Buda City Council members are rallying for a comprehensive emergency plan to support the city’s most vulnerable residents during extreme weather events. During a recent meeting, a representative from the Texas Homeless Network emphasized the urgent need for a clear and well-communicated strategy to assist individuals facing homelessness during freezes, extreme heat, and flooding.

The call to action follows troubling experiences from the last winter freeze, where many residents were left scrambling for information on where to seek shelter. “People shouldn’t have to scramble every winter wondering what they’re supposed to do during the hard freeze,” the representative stated, highlighting a significant gap in the current emergency response framework.

The discussion revealed that while there are plans in place, many remain undisclosed or poorly communicated, leading to confusion among both residents and local leaders. “Having a fantastic plan that no one knows about is almost worse than having no plan at all,” the representative noted, stressing the importance of transparency and accessibility in emergency management.

Council members acknowledged the issue, with one stating, “It’s easy to say, oh, that’s a problem Austin has. But it does exist in Buda as well.” The need for warming centers and heat-related emergency facilities was also raised, with calls for better documentation and coordination among local agencies.

In addition to emergency planning, the council discussed the importance of accurate data collection regarding homelessness in the area. It was noted that the numbers reported often underrepresent the actual situation, as many individuals are reluctant to participate in surveys. “There are children in encampments and people hiding that fact,” one council member pointed out, emphasizing the need for a more nuanced understanding of homelessness in Buda.

As the city moves forward, the focus will be on developing a cascading emergency plan that ensures all municipalities and human services agencies are aligned and prepared to support those in need during crises. The council's commitment to addressing these issues signals a proactive approach to safeguarding the community's most vulnerable members.