Advocates worry ‘school safety' bill will hurt families facing homelessness

State lawmakers in Austin are working on a bill that could determine how close facilities that provide homeless services can be to schools.

If passed, would ban homeless centers or organizations that provide navigation services within a 1,500-foot radius of a public school property line. Navigation services include services that help people who are homeless gain and maintain stability by providing housing, meals, mental health care, drug treatment, and other services.

Supporters of the bill said homeless services, especially those that offer drug and behavioral rehabilitation, should not be so close to kids.

The operates across the street from Mendenhall Elementary. The CEO, Janet Collinsworth, said there is no risk.

"Our women, we screen them very thoroughly, so we don’t allow substance abuse,” said Collinsworth. “No one is supposed to know about our premises because there are abuse survivors there, and we monitor our women and we help and we support them."

Collinsworth also said the single women and children who use their resources need schools nearby. She worries this bill would force many organizations to close.

There is a public hearing in Austin on Tuesday. The . Collinsworth and other advocates are encouraging the public to learn about the potential impact the bill would have on people in need in their community and to contact their local lawmakers with concerns.