It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic King Log House gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Cedar Park, TX is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Always Best Care was there for me when I needed them. I was providing”
“I am so happy with Mr. Steven Coleman services. He has been very professional and”
“We had an excellent experience with Always Best Care Senior Services in Austin. They provided”
“Highly recommend using Always Best Care for all your senior service needs! Super helpful and”
“Kyle and his team are great.”
“I am a past client of this provider My siblings and I engaged Always Best Care”
“Always best care is ALWAYS the BEST care. No pun intended. Means a lot to”
“Kyle and his team rock ,really good communicators. I would refer them to people who”
“Always Best Care provided the perfect service we needed for our mom. Their caregivers”
“Lori and Kyle were great to work with and are super people. They matched my”
“Lori and Kyle were great to work with and are super people. They matched my”
“I work for this team and it's a wonderful team , great communication and support”
“Ken and Bonnie are wonderful people to help care for your loved ones. their staff”
“Ken and Bonnie were wonderful to work with. They were able to provide my mother”
“Owners Lori and Kyle are genuine, salt-of-the-earth folks who are super-dedicated to their clients. ”
“Lori & Kyle were very attentive and responded very quickly to our needs. They visited”
“Always Best came to the rescue when my mother needed immediate caregiver services while in”
“I’ve known Lori for years and have high confidence in her ability to provide care.”
“I had the pleasure of working with Lori Schrayer in a professional setting where she”
“I am a current client of this provider Lori and staff - What a sanity saver”
“Always Best Care of Austin, TX is the only place I trust to care for”
“Always Best Care was there for me when I needed them. I was providing hospice care for my mother in my home. I could not have done it without them. The caregivers are kind and dependable. The company was supportive in every aspect of my mother's care. I cannot thank them enough for their support during this difficult time.”
“I am so happy with Mr. Steven Coleman services. He has been very professional and helpful.”
“We had an excellent experience with Always Best Care Senior Services in Austin. They provided in home care when my mom got out of the hospital and, in parallel, helped us find an assisted living facility. I was calling them from the hospital and we didn't know when my mom would be discharged or what kind of care she would need and Always Best Care was responsive, flexible and provided guidance when we needed it most. This was a stressful time and they gave us peace of mind while providing the best care for my mom. The caregivers were on time, thoughtful and kind. I'd recommend Always Best Care to anyone trying to navigate the complexities of eldercare.”
“Highly recommend using Always Best Care for all your senior service needs! Super helpful and really takes care of patients to make them feel comfortable and safe!”
“Kyle and his team are great.”
“I am a past client of this provider My siblings and I engaged Always Best Care to help care for our mother, initially when she was still able to do a significant amount on her own. Over time she declined and needed different levels of care. At each stage, Lori, Kyle, and each member of the ABC team listened to our needs, and was warm, caring, attentive, patient, punctual, and flexible in accommodating Mom‘s abilities, needs, and wants. Caregivers often went above and beyond, and the teams’ communication with my siblings and me was terrific – – especially helpful since none of us lived in the area. I feel fortunate to have been connected with Lori and Kyle, and I highly recommend the ABC team.”
“Always best care is ALWAYS the BEST care. No pun intended. Means a lot to know my loved ones are in good hands ????”
“Kyle and his team rock ,really good communicators. I would refer them to people who would need this service”
“Always Best Care provided the perfect service we needed for our mom. Their caregivers were on time, professional, and did what mom/we asked of them and more. The owners, Lori & Kyle, listened to our needs and went above and beyond in their help and care. A few times when we had to take mom to the ER, Lori and/ or Kyle came to the house to be sure all of mom's needs were met. At the end of mom's life, their caregivers could not have been more attentive, kind, caring and professional. I would highly recommend ABC Care for your loved one.”
“Lori and Kyle were great to work with and are super people. They matched my husband up with very competent companions who were kind and dependable.”
“Lori and Kyle were great to work with and are super people. They matched my husband up with very competent companions who were kind and dependable.”
“I work for this team and it's a wonderful team , great communication and support for our clients, their family members and our caring team of staff .”
