The Rathgeber Center for Families opened in February 2020 and is the largest facility of its kind in Central Texas because it allows dads, moms, and guardians to stay with their children while 100 percent of households are case managed.
Our services help families move from homelessness to stable housing, confidence, and self-sufficiency. Phase I serves as a case-managed shelter program with 120 beds in 42 private rooms; the average family stay is 90-120 days.
Phase II has 23 extended-stay suites where families with higher barriers can stay, find success, and eventually move into permanent housing.
At 100% capacity, the Rathgeber Center for Families provides:
- 77,380 bed nights
- 664 adults served annually
- 434 children served annually
- 200,000 meals served
Services and Amenities:
- Rapid rehousing programs
- Case management
- Private rooms and private bathrooms
- Employment assistance and skills training
- Outsourced childcare
- Child and family therapist
- Two computer learning centers
- Two teachers
- Free laundry facilities
- Full-service kitchen and dining room
- A children’s playground and sport court
- Community living rooms
FY2020
226 Unduplicated number of adults and children who enter shelter
13,136 Nights in shelter
88% of people transitioned to safe housing
The Rathgeber Challenge: With a $250,000 grant from John Paul DeJoria, founder of Paul Mitchell Systems and JP’s Peace, Love and Happiness Family Foundation, donations were doubled to help successfully reach a goal of funding 11,110 safe nights for families staying here.
Funding is vital in order to fully staff and run all necessary programs at this brand-new shelter. The Salvation Army continues their fundraising initiative for FY2021. Current Rathgeber Center for Families Press Release.
There are several opportunities for people to get involved: donate online by clicking the donate button below, or mail a check to The Salvation Army at 4700 Manor Rd, Austin, TX 78723.
Room sponsorships are available! To learn more, contact Development Director, Stacy Ehrlich, at Stacy.Ehrlich@uss.salvationarmy.org.
Photo Credit: Ryan Hanzel Photography
Lead Partner
Supporting Partners
Hannah Branscum McAnally
Inspired by our Christian mission, we offer the resources and support to lift up our neighbors in crisis. As the largest provider of emergency shelter in Central Texas, annually we serve more than 10,000 men, women, and children with shelter, addiction rehabilitation, clothing, meals, holiday support, and direct client assistance. We case manage hundreds from crisis to stability and self-sufficiency.