Texas' Republican governor is creating a homeless campsite on state land amid an escalating battle with liberal leaders in the state capital over people living on the streets.
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) —
National advocates for the homeless said Thursday they couldn't recall another state making such a move, which follows Gov. Greg Abbott's months-long feud with Austin on Twitter.
The encampment site covers 5 acres on the outskirts of downtown. Abbott's office says the homeless will have access to bathrooms and resources until new shelters open.
Austin has struggled with homelessness like other fast-growing U.S. cities as housing costs skyrocket. On Wednesday, Las Vegas made sleeping on downtown streets illegal over protests about a "war on the poor."
Homelessness became more visible in Austin this summer after the city allowed public camping.