“Ken and Bonnie are wonderful people to help care for your loved ones. their staff was so caring to my mother and so nice to my family I highly recommend them to take care of your loved ones. I think there ought to be more than just five stars to give them”
“Ken and Bonnie were wonderful to work with. They were able to provide my mother with care and a very short notice. Their staff was some of the most caring people that I've ever met. Not only were they wonderful to my mother but also to my family. I would highly recommend using them.”
“Owners Lori and Kyle are genuine, salt-of-the-earth folks who are super-dedicated to their clients. I know I can trust them to make sure our Mom gets the care and help she needs. And caregiver Leah is so very kind -- she's the best!”
“Lori & Kyle were very attentive and responded very quickly to our needs. They visited us in person to introduce the new aide, to make sure instructions were done smoothy. ABC came thru in a very critical time for us. Forever grateful for their compassion & thoughtfulness to our health needs.”
“Always Best came to the rescue when my mother needed immediate caregiver services while in a skilled nursing facility and it continues to provide steady, reliable and helpful care now that she is at home. The owners are very kind and authentic and seem to really care about the people they are helping! My mother adores her caregiver. Would highly recommend.”
“I’ve known Lori for years and have high confidence in her ability to provide care. She’s caring, intelligent, dependable and friendly. She would be an excellent service provider!”
“I had the pleasure of working with Lori Schrayer in a professional setting where she was in a leadership role. I worked with her and her team on multiple projects as a liaison to the County Manager or head of the municipal organization. Lori is consistent in her treatment of peers, communication style, and commitment to her staff. I would be fortunate to work with Lori in the future and would provide her business if given the opportunity as I know they’d be in great hands.”
“I am a current client of this provider Lori and staff - What a sanity saver and great team. From day one we have felt that Mom’s well being is their first priority. We were extremely hesitant to turn over care to someone else. But those concerns vanished immediately— thanks to the team’s communication and compassion. It’s a great comfort knowing the entire staff are there for us and responsive to our need and requests.”
“Always Best Care of Austin, TX is the only place I trust to care for my elder loved ones. It's locally owned by a the kindest couple who treat every patient and employee like part of their family. Their caregivers are compassionate and give me a sense of comfort knowing my loved ones are in good hands when I cannot be with them.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Brushy Creek Lake Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Soto Japanese and Sushi Restaurant or visit Wilson-Leonard Brushy Creek Burial Site, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
Request More Information
While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Cedar Park, TX, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Cedar Park, TX understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Cedar Park, TX 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Officials from both Cedar Park and Leander came out on March 19 to break ground on a new upscale shopping center, which will feature Cedar Park’s first rooftop dining experience.What’s happeningCouncil members, business representatives and other community leaders came out to celebrate the groundbreaking of The Shoppes at Bell Blvd., a mixed-use development at 1804 N. Bell Blvd. The facility is zoned for restaurant, retail and office space, and is located along the Bell District in Cedar Park....
Officials from both Cedar Park and Leander came out on March 19 to break ground on a new upscale shopping center, which will feature Cedar Park’s first rooftop dining experience.
What’s happening
Council members, business representatives and other community leaders came out to celebrate the groundbreaking of The Shoppes at Bell Blvd., a mixed-use development at 1804 N. Bell Blvd. The facility is zoned for restaurant, retail and office space, and is located along the Bell District in Cedar Park.
Mohan Marchetty, principal developer with Fruition Partners, has been overseeing the project for two years. He said the development received a major “shot in the arm” by the expansion of the 183 corridor and the work Cedar Park has done developing the Bell District, which drove interest in high-end shopping destinations in the area.
Representatives from Cedar Park and Leander spoke at the event and celebrated the development as a boon to both communities.
“We love when our communities come together,” said Bridget Brandt, president and CEO of the Leander Chamber of Commerce. “This project is perfect because it’s right on the line [between Cedar Park and Leander].”
Currently the center has no confirmed tenants, but early leasing discussions are underway for multiple restaurants, a liquor store and a dental office, said Neerja Kwatra, chief financial officer of commercial real estate firm Asterra Properties. The development is expected to be fully built out by mid-2026.
The details
The Shoppes will occupy an approximately 37,000 square foot plot near the Cedar Park/Leander border. The space is zoned for 12,223 square feet of restaurant space, 13,392 square feet of retail space and 11,298 square feet of office space, according to documents from Asterra Properties.
