Dianna Grey, the City of Austin’s homeless strategy officer, recently addressed a purported break-in at a former Candlewood Suites on the city’s northwest side that’ll be transformed into transitional housing for the homeless, apologizing for a lack of security at the property, according to a report from Austin NBC affiliate KXAN.
KXAN reported that the incident occurred on May 5 and was brought to the city’s attention by Austin City Councilmember Mackenzie Kelly.
Grey fielded questions about the break-in at a virtual meeting, the station reported.
“The intent had been to have security on site previous to this event,” she said, according to KXAN. “It had been requested, and there was a delay in the requesting, so it had not been initiated. We acknowledge that as a failing and apologize.”
The station reported that Kelly, the lone Republican of the 10-member city council, provided images of broken doors and doorknobs last Thursday (May 12).
In August 2021, the Austin City Council approved the purchase of the property with the intention of converting it into permanent supportive housing for homeless individuals, according to KXAN.
The new facility, which will have 80 rooms, is under the city’s Housing-Focused Encampment Assistance Link (HEAL) initiative.
The “facility is designed for individuals living with disabilities who need housing assistance and ongoing support as they exit long-term homelessness,” per the city.
The former hotel is reportedly awaiting renovations as it sits vacant, a city spokesperson disclosed to KXAN.
According to the report, the city dispatched “regular security patrols” at the property following the break-in.
