Sunday, July 19, 2020 - Good News for Persons in Need - St. Austin Catholic Parish

Our neighbors in need are still very stressed about paying their bills. Many say that St. Austin is the only place that has called them back when they reach out for help. Some have nearly lost all hope until we speak to them. As evictions loom with no relief in sight for many, the future looks incredibly bleak for so many of our neighbors. Amidst these difficult days, we wanted to share some Good News:

After several weeks apart, a family from another state was reunited with their mentally ill and presumed homeless brother through our contacts at the Homeless Outreach Street Team (HOST)!
Collaboration between SVDP and Outreach moved a parishioner from an abusive living situation to temporary housing. The parishioner will move into permanent housing this weekend!
Gabriel Project helped a mom experiencing homelessnes move into temporary housing, and they continue to journey with her towards a permanent home for her and her child.
SVDP helped a family find the resources to move from owing nearly $3,000 in rent to almost a $0 balance.
Outreach volunteers donated a computer to a woman so she can continue learning English for her citizenship exam.
A few sympathy cards were mailed to Outreach guests who lost loved ones recently.
SVDP helped a neighbor donate their freezer full of food to Micah 6.
More than 16 neighbors have been helped or received additional help with their Austin Energy bills due to referrals between SVDP, Outreach, and University Presbyterian Church's UPLift Plus