Written by: Andrew A.
Edited by: Bianca I.
In Austin, Texas the homeless population is a serious issue that continues to grow gradually despite the city’s efforts to control and help those in need. If you, a friend, or a family member are looking for ways to do your part and help those less fortunate in the Austin area, here are some organizations you should consider donating to or volunteering at.
Austin Shelter for Women and Children, The Salvation Army
The mission of this organization is to get all of the women and children who are experiencing homelessness in Austin off of the streets and into safety. The organization makes an effort to turn peoples lives around by setting them on a path to a healthy and comfortable life by providing employment assistance, child care, and child/family therapy to every resident.
If you’re looking to volunteer with Austin Shelter for Women and Children, you can go to their homepage and under the tab “Ways You Can Help” there is a link showing those interested how they can sign up. What The Salvation Army is looking for in their volunteers are people who are looking to give back to the community and are also willing to work with a team of people to help the homeless. So, if this is something you or a friend may be interested in, follow this link to find out more on how you can help with this organization.
Front Steps
Front Steps is another well-known organization in the Austin area for donating and volunteering to help the homeless. Formed in 1997, the philosophy of the organization is, “that all people deserve the dignity of a safe place to call home.” Front steps not only provides an immediate home for those struggling to find one but also helps people transition from homelessness into their own housing.
If you want to make a donation to this organization, on the homepage there is a “Donation” tab at the top of the page and halfway down the screen. Both links will lead you to the same place. After you click on the tab, you choose the amount you want to donate, give your information, and submit your payment. You have the option of giving $10, $25, $50, $75, $100, $200, or type in the amount you want to donate in the “Other” option.
Foundation for the Homeless
The final organization you should consider when looking to donate or volunteer to is the Foundation for the Homeless. One of their strongest programs is the Family Rehousing Initiative, or FRI. The program focuses on rapid rehousing for families with children in their shelter. The purpose is to find secure housing and that the families have access to case management.
Both the donation and volunteer tabs are at the top of the page on their website. For donating to the Foundation for the Homeless, they give you the option to donate to “In-Kind & Wish Lists” where you have the option of donating used household items such as mattresses and kitchen utensils. The other donation option is the “Donor’s Rights” link. To Volunteer, click on the “Volunteer” tab and it will take you to a page where it directs you to a link to sign up.
Moving Forward
It can feel overwhelming at times to try and decide what is the best way to help and do your part. A single person can’t help everybody, but every single one of us can help someone. Whether you donate, volunteer, or both, each effort will make a difference in the long run.
Tags: Homelessness, Austin, Volunteer, Donate, Salvation Army, Front Steps, Foundation for the Homeless.