A unique project designed to help the chronically homeless and disabled find affordable and…read moresustainable housing in a loving community. Located on bus route 237 in East Austin this housing center helps to empower those less fortunate by giving them more permanent housing. This 27 acre park is split into a collection of tiny homes and RV trailers in a well curated landscape. Resources like a medical clinic, workshop, community gardens, and memorial area really makes this a special place. It is a faith based organization that is open to people of all faiths. Many of the RVs have more permanent structures like a porch that have been built next to them. The tiny homes are incredible with a variety of different floor plans sponsored by local builders and donors. Bathrooms are communal. There is an outdoor movie theater right at the entrance. It feels clean and well decorated with more construction constantly underway. By the far the best part is getting to hear from and connect with current residents about how this unique solution to their problem has resonated with them. It's clear that in addition to providing material needs, the people running this place care about the residents here. This business model of using tiny homes to combat homelessness was written up by CNN. In addition to donating financially, you can also help build. I applaud the efforts underway here and am excited for how this place will continue to help people in need in the future.

I love this place. It's a true community for our Austin unhoused neighbors to be a part of and…read moreactively create and maintain. Beautiful vision and execution and much needed elsewhere.

Serving over 60,000 people every week across 21 counties, Central Texas Food Bank is a lifeline for…read morecountless families. Headquartered a short drive from downtown Austin, this hub of activity thrums with a whole different sort of energy. At any given time, a half dozen forklifts are buzzing through the immense maze of the warehouse, stacked from floor to ceiling with pantry staples, while semitrailers unload directly into the walk-in fridge and freezer, each bigger than the average gymnasium. You could easily get lost in the 135,000 square foot facility without a guide or a map. It's not all dry beans and pasta. Contrary to the common misconception, there's a selection of fresh produce here that could put a mid-tier grocery store to shame. In fact, over a quarter of the food items moving through this building are fresh fruit and vegetables. Much of that is rescued, prevented from going into landfills for petty reasons like blemishes, odd sizes, or simply oversupply. Over 28 million pounds of produce was saved from that fate, putting into the hands of those who need it most. They've truly though of everything, including wheel chair-accessible raised beds, examples of container gardens for those without yards, and a classic "pizza garden" to appeal to kids. It feels like such a rare and beautiful opportunity to connecting with nature, providing both education and inspiration to grow your own food, no matter the circumstances. Let's not overlook the commercial kitchen, preparing meals for the community while providing culinary training for job placement at the same time. It becomes a self-sustaining system, but only with the proper support. Volunteers are the heartbeat of the operation, sorting donations in the warehouse, distributing it through mobile pantries, delivering it to those without transportation, and more. There are plenty of hands on deck during the holidays, but there's a continuous need throughout the year. There's never a bad time to help, no matter how much or how little, because time is an incredibly precious resource too. The Central Texas Food Bank gives me a profound sense of hope. There's such unwarranted shame and stigma that remains surrounding the issue of hunger at large which is detrimental to absolutely everyone. Who wins when so many suffer? This operation is proof that it doesn't have to be that way. Anyone that needs help, gets help. With this revolutionary approach, it is possible to stop hunger in its tracks and nourish the community.

I always try to volunteer when I can. I decided to sign up and volunteer in the warehouse for…read moreCentral Texas Food Bank with my organization. It was well organized and fun. First, it was easy to sign up and register as a group. Secondly, they provided great details through email in preparation of the event regarding the dress code, parking and arrival time. In addition, the coaches were knowledgeable and provided us with an orientation before we began to ensure our safety and gave us guidance on the process. They were also friendly and funny. The event itself was relatively easy and not physically exhaustive. In 2.5 hours, we made a huge difference and sorted over 6K pounds of potatoes. We made a huge difference for the community in a short amount of time. I absolutely plan to return here and volunteer again.

GIVE THEM YOUR STUFF!!…read more This is an amazing organization that does amazing work. They run a shelter for victims of domestic and sexual assault. They have legal, financial, educational, community outreach, and a ton of other services. They run a school and a health clinic for their clients. They help foster pets, for pete's sake. Take your donations here instead of Goodwill. Rather than help line the pockets of one of the best paid CEO's of a "nonprofit" like Goodwill, your donations really help people in crisis. Yes, they are not as convenient as Goodwill. And yes, to the people who've complained, they probably failed to lick your boots while recognizing the utter quality of your AMAZING donations. Want someone to address you by your regal title when you drop off a pile of hand me downs? Go to Goodwill. Want to help make a difference in your community? Go to SafePlace.

Katherine Saldana She is one of the coldest people I've ever spoken to. She comes across as very…read morecondescending and impatient. If you don't immediately understand her question, she makes you feel unintelligent or small. I only spoke with her a few times over the phone, but every interaction left me feeling uncomfortable and dismissed.

