The Ending Community Homelessness Coalition (ECHO) has released Austin/Travis County's first Unhoused Mortality Report, detailing the deaths of 1,010 unhoused individuals between 2018 and 2023. The report highlights that the average age of death among this population is 50 years old, which is 20 years younger than their housed counterparts.
The comprehensive analysis, titled "Bridging for Better Outcomes," utilizes data from various sources including the local Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), hospital records, medical examiner death data, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCWonder). This quantitative data is complemented by qualitative insights gathered from listening sessions with people experiencing homelessness and service providers.
“This report is more than just numbers and stories – it’s a roadmap for change,” stated Danica Fraher, ECHO’s Healthcare Systems Manager and lead author of the report. She emphasized the importance of integrating mortality data into planning to develop proactive systems that address community needs.
According to the findings, less than half of those who died were in hospitals at the time of their death. Many passed away in locations such as tents, camps, motels, or on sidewalks. The report also underscores that permanent housing can significantly extend life expectancy; those who transitioned to stable housing lived an average of 9.5 years longer than those who remained unhoused.
“This report is a representation of decades of failed policy and disinvestment in housing for all,” said ECHO Executive Director Matthew Mollica. He called for action to prevent future deaths through access to affordable housing and healthcare.
Key statistics from the report indicate a rise in monthly deaths from seven in 2018 to 22 in 2023. Men accounted for most deaths (82.5%), but women tended to die younger. Overdose was identified as a leading cause of death, with methamphetamine being a primary factor in overdose incidents.
Additionally, nearly half of those who died outside hospitals had no record of interacting with the Homelessness Response System. The financial burden prior to these deaths was significant, with $11.1 million spent on emergency services for just 364 individuals.
The report includes personal stories from those affected by homelessness and offers actionable recommendations aimed at reducing mortality rates among this vulnerable population. These suggestions include scaling permanent housing solutions, expanding substance use support services, prioritizing individuals with complex needs for housing opportunities, developing integrated medical triage teams, and improving shelter accessibility.
ECHO remains committed to collaborating with city officials, healthcare providers, and nonprofit organizations to implement both immediate and long-term solutions outlined in the report.