Photo: Brandon Bell / Getty Images News / Getty Images
A weekend night out on one of Austin's most beloved entertainment strips turned into a tragedy that has left the city grieving and searching for answers. Here are resources for those who need support.
Resources for Those Affected
Victim Assistance Center The City of Austin has set up a temporary Victim Assistance Center to support those impacted by the attack. It is open tomorrow, March 4, at 1520 Rutherford Lane, Building 4, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Crisis counseling and other services are available at no cost.
UT Austin Mental Health Support The University of Texas at Austin is providing mental health resources for students, faculty, and staff:
- Crisis line: 512-471-2255 — available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- TimelyCare: Virtual mental health care available around the clock
- Counseling and Mental Health Center: Open Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. for in-person appointments
Free Grief Workshop The Greater Austin YMCA is hosting a free virtual workshop led by a licensed therapist on Sunday, March 8. The Walking Through Grief & Loss workshop is open to the entire community (no YMCA membership required).
Blood Donors Needed We Are Blood, Austin's local blood bank, is urgently seeking donors with O positive and O negative blood types to help victims still recovering from injuries. You can schedule an appointment at WeAreBlood.org.
See Something, Say Something
The Texas Department of Public Safety is urging Texans to stay alert and report any suspicious behavior through iWatchTexas — a free, easy-to-use tool that typically takes less than five minutes to submit a report. You can report 24/7 via:
- 📱 The free iWatchTexas mobile app
- 💻 iwatchtx.org
- ☎️ By phone at 844-643-2251
Note: iWatchTexas is not for emergencies. If you witness an active emergency, call 911 immediately.
Austin is a city that has long celebrated community, music, and late-night culture on streets like West 6th. This weekend's violence is a painful reminder of how quickly that can be shattered, and of how much the community needs one another in moments like these. If you are struggling, please reach out to the resources listed above. You do not have to navigate this alone.