I volunteered at Inside Book Project tonight and it was a great experience! IBP is a volunteer led…read morenon profit organization that provides free books to people incarcerated in the state of Texas. All of the books provided are free of charge! You read letters for book request, curate a small package of books found in IBPs library and write a letter to send back to each person. This is a really awesome way to provide support to all kinds of humans, who've been through all kinds of challenges. The 30 minute volunteer orientation was thorough and informative! They have volunteer time slots on Sundays and Thursday starting at 6pm! I hope you consider volunteering! I'll definitely be back to volunteer again.

I just started volunteering with IBP and have loved the experience so far! My boyfriend and I found…read moreIBP at an event at Meanwhile Brewing Co maybe a month ago and immediately signed up for an orientation training session. IBP is located in East Austin, housed inside of a church (although IBP is NOT a religiously affiliated organization). They have a huge library built on donations from the community. Every Thursday and Sunday evening, volunteers come to read letters from people incarcerated all over Texas, match them with books, and write handwritten letters back to them. It's truly such a wonderful initiative. People who are incarcerated have the opportunity to request books every 2-3 months and get books sent to them completely free of charge. IBP received around 1500 letters requesting books per month, which is so incredible. If you are someone who enjoys volunteering, this is the place for you! If you don't have the time to volunteer, consider donating to IBP!

I am a mega fan of Lake Travis Crisis Ministries! They are a wonderful non-profit. LTCM offers food…read moreand necessities to ALL Lake Travis community residents - NO ID or other docs required! It doesn't matter who you are. If you're in need, LTCM is eager to provide assistance. Love, love, love it! [Note: they also offer some assistance with utilities, etc; however, paperwork and proof of residence is required.] They house a food bank stocked by donations, both nonperishable foods and monetary (you can send a check via mail if you want), purchased at a discounted rate from Central Texas Food Food (another GREAT ATX np!), and they receive meat and bread from HEB. Clap Clap! They are literally on my way back from the market I shop at, so I make an effort to buy extras to drop off to their wonderful staff members and volunteers (available Wednesday 5:30-7pm & Thursday 10am-noon). All toiletries and paper goods (e.g., TP, paper towels, etc.) are also always needed. I've experienced "wanting" a few times in my life and nobody should have to go through any anxiety or shame. The folks a at LTCM are truly very nice, and you can tell helping makes them happy. It does me too. :) Even though they've been around for over 20 years (maybe actually longer), I think a lot of people are unaware on them. I just want to shout it from the rooftops. IF YOU CAN, please help LTCM assist others who might be less fortunate. I could possibly be knocking on their door next month. You never know. Thank you LTCM.

I have this friend that is 70 yrs old and has just recently become a US citizen (much respect for…read morethat.....it is time consuming hard work to get it). She therefore has had no benefits from the government and the only income she gets is what she works hard to get with housekeeping and odd jobs. Did I mention that she's 70??? Her true blessings have come in the form of friends who help her out and in the Crisis Ministry. There's been many a time that she has had no food and has gone here for help. They provide her with all kinds of food. Staples like pasta and rice and meats and non-staples like cookies and olives and coffee. They even gave her a turkey a few weeks ago and she lived off that for days! But the best thing they give her is dignity. She is proud by nature and always is apologetic when she needs to use them but they always reassure her that they know she's going thru rough times and that they care for her. Thank God for people like this!!

What a wonderful nonprofit! I was looking for a shower chair for an elderly relative and learned…read moreabout this organization and they lend out free medical equipment for the elderly. I was able to get a shower chair easily and everyone was super friendly. You can pick up and drop off at different locations.

This company has many services, but I have used their lending closet on several occasions. Twice,…read morewhen my elderly relative was visiting and I needed things like a walker & other things. Fast forward to 2023 & I find myself in need of some things after breaking my ankle. After spending too much money on things and needing things that weren't so easy to find, I turned to these fine people at AGE for help. They provided me with the much needed elevated leg rests for my wheelchair and an extra walker bc it's not so easy to drag those things around when you're using a scooter. Cindy was the best! I'm very happy that they helped me when I needed it. They take donations, so if you have some unused medical equipment, check with them to see if there is a need. I know they work with some other organizations that provide similar services if they aren't accepting a particular item.

This organization is actually a team of community businesses, agencies, organizations and…read moreindividuals who come together to make a difference in the lives of individuals and families in Hutto for whom life has become really difficult. My heart is continuously touched by the kindness and compassion of those involved. Folks who step up to help keep a family from being homeless, provide some financial support to a family dealing with cancer, help repair a car or roof, or keeping the electricity on for a senior. They do amazing work and help make the city an even more fabulous community to be part of!