The two-story development will have a total of three buildings, two loading zones, one elevator, two staircases and 222 parking spots, according to the documents. One unique feature will be the rooftop patio dining area, which Marchetty says is a first for the area.
Thanks for reading!
Daily news about your community is free, and your support is invaluable.
Give $10 now towards CI's journalistic mission across Texas.
Members of Cedar Park City Council came out on April 14 to mark the beginning of construction for a new hotel and convention center.The two-minute impactThe city officially broke ground on the future site of a Marriott Hotel at 750 E. New Hope Drive. The hotel will be Cedar Park’s first full-service hotel, according to ...
Members of Cedar Park City Council came out on April 14 to mark the beginning of construction for a new hotel and convention center.
The two-minute impact
The city officially broke ground on the future site of a Marriott Hotel at 750 E. New Hope Drive. The hotel will be Cedar Park’s first full-service hotel, according to previous reporting.
The building will include approximately 300 rooms, in addition to a 30,000 square foot meeting space, a full-service restaurant and bar, a separate breakfast cafe and a swimming pool.
The new hotel is being built in conjunction with the Nebraska Furniture Mart retail store, currently under construction. When completed, the Cedar Park NFM will be one of the largest retail spaces in Texas, encompassing more than 1.1 million square feet of retail space.
Together, the hotel and NFM will be the cornerstones of the new CedarView development, which will also include a Scheel's Sporting Goods store and other retail options to be determined.
Construction on the hotel and convention center is expected to conclude in 2027.
What they’re saying
Speakers at the groundbreaking included Cedar Park Mayor Jim Penniman-Morin and Ryan Rans, managing partner of Indiana-based investment firm Great Lakes Capital, which is overseeing the development.
“We focus on high-growth, underappreciated markets,” Rans said. “This is exactly where we want to be operating, where we have great community partners, strong fundamentals, and leadership with a long-term view.”
Penniman-Morin said city staff were thinking long-term with this development.
“We recognize that decisions we are making are going to have a long, long impact,” he said. “Never again will our city have 117 acres of undeveloped real estate right in the middle of the city, right in the middle of our two major transportation corridors. We really had to make sure that this built long-term benefits to the city and met the city’s goals.”
Daily news about your community is free, and your support is invaluable.
Give $10 now towards CI's journalistic mission across Texas.
Cedar Park, TX (April 5, 2025) – A vehicle collision resulting in injuries was reported in Cedar Park at the intersection of Pecan Park Blvd and S Lakeline Blvd. The crash occurred around 9:50 p.m., prompting a prompt response from local emergency crews who arrived to render aid at the scene.First responders, including paramedics, assessed and treated individuals hurt in the crash. The area where the accident occurred is a busy commercial corridor, particularly during weekend evenings, with numerous shopping centers and d...
Cedar Park, TX (April 5, 2025) – A vehicle collision resulting in injuries was reported in Cedar Park at the intersection of Pecan Park Blvd and S Lakeline Blvd. The crash occurred around 9:50 p.m., prompting a prompt response from local emergency crews who arrived to render aid at the scene.
First responders, including paramedics, assessed and treated individuals hurt in the crash. The area where the accident occurred is a busy commercial corridor, particularly during weekend evenings, with numerous shopping centers and dining establishments drawing significant traffic. While full details regarding the nature of the crash have not yet been released, officials confirmed that the incident led to injuries.
The intersection was partially blocked as crews worked to assist those injured and begin an investigation into the cause of the collision. Authorities have not yet provided updates on the individuals involved, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Our thoughts are with everyone impacted by this incident.
Accidents in commercial zones such as the intersection of Pecan Park Blvd and S Lakeline Blvd are becoming increasingly common as suburban growth brings more traffic into once-quiet areas. Cedar Park, like many Austin-area suburbs, has seen rapid development, with popular retail destinations adding to the complexity of local traffic patterns.
Evening hours are particularly risky as a mix of shoppers, diners, and commuters converge in these zones. With increased activity comes a greater likelihood of abrupt stops, sudden turns, and driver distractions—all factors that can contribute to injury-causing crashes. The visibility challenges at night can further heighten these dangers, even for cautious drivers.
