The Hays County Homeless Coalition is partnering with Texas Homeless Network, the Hays County Health Department and local volunteers to conduct the annual Point-in-Time Count on Jan. 22.

The PIT Count captures a one-day snapshot of individuals experiencing homelessness in the county. This data helps the county plan future programs, track trends and guide policy and funding decisions.

The setup: The annual PIT Count is mandated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, which uses the data to gain a better understanding of the nation’s homelessness trends.

On the PIT Count day, volunteers and organizers will conduct surveys and offer support to people experiencing homelessness across the county. The data collected will be submitted to THN and shared with HUD.

What they’re saying: “As a community, we have a responsibility to understand the challenges our unhoused neighbors face,” Isabella Vigil, Hays County Behavioral Health coordinator and co-chair of the PIT Planning Team, said.

A foster care community center set to open in Buda will give families a hub for related support programs and family visitations.

The big picture: Work on the facility is underway by the nonprofit Austin Angels, founded in 2010 by area resident Susan Ramirez, with a mission to walk alongside people in the foster care community through consistent support.

The details: At the facility, the Austin Angels’ team will provide free programming, enrichment events, workshops and celebrations. The center will also provide a space for visitations between children and their biological families.

“...It will be a thriving space grounded in hope, empowerment, community and transformation for everyone it serves,” executive operations manager Catherine Marler said in an email to Community Impact.

• 401 FM 967, Buda

HOPE Outdoor Gallery has officially reopened in its new home, bringing the outdoor art park and creative campus back to Austin.

The background: In March 2010, HOPE Outdoor Gallery was launched off Baylor Street, nearby 24 Diner. The concept became known as the only art park of its kind in the United States, according to a news release.

The original location officially closed in January 2019 to make way for its future home. Opening was delayed to this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and permitting process, as previously reported by Community Impact.

What's happening: The new home for the gallery, near the Austin airport, is complete with outdoor park space, mural walls and a 6,000-square-foot gallery event space. It also features a coffee bar, gift shop and art supply store.

HOPE is free, open to the public and serves as an all ages experience.

• 741 Dalton Lane, Austin