We connect with our clients in so many ways. They receive food, clothing and supplies, but our main product is guidance. We don't have a pre-defined program, other than our passion to help clients find more stability, sobriety and well-being in their lives -- including social, emotional and faith well-being.

  Clients share their own goals with us as individuals. We pray for them. We provide guidance to achieve them. We provide follow-up and encouragement. And it works.

  Clients who engage more deeply with us are two times or more likely to achieve the goals they set! Our clients in May had set a total of 6.6 goals per day in April, and they achieved or maintained 5.6 goals per day! That’s no small task -- and well worth praise!

  The most frequent goals achieved were:

  • Improving self-care -- Did you know that improving the care you give yourself ripples into other areas? We know it's true!

  • Jobs

  • Housing -- Clients find all sorts of solutions: transitional shelters, rapid (but temporary) rehousing, supported (permanent) housing and paying their own bills in affordable housing situations.

  • Transportation -- If you are homeless in Austin, you can -- with a little work -- get a 24-month electronic bus pass so you can move about town more easily to get more things done!

  The less frequent goals are important, too, and they tend to involve not what you have but who you are! We think that's very important. These include for the month:

  • Finding faith -- Our clients come with all sorts of religious backgrounds and experiences, but we can help them explore their belief in things bigger than any of us. It really helps!

  • Going back to high school or getting a GED -- Education opens doors.

  • Legal issues resolution -- These don't usually go away on their own, and they have a way of knocking you down over and over if you don't resolve them.

  The biggest item in goals set but not achieved as frequently is family reconciliation. Family is complicated. It isn't always safe to reconcile. Forgiving (not the same as saying it was OK), talking from a distance (by text, letter), talking by phone, and visiting briefly in public can be good first steps.

  It's very hard to avoid old habits, however, for clients and their families. It often takes a lot of time. Be patient and celebrate the little steps! We'll be praying for your process at each step!