Homeless advocacy group holds service

The Wilco Homeless Coalition in late December held its first annual vigil for the Williamson County Homeless Persons Memorial.

The event remembered those who have died while experiencing homelessness. Members of the Wilco Homeless Coalition gathered near the Volunteer Serving Center in Round Rock. 

"This memorial is a national event and is typically held on the longest night of the year, December 21,” Co-leader Katherine Bisson explained. “We are here to remember those who lost their lives before they could exit from homelessness."  

Attendees lit candles and said out loud the names of unsheltered neighbors no longer seen or who were missing. Reverend Drew Ingram of Christ Lutheran Church led the group in prayer. 

"Standing outside in the cold reminds us somewhat of the bone-chilling experience that unhoused people endure,” coalition member Michelle Augustine said. “We hope to raise awareness as to the number of local people living outdoors during extreme weather conditions, as there are no designated shelters in Williamson County.”

Ms. Augustine said the Wilco Homeless Coalition will conduct its annual Point In Time Count –  a survey and gather information about the current home population and services to better identify the needs of the unhoused – in January. To learn more or to participate, residents can send an email to WilcoPitCount2025@gmail.com

For more information about the Wilco Homeless Coalition, email HomelessWilco@gmail.com