February 13, 2022

The number of applications for rental assistance skyrocketed since December. Thank you to everyone who gave to our Persons in Need (PIN) collection last weekend. That generosity is split between our Outreach and St. Vincent de Paul ministries. Here's a little story of how your generosity surprised a family over the holidays:

In early December, Outreach spoke with “Claire,” a mom of three teenage boys. Back in early 2020, she depleted all of her savings on funeral expenses for a close relative who was murdered. Claire’s hours at the non-profit where she works were cut due to the pandemic, she also lost three weeks of work when she fell ill with COVID.

Claire, forced to choose between paying her rent or utilities, compared her situation to “robbing Peter to pay Paul.” We couldn’t help her with her Austin Energy bill that day because she'd already received the annual limit in assistance from Austin Energy’s Plus 1 program. We told her we would reach out to her when she became eligible again in early January. At that time, she qualified for only a small amount through Austin Energy’s Plus 1 program. Facing her great need, we used PIN collection funds to help keep her lights on.

When we called with the good news, she cried happy tears at our generosity. Our assistance not only prevented disconnection of her utilities, but as we learned of her plight in December, we were able to enroll her in our Christmas Basket Project. The gifts that brought Christmas joy to her family brought them hope, as well and our help with her utility bill brought water, warmth, and light!

Every gift you make to our Persons In Need (PIN) Collection has a direct impact in our community. People often say "I wish I could do more." Here's the thing, your gift, is magnified as it joins with the giving of the rest our community. Together we make a difference - it's the miracle of the loaves and fishes - your little bit combined with the next person's little bit builds into abundance. We are grateful for every little bit.

Learn more about the great work your giving supports. Celebrate our Outreach to Persons in Need ministry!

Read Our Outreach Report

Early Voting Opens February 14

Are you ready to vote? Early Voting starts on Monday for the Joint Primary Election. Practice faithful citizenship by casting your vote! Learn more about what's on the ballot in your county and more at 

On Voting