CARITAS OF AUSTIN

Caritas of Austin believes that when every person has a stable place to call home, they can realize their full potential and contribute to our community. We build well-being by making sure that people have a safe home, access to healthy groceries, jobs that provide a reliable living wage, and educational opportunities to learn life skills. All of us need a sturdy foundation and layers of support in our lives to thrive; that’s what creates a strong community. Our innovative, personalized and proven approach to building well-being and ending homelessness creates a more vibrant Austin for everyone.

Each person we serve shares the devastating experience of homelessness. Some people have lived on the streets of Austin for years, while others are more hidden, living in their car or other temporary shelter. An unexpected crisis such as an injury, illness, or a lost job can leave people on the brink of homelessness with nowhere to turn for support. With everyone, our work begins with homelessness, but we ensure that homelessness does not define people’s futures.

People lose stable housing for many reasons, and for most, it’s a process that happens over time. People living in poverty without a strong support system are most at risk, especially when an unexpected crisis occurs.

It's estimated that over 10,000 people access homeless services over the course of a year. Only a fraction are the “visible homeless” you may see on the street corners. The majority are people you don’t see or consider, from families living in their car to young adults aging out of foster care. We know the most effective solutions to end homelessness in our community, but we can’t solve homelessness unless we do it together.