A Tale of Two Entities…read more Useful: 1. Settlement Home: Helps young girls who were abused have a place to live and thrive. It's a great nonprofit residential center that I hope no one on Yelp ever has a chance to use. 2. Settlement Home Garage Sale: At Palmer Events Center the first weekend in November. Friday you have to pay to get in. Don't bother. Saturday, it's free and it's a great day to scout out the merchandise and buy things you just can't go without. Sunday, the morning is pretty picked over, but the afternoon is the highlight of the whole thing. At a certain hour, they start selling boxes. Get there early, buy one or two boxes, depending on whether you think you can manage it. Plan to be trampled, nudged, elbowed, et cetera. Stuff your box as fast as possible and get the hell out. Funny: 1. My freshman year of college, my rooommate worked for Settlement Home, where abused girls get their lives on track. Some have been sexually abused, physically abused, and so on. I really respected that. This same roommate thought it was funny to tell her mom and boyfriend (stationed in Iraq, by the way) that she was pregnant. After he got someone to buy the ring (within 24 hours) and freaked out sufficiently, and her mom went a little nuts, she called both of them back and said, "Just kidding!." I don't respect that at all. 2. The people at the Settlement Home Garage Sale are friggin' animals. After I bought my box, I went to stand in front of the Center. "GET BACK BITCH! I'VE BEEN STANDING HERE FOR 20 MINUTES!" Wow. I stepped back about 10 feet, actually closer to the door. I think I actually got in before this woman. She had two of the largest boxes available, $8 apiece, duct taped together and on a big luggage rack. I went to the art section. She was sweeping entire tables full of frames into her boxes. She swept in a picture I was in the middle of grabbing. "Can I have that please?" "No!" "Are you even looking at what you're taking?' "NO! I JUST CARE ABOUT THE FRAMES, NOT THE ART, STUPID!" Well, she got a really interesting picture of Michaelangelo's "David" in the deal. Lucky lady. Cool: 1. The Settlement Home basically runs off the funds raised by the gigantic garage sale once a year. What a neat concept. But you can donate to them at any time. It's a good cause, really. 2. For a $3 box, I got the following: An antique intercom that doesn't work A bunch of Royal Doulton "Thistledown" bone china (valued at about $15 a plate) 3 novels 2 small framed photos A large framed photo of a broken window A toothbrush holder A citrus zester Two original, one-of-a-kind paintings What a deal!

I stayed at the forsaken place for a year and a half tooooo long!! I can't begin to tell you how…read moredreadful that this place was. I left fifteen years ago on my eighteenth birthday. My first opinion is that, if they still do, the settlement does NOT need to hire people who are basically kids themselves. I used to wonder if the "houseparents" had bad days, which I'm sure they did, we all did. It appeared as though they took their frustration out on the girls who lived there. Everytime you turned around somebody got a consequence for SOMETHING! Damn! I wonder if giving the girls a consequence for something made them feel taller and better about their egos, especially if they personally had a bad day before they got to work. I heard and saw how the "houseparents" used to gather around and talk about how they punished someone and how they had to restrain a girl and then they mentioned what kind of punishment they had given them. I feel I got punished every time I breathed fresh air. Instead of being punished, I felt as though they should have taught me the values of life. What's out there in life and PREPARE me for it!!!! I felt that there was no need to punish someone THAT often. Instead of punishing a girl, damn, get to know their past. See why they what they do, look behind the problem to correct it. A punishment is not going to do it. Work with them slowly. I should never have been in such a place anyway, but that is another story, in which my family and I are in court as we speak against the state for what their CPS worker did when I was eight years old. One of the houseparents told me that I had to be put on birth control, (I was not sexually active at the time), or else I would not be allowed to go anywhere on my own while I stayed there. I gave in and she ordered the birth control: I took the birth control for a month and a half and cheeked the bitch for the remainder of the time there. She never knew it, either. Then she told me that once a girl comes to the Settlement, it would be hard for she to leave it; I often still wonder sometimes if the Settlement home gets "high money" per girl who stays there. No wonder it would be difficult for she to leave unless she runs away. One of the staff had gone to court exactly two weeks before I left the hell hole, two weeks before I turned eighteen. She tried to testify to make me look bad. She told the court all kinds of fake crap and a bunch of lies!! I couldn't believe it, but then again, they are the state employees, which explains why the CPS worker ten years prior to the date did what she did. HEY!! I was trying to get emancipated, which didn't make sense at the particular time because I turned eighteen two weeks later, in which, I still left the hell hole! She couldn't stop me and didn't! My over all opinion of this place is that you people can do better and don't chastise the girls for not having a loving home who want them, they didn't ask to be born. It's not their fault that they are in such a place. Oh, yes, birth control and prozac, they call it, are popular drugs with this home and they have you open your mouth to show them that you swallowed them, but....damn I am good! I cheeked that crap all of its days! Oh!...& there is no need to feel as though you have to threaten me to not tell others that a houseparent was seen at a refund raiser for GAY people...or I would get a "consequence". They forever used that threat. God be with us all!!!!