The contract for Front Steps, the longtime non-profit responsible for the operations at the ARCH in downtown Austin will be discontinued on or before September 30th. New operations will be managed by California based non-profit, Urban Alchemy. Urban Alchemy is set to begin operations/training August 15th. 

Urban Alchemy was awarded the $4+ million contract to run the ARCH one week after the announcement was made. Many service providers in the Austin area have responded with bafflement at this new development and express concerns over the seemingly quick actions taken by the city council. 

Service providers in Austin are concerned over allegations that Urban Alchemy has on record in California. Allegations the company denies. 6 lawsuits remain. 

The City will vote on this contract this Thursday during the City Council meeting (agenda item #190, page 39). 

Before millions of dollars of tax payer money is awarded to an organization, we should have a better understanding of what the company does and how it will affect our vulnerable homeless population, both positive and negative. 

Please allow community partners to learn about the organization, ask questions and share concerns, and be involved as we directly serve our most vulnerable population!