Written by: Nick M. Edited by: Jayne R.  

Caritas of Austin is a non-profit organization whose mission is to, “prevent and end homelessness for people in Greater Austin”. It helps individuals who are facing homelessness get homes, groceries, jobs, and educational opportunities to learn life skills. Their values are respect, equity, commitment, excellence, and innovation. 

The History of Caritas of Austin

Caritas of Austin was founded in 1964 by the individual, Monsignor Richard McCabe. The intention was to create a way for all individuals, whatever their condition, to have their basic needs met. Unfortunately, the founder passed away in 2009 but their dream is still alive with Caritas of Austin still meeting people’s needs. Caritas of Austin is not affiliated with any religious group however, many religions and groups support and donate to Caritas of Austin because they believe in the cause they are going towards. 

Food 

Caritas of Austin assists homelessness in several ways. The first way they help is by giving food to those in need. They have a Community Kitchen, open Monday- Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The second way they help with food is through their Pantry. The pantry allows those in need to have, take-home groceries. 

Housing 

One of the main ways they help the homeless is through housing. They have several options to provide individuals with housing. The first one is Permanent Supportive Housing, which not only provides individuals with housing but also according to their website, “onsite supportive services, and mental health counseling for disabled individuals experiencing long-term homelessness”. The second way they help with housing is through Housing Stability, which meets people with housing when they are at their lowest point, for instance when facing a medical crisis or lost a job. They also have a Youth Program, which helps provide housing to youth facing homelessness.

Education 

One of the special things about Caritas of Austin is how they help transform an individual to meet their full potential. One of the ways they do this is by using education and life skills. Some of the classes they offer are financial literacy, health, and well-being, life skills, employment workforce training, speaker series. All the classes that Caritas of Austin offers are…. 100% FREE to their clients!

Employment 

Caritas of Austin does not stop just at educating they also help as a connection to assist individuals in need to get jobs. They gathered around 280 local employers to provide job opportunities to those in need. They help these individuals with: resume development, interview preparation, provide work uniforms and tools, support pursuing higher education, and individualized employment goals and plans.

Ways To Get Involved  

Caritas of Austin is always looking for volunteers to join in assisting these individuals to have a better life. You can help by giving your time, donations, or supplies. However big or small, every hand that helps counts towards making a difference in someone’s life. Here are some of the ways you can help: 

• At-Home Volunteer Opportunities 
• Serve Lunch In Community Kitchen
• Work With Clients Directly
• Provide Administrative Support To Staff Members
• Help With Donation Deliveries and Pick-ups  

Tags: Austin, Non-profit, Homeless, Texas, Food, Housing, Education, Jobs