Austin, Texas, Church Plans Transitional Housing for Homeless Families

Peace Lutheran Church in Austin is taking a bold step to address homelessness by planning to demolish an unused building on its property and construct a transitional housing facility for homeless families. The project, known as the Peace Family Housing Project, aims to provide temporary shelter for up to 24 families annually, helping them transition out of homelessness more swiftly.

The old building, once used for preschool and Sunday school, now serves as a storage space for unsold rummage sale items. Congregant Cindy Gust described the structure as “basically condemned,” noting the broken floor tiles and missing ceiling panels. Pastor Carolyn Albert Donovan acknowledged the building’s past contributions but emphasized the church’s commitment to moving forward with a new purpose.

The new facility will consist of four units, each with two bedrooms, designed specifically for families with children. This approach recognizes the unique challenges faced by families experiencing homelessness, including the need to maintain school attendance for children and job stability for parents. Unlike many transitional housing options that exclude men, the Peace Family Housing Project will allow fathers to stay with their families, offering a more inclusive solution.

The nonprofit Foundation for the Homeless will manage the facility, providing essential support to families facing barriers such as poor credit or lack of funds for a security deposit. Executive Director Monte Osburn highlighted the critical need for such services, noting that many families often sleep in their cars or tents while waiting for permanent housing. The Peace Family Housing Project aims to shorten this waiting period and reduce the trauma associated with homelessness.

The church hopes its initiative will inspire other faith communities to consider similar efforts. By repurposing unused space and partnering with local organizations, Peace Lutheran Church is demonstrating a commitment to practical neighbor-love and community service. This project reflects a call to action rooted in mercy and justice, aligning with the biblical theme of caring for the vulnerable.

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