In 1985, the Austin City Council formed the Task Force on the Homeless as a response to the Salvation Army’s need for a new shelter location as the SA struggled to gain approval for a site. Members of the Task Force included people from Austin’s business community, citizens from various neighborhood around the city, special interest groups, and representatives from existing social service agencies. Additionally, a research group from the University of Texas was recruited to assist in technical and research to support the claims made by the Task Force.