Sometimes the best way to improve as a community is to ask ourselves difficult questions.

Is Austin an empathetic city? What is the best way for the community to lift up its most vulnerable?

On Page 32 of this edition reporter Emma Freer examines the city’s efforts to end homelessness. She takes a careful look at what homelessness looks like in this city and finds that unexpected life events like car trouble, a late fee on rent or an unexpected illness can change the course of lives.

The Sobering Center of Austin, a facility for intoxicated persons to safely sober up, avoid jail and find the services they need, will also look to address a public health need in the community.

In our story on Page 15 officials say the center will connect those experiencing substance use issues to services while keeping them out of jail.

Before our community can make strides in public health we need to address the issues some of our neighbors experience.