For those injured in crashes like this one, the aftermath may involve more than just physical recovery. Dealing with insurance issues, arranging transportation, and facing lost income can create additional burdens. Knowing what steps to take after an accident—such as documenting the scene and seeking timely medical care—can significantly ease the process and improve the chances of a full recovery.
Cedar Park drivers are reminded to exercise caution, especially in busy retail districts where the flow of both vehicle and pedestrian traffic is high. Reducing speed and avoiding distractions are key components to improving roadway safety in these growing communities.
If you or a loved one was injured in a crash, contact Local Accident Reports for support and information on how to move forward confidently.
Cedar Park and Williamson County have provided funding to local nonprofits to help support unhoused and financially struggling residents. However, nonprofits and homelessness organizations say there are not enough resources in the area to meet the needs of unhoused residents, who are often unable to access shelter and transportation.When she was 16, Lindsay Kocen was homeless, living in her car and on the streets of Round Rock. Now, Kocen serves as the vice president of the Wilco Homeless Coalition, a nonprofit dedicated to helping Wi...
Cedar Park and Williamson County have provided funding to local nonprofits to help support unhoused and financially struggling residents. However, nonprofits and homelessness organizations say there are not enough resources in the area to meet the needs of unhoused residents, who are often unable to access shelter and transportation.
When she was 16, Lindsay Kocen was homeless, living in her car and on the streets of Round Rock. Now, Kocen serves as the vice president of the Wilco Homeless Coalition, a nonprofit dedicated to helping Williamson County residents who have fallen on hard times.
“I was homeless in this area, too,” Kocen said. “It’s harder to find, but it happens more than we like to think.”
The two-minute impact
The Wilco Homeless Coalition formed in 2019 to begin conducting an annual point-in-time count to track the number of unhoused people in Williamson County. Unhoused people identified by the county rose by 300% from 2022 to 2023 before declining in 2024.
“We have more folks than people know,” said Christel Erickson-Collins, chair of the Wilco Homeless Coalition. “There’s a myth that that is not an issue for our community because there’s a lack of visibility.”
Neither Cedar Park nor Williamson County have shelters designated for unhoused people or city- or county-run warming shelters besides Pecan Gardens. The permanent supportive housing facility for seniors in Northwest Austin faced pushback when Williamson County unsuccessfully sued the city of Austin to stop the project in 2021.
The city of Cedar Park awarded $96,500 to local nonprofits for 2025 and funds $8,195 a year for case management services from Hill Country Community Ministries at the Cedar Park Public Library. In 2023, Williamson County donated $1.4 million in federal funding to build more tiny homes at Community First! Village, a permanent, affordable housing community in East Austin.
The Hill Country Community Ministries food pantry provides resources and serves struggling residents in the Cedar Park and Leander area, many of whom are one emergency away from needing these services, executive director Tiesa Hollaway said. A survey of 312 food-insecure Williamson County residents by Central Texas Food Bank found that 41% would be unable to afford an unexpected $400 emergency.
Thousands fall above the federal poverty line while still struggling to make ends meet, Hollaway said. Homelessness can happen to anyone due to a variety of life situations, Erickson-Collins said.
The background
Conducting the point-in-time count requires an immense amount of effort, and the Wilco Homeless Coalition, a volunteer-based organization, receives no additional funding from the state or county, Erickson-Collins said.
The count is conducted over one day with groups of volunteers going out to search for people for up to four hours. The group had around 40-45 volunteers during its 2025 count in January compared to 65-70 volunteers last year.
Once someone is identified, volunteers will ask the person a series of questions, point them to local resources and offer them items, such as gloves or beanies, sleeping bags, nonperishable food items and gift cards.
Williamson County does not have large encampments of unhoused people, as people are typically out of sight and on the move, Erickson-Collins said. This year, the coalition counted most people at cold-weather sheltering run by churches while the unhoused population has been more spread out in other years.
The coalition has identified people living in their cars at Walmart and Lowe’s parking lots. This year, however, volunteers noticed many businesses put up signs prohibiting overnight parking. Additionally, local law enforcement may enforce a statewide ban against camping in public places, which became effective in 2021.
