Thursday, December 28, 2023

APH Neighborhood Centers Nearly Tripled the Number of Residents Served Compared to the Previous Year

 

Neighborhood Services Unit serves More than 60,000 Residents at Food Distribution Events in 2023 

NOTE: Photos of one of our food distribution events can be found here. If used, please credit Austin Public Health.

Austin Public Health Neighborhood Centers are stepping up to provide crucial support, including rent, utility, and food assistance, to low- and moderate-income families. This year's increased outreach highlights a growing issue of food insecurity in our communities, pointing to the importance of collaborative efforts to address this pressing concern. 

“We've unfortunately seen a rise in food insecurity in those who we often serve, but I’m thankful to say that our teams are rising to the task. It’s thanks to our hardworking staff at our Neighborhood Centers and our partnership with the Central Texas Food Bank that we’ve been able to help those in need, especially at this time of the year when families and friends are coming together for holidays and celebrations,” said Neighborhood Services Unit Manager Angel Zambrano. 

Through October of this year, Neighborhood Centers have served more than 64,000 people at food distribution events. Through that same time frame, in 2022, 26,694 people were served. Simultaneously, APH actively addresses multifaceted needs through a comprehensive range of services. From crucial restaurant inspections and emergency preparedness plans to vital job assistance, Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) programs, and beyond, APH remains at the forefront of community-focused initiatives. 

"I want to encourage anyone who may need help with food, finding a job, paying rent or other basic needs to visit one of our centers and meet with our staff,” said Community Services Assistant Director Donna Sundstrom. “Staff are readily equipped to help meet your needs or connect you with a number of community partners who will be able to help.”  

Austin Public Health’s Neighborhood Centers are located across the city and offer services to anyone in need. A total of six centers are located in North, East, and South Austin. A list of food distribution events for the month of December 2023 can be found here. Future food distribution event calendars will be posted on the Neighborhood Centers website

Rosewood Zaragosa Neighborhood Center -- Central East Austin 
2800 Webberville Road, Austin, TX 78702 
512-972-6740 

South Austin Neighborhood Center -- South Austin 
2508 Durwood Street, Austin, TX  78704 
512-972-6840 

St. John Community Center -- Northeast Austin 
7500 Blessing Avenue, Austin, TX  78752 
512-972-5159 

East Austin Neighborhood Center -- East Austin 
211 Comal Street, Austin, TX 78702 
512-972-6650 

Montopolis Community Center -- Southeast Austin 
1200 Montopolis Drive, Austin, TX 78741 
512-972-6705 

Blackland Neighborhood Center -- Central East Austin 
2005 Salina Street, Austin, TX  78722 
512-972-5790 

About Austin Public Health 

Austin Public Health is the health department for the City of Austin and Travis County. Austin Public Health works to prevent disease, promote health and protect the well-being of all by monitoring and preventing infectious diseases and environmental threats and educating about the benefits of preventative behaviors to avoid chronic diseases and improve health outcomes.