As we take the off-ramp of US-290 West, I am shocked to see groups of homeless individuals huddled in the darkness beneath the overpasses. A short block later, on the right, more groups of men and women are gathered on a patio around some picnic tables. A sign on the lawn reads, “Hot diggity. You’ve made it to the Weirdest Little Church in Texas.”

At the suggestion of a colleague (thanks, Kathryn), I stopped by the Sunrise Community Church, that calls itself as the Weirdest Little Church in Texas. There was a buzz of activity with many people milling about the outdoor picnic tables. I bumped into Pastor Mark who happily offered to introduce me to the ministry and give me a tour.

You may see them on your way to work, or in parks: homeless people panhandling or sleeping under overpasses. Residents in a South Austin neighborhood say they’re concerned the problem is getting worse in their backyards, specifically the Ben White corridor. While Austin police say they believe the problem has improved over the years, some neighbors say more work needs to be done.