecal matter. The state of Texas has set up portable bathrooms for use by the homeless population. Also, the Texas Department of Transportation has set up trash receptacles for the homeless population to utilize, however a lot of human excrement and trash remain a mainstay of the homeless camp in that particular area. Along with this was the presence of rats and other rodents that live under the overpass with the homeless population. Windshield Survey - North Austin 6 Proposition B- How it affects the homeless population Proposition B is a proposal to make aspects of homeless life such as panhandling and public camping illegal. People who violate the ordinance can receive criminal penalties. The state and city officials have not revealed a plan on where the homeless population can now go. (Clark-Madison & Fisher, 2021) Seemingly, the city of Austin just wants the homeless population out of sight and out of mind. Community Attitude Towards Health and Health Care Along with the hospital and the 24-hour clinic, there is a Shaman shop/CBD store at the corner of Anderson Mill and Pond Springs Rd. Signs regarding preventative health measures and health fairs were not observed in the survey area except for a sign outside of the 24 hr urgent care clinic- offering COVID testing. Mosaic Church Street Ministry One of the churches in the survey area has a homeless outreach program. Every Sunday morning from 0900 – 1100 members of the street ministry team receive and fill orders for clothing and personal care items needed. On the 2nd and 4th Satudays of each month, from 10001300, Mosaic’s Street Ministry partners with Lighter Load ATX to provide the homeless community with showers, laundary, a hot meal, and prayer. Ways that church and community members can help is to donate items such as HEB gift cards, blankets, towels, and hand sanitizer – in addition to working events and getting involved. (Mosaic Church, n.d.) 7 Windshield Survey - North Austin References Clark-Madison, M., & Fisher, L. (2021, May 7). We Rebuke Thee! The Austin Chronicle, 40(36), 10. Mosaic Church. (n.d.). Mosaic Church | Mosaic Street Ministry. Mosaic Church Austin. Retrieved May 14, 2021, from https://www.mosaicchurchaustin.com/mosaic-streetministry/ United States Census Bureau. (n.d.). U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Austin city, Texas. Census Bureau QuickFacts. Retrieved May 14, 2021, from https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/austincitytexas/LND110210