“That unwillingness to allow people to be seen in Williamson County is a big obstacle,” Erickson-Collins said.
The point-in-time count does not account for people who are homeless but living with a friend, which Erickson-Collins said she believes is a large number.
The approach
The Charlie Center in far Northwest Austin helps over 400 people each week. The nonprofit often connects clients to resources that are not available in Williamson County, said Leah Hargrave, executive director of the Charlie Center.
Hill Country Community Ministries serves over 3,000 families a month, around 25 of which are homeless, Executive Director Tiesa Hollaway said. Hollaway said she often has nowhere to send clients needing shelter outside of Austin.
Cedar Park does not provide services for unhoused people but encourages them to visit local service providers for assistance, Community Affairs Assistant Director Daniel Sousa said.
In 2022, the city began partnering with HCCM to provide services to residents in need at the Cedar Park Public Library.
Williamson County Commissioner Terry Cook told Community Impact the county has no unified approach to addressing homelessness due to a cap on tax rate increases.
“I’m hoping that we can come up with something, but without funding, I don’t know what that could be,” Cook said.
The conditions
Nonprofit organizations say homelessness services are not just important for those who are currently unhoused, but everyone in the county facing hard times.
“A lot of those folks, they can get back on their feet,” Erickson-Collins said. “It’s just this one crisis situation that lasted a little bit too long.”
Increases to the cost of living and housing costs in the Cedar Park and Leander area have created challenges for families, Hollaway said.
Many families in the area are considered ALICE, or asset limited, income constrained and employed, Holloway said. The term, coined by United Way, describes people who are above the federal poverty line but making less than it costs to make ends meet.
“It’s amazing how many people are one paycheck away from financial ruin or homelessness,” Hargrave said.
The creation of more rental assistance and rapid rehousing programs could help ensure more residents don’t fall into or stay experiencing homelessness, Erickson-Collins said.
The city of Austin has reopened several former hotels as supportive housing. Additionally, the city provides $1,000 monthly payments to qualifying low-income families, most of which are spent on rent, according to a 2024 study from the Urban Institute.
Going forward
HCCM is raising $3 million to open a nonprofit mall to house various nonprofit services near the Cedar Park and Leander border.
“[This] could be transformative,” Cedar Park City Council member Heather Jefts said in December. “We are all just one health crisis, one car crash away from needing [HCCM’s] services.”
The organization has received zoning approval to build eight tiny homes for transitional housing at its current food pantry off Lacy Drive, Hollaway said.
Moving forward, the Wilco Homeless Coalition wants to support organizations providing winter sheltering, including outreach efforts in Georgetown and Taylor, Erickson-Collins said.
“Almost all of the resources ... are coming through small nonprofits or through churches,” Erickson-Collins said. “There’s a lot of opportunity for cities and the county to provide services.”
Put in perspective
Disability rights advocate John Woodley has been visiting The Charlie Center to receive support while living in his vehicle. Woodley said he recently transported someone from Round Rock to a cold-weather shelter as there were no options in the area.
“I don’t think there’s resources, period,” Woodley said. “They don’t prioritize people with disabilities to get into housing, and that’s a big problem.”
Kocen, who formerly lived in her car and on the streets of Round Rock, said she now understands that the hardships of life can happen to anyone and the importance of treating unhoused residents with respect.
“Given a chance, I’m sure many of them would be great at being your neighbor,” Kocen said.
The Wilco Homeless Coalition is working to improve understanding and awareness of homelessness, Erickson-Collins said.
“Homelessness is not something that happens to somebody else. It can happen to any of us.” she said.
How to get involved
WilCo Homeless Coalition - [email protected]
The Charlie Center - www.thecharliecenter.org
Hill Country Community Ministries - www.hccm.org
Education Reporter
Chloe is an education reporter covering Leander, Liberty Hill and Lake Travis ISDs. She joined Community Impact as reporter in May 2023 after graduating with a degree in journalism from The University of Texas. Chloe previously served as the Austin metro intern for CI in summer 2022 and has interned for KXAN-TV, KUT and Austin Woman. When she’s not writing, she enjoys spending time in nature, thrift shopping, reading and listening to live music. Her passion is engaging communities around hyperlocal coverage.
