Category Archives: Neighborhood News

Help for Wells Branch homeless: Texas Bungalows hotel to become supportive, permanent housing

by Jeaneane McNulty, WB Resident

It is Friday afternoon, and my kids and I are heading up I35 to get “boba tea” – a weekly reward for completion of schoolwork and chores. We stop at the light on Grand Ave, and as usual, a man stands on the thin center strip with a sign asking for help. Today I happen to have a coupon for a free sandwich at a store within walking distance of this corner, so I mask up and hand it to him out the window. He thanks me. The exchange lasts only a second, but as the light turns and we pass under the freeway, my mind stays with this man, and with the larger issue of the tent community of homeless people who shelter there. How long has he lived there? Does he have mental health problems? Is he an addict? A veteran? Where is his family? Where does he go to the bathroom? Who will clean up the trash that the tent city accumulates? Did my coupon really help at all? Continue reading Help for Wells Branch homeless: Texas Bungalows hotel to become supportive, permanent housing →

4 Ways to Naturally Boost Immunity

by Morgan Simon, WB Resident

Fostering a healthy immune system is, understandably, top of mind for everyone right now. In addition to a global pandemic, we’re also in the middle of winter which naturally sees a spike in seasonal illnesses like cold and flu. (1) Thankfully, there are many things we can do to naturally boost immunity – several of which can be done without spending a penny or leaving your home! Continue reading 4 Ways to Naturally Boost Immunity →

Updated COVID-19 resources, from Commissioner Shea

As the number of COVID-19 cases continue to spike, I am urging everyone to do the simple things that we know work to slow the spread of COVID-19. Wear a mask, observe social distancing, practice good hygiene, and do not go out unnecessarily.

We also know that what helps keep us all safe is hurting our economy. Recognizing that many in our community are facing difficult economic burdens, Travis County has initiated several programs to help using federal CARES Act funding. Please see the list below of those and other programs that you or someone you know may find helpful.

Some of these programs may be discussed Saturday, June 27th, in a community forum hosted by the City of Austin. English forum is at 11 AM and Spanish forum at 1 PM. Tune in to the livestream at facebook.com/AustinPublicHealth, or call 1-844-992-4726and enter access code 146 697 3290 to participate.

Please share this with anyone who may need these resources. While we cannot solve all of the issues caused by this pandemic, Travis County is doing what we can to help.

I sincerely hope this message finds you and your family well. We will get through this, with each other’s help and the support of our entire community.

With hope,

Brigid Shea
Travis County Commissioner, Precinct Two

Register to Vote BEFORE the Deadline!

New address? Name change? The deadline to register for the July 14th election is THIS Monday, June15th.

Local VDRs will be on hand to register voters and answer any questions you may have THIS Saturday, June 13, from 10am-1pm in the Bratton Square parking lot at the corner of Merrilltown Drive and Bratton Lane.

They’ll also be available Sunday, June 14, and Monday, June 15, from Noon-3pm in the Bratton Square parking lot.

The team will practice correct social distancing procedures and will be in PPE gear. We ask that folks be mindful of others. The goal is to make sure that everyone who needs to register gets a “last chance” before Monday.

If these times don’t work for you, One of our registrars, Susan Gezana, has offered to be available to meet neighbors and get them registered! Just text Susan at 512-484-3528 to set up a meeting.

Thank you to all our Wells Branch Volunteer Deputy Voter Registrars!