Salvation Army’s new shelter about to open

Tomorrow the Salvation Army is expected to open the doors of the Rathgeber Center for families in Austin who are experiencing homelessness. The $12 million shelter, which is located in East Austin, will offer 212 beds and was created to help a portion of the city’s homeless community that frequently has few options at shelters that don’t allow both men and women on-site. Last year the city worked to find $1 million in funding to help open the center and pay for some if its estimated $4.9 million in annual operating costs, though Council members have said the city is unlikely to make additional contributions. The Downtown Austin Alliance Foundation donated $100,000 and helped raise another $300,000 toward the center’s operating budget.