I Live Here, I Give Here

Saint Louise House, formerly VinCare Services of Austin

http://www.saintlouisehouse.org/

Specializes in:
Homelessness/Housing

Tagged in:
Children/Youth, Homelessness/Housing, Women

Founded in Austin in 2000, Saint Louise House provides deeply affordable housing and essential services to mothers and children experiencing homelessness in Central Texas. With a deep belief in the power of women to transform their lives, their families and our community, our licensed social workers and case managers partner with our residents to reach their individual goals. We currently serve 31 families comprised of 31 mothers, 64 children and 1 grandmother.

Statistics

• While the Median Family Income (MFI) in Austin is $66,420, the average annual income for families at entry into Saint Louise House is $10,320 or $860 a month.
• About 50% of the women who live at Saint Louise House are involved in an educational program. Moms who are unemployed have access to employment services and must be actively engaged in seeking employment. Approximately 85% are currently employed.
• In 2010, 86% of the agency’s funding was focused on addressing the housing and supportive needs of Saint Louise House families.
• In 2011, a $21,500 investment in Saint Louise House provides family with housing and supportive services for an entire year, 40% (or $54,000) of what it would cost if the same family remained homeless. (Community Action Network’s April 2005 report)

Testimonial

“'Sarah' dropped out of school at age 15. She married an older man a year later. The marriage ended after a few years, and a difficult period of homelessness began for her and her infant son. She spent a total of nine months in two different shelters, working, but still not making enough to provide a stable housing situation. It was a frustrating time. She knew she could do more, be more, but she was stuck in a devastating cycle of poverty and there seemed no way out until she received a call from Saint Louise House. The case management staff provided the support and guidance to help her overcome what had once seemed insurmountable obstacles. Focused on goal-setting, she received her GED, completed a two-year community college program and eventually was able to make the move to her own apartment. Sarah recently called the office to share the exciting news that she had purchased her first home. ”