2021 Annual Report - ASWC offers resources for families to get back on their feet
By Payton Rothenberger, Communications Staff
Opened in 2004, The Austin Shelter for Women and Children (ASWC) is unique because it provides care exclusively for women and dependent children experiencing homelessness. “Our goal is to create a welcoming environment that really keeps women and children in mind,” said Shelter Director Anali Delgado. “We want our clients to feel safe, supported, and empowered to use the resources we provide to get themselves back on their feet.”
With comprehensive resources including case management, employment assistance, skills training, and on-site childcare, we can support these women in a way that ensures their experience with homelessness is brief and non-recurring.
In 2021, the shelter served 344 unduplicated women and children. Seventy-nine percent of families exiting ASWC moved to safe housing. One of these success stories includes Tina, a mom of three children, lost her home after a series of traumatic events. With nowhere else to turn, she brought her children to the ASWC where she was provided with the resources needed to secure a stable job and an apartment for her family. Through the help of The Salvation Army, Tina was taken from afraid and hopeless to independent and hopeful for her future. “I’m not sure what would have happened to us without The Salvation Army,” Tina said.