Thanks for reading!
Daily news about your community is free, and your support is invaluable.
Give $10 now towards CI's journalistic mission across Texas.
Recent action from the Cedar Park City Council may help advance the potential construction of a tollway along Ronald Reagan Boulevard.At a March 27 meeting, council approved a resolution supporting a traffic and revenue study by the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority, or CTRMA. The study would assess the feasibility of building a toll road along Ronald Re...
Recent action from the Cedar Park City Council may help advance the potential construction of a tollway along Ronald Reagan Boulevard.
At a March 27 meeting, council approved a resolution supporting a traffic and revenue study by the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority, or CTRMA. The study would assess the feasibility of building a toll road along Ronald Reagan Boulevard from RM 1431, or Whitestone Boulevard, to I-35.
What’s happening
Williamson County has proposed transforming Ronald Reagan Boulevard into an eight-lane, controlled-access roadway from RM 1431 in Cedar Park to I-35 in Jarrell. The roughly 30-mile project is broken up into five segments, including Segment A, running 7.67 miles from RM 1431 to Hwy. 29.
The county funded a corridor study from RM 1431 to north of the Cedar Park city limit and has created a schematic design for the project, said Randy Lueders, the city’s director of engineering and capital projects.
The design includes one toll lane in each direction at RM 1431 that would widen into two raised toll lanes in each direction moving north, Lueders said. At least two or three frontage lanes would run in each direction alongside full access intersections.
The project would not reduce the road’s existing frontage lanes, which would remain free to drivers, he said.
City staff recommended supporting a traffic and revenue study by CTRMA to further evaluate the project alongside plans to expand Parmer Lane, according to city documents. The intersection of Ronald Reagan Boulevard and Parmer Lane would include a grade separated interchange, Lueders said.
The update
Five of the six council members and Mayor Jim Penniman-Morin voted to support the CTRMA conducting a traffic and revenue study to assess the feasibility of adding Ronald Reagan Boulevard to its system.
The study—funded by the CTRMA—would assess traffic flow and projected revenue generation to inform decisions about the project’s viability and toll rates, Lueders said. Similar studies have taken around a year to complete, said Bob Daigh, senior director of infrastructure for Williamson County.
Council’s vote did not commit the city to the project’s design and construction. If council approved the project, it would be funded by the CTRMA using toll revenue, Lueders said.
Segment A of the project is estimated to cost $532 million, Daigh said.
“It’s not going to happen tomorrow,” Daigh said. “We’re just talking about the first baby step here. It is going to take many years to bring this project to fruition.”
The impact
The Ronald Reagan tollway could bring many benefits to the area, Daigh said, including:
Additionally, Cedar Park could save millions of dollars as the CTRMA would oversee the maintenance of the toll and frontage lanes, he said.
Cedar Park’s population is expected to grow to 92,000 by 2030, according to the presentation.
What council members are saying
Council member Heather Jefts expressed concerns about the project before voting against supporting the traffic and revenue study.
“'I’m not sure how what you're saying in any way helps the citizens... or the businesses of Cedar Park by turning that corridor into what looks like 183... where you have a monstrosity of a highway and very little access between east and west, and a whole lot of traffic that blows by Cedar Park rather than stopping and shopping,” Jefts said.
Some council members said they felt the traffic and revenue study was needed and long overdue. Without the project going through, council member Kevin Harris said he believed the city would experience gridlock amid population growth.
“I can see the throughput need, and I think if it's done smartly, you still get the free access on the side,” Harris said. “Folks are going to travel. We position ourselves as a city to be a destination.”
Education Reporter
Chloe is an education reporter covering Leander, Liberty Hill and Lake Travis ISDs. She joined Community Impact as reporter in May 2023 after graduating with a degree in journalism from The University of Texas. Chloe previously served as the Austin metro intern for CI in summer 2022 and has interned for KXAN-TV, KUT and Austin Woman. When she’s not writing, she enjoys spending time in nature, thrift shopping, reading and listening to live music. Her passion is engaging communities around hyperlocal coverage.
Thanks for reading!
Daily news about your community is free, and your support is invaluable.
Give $10 now towards CI's journalistic mission across Texas.
512-215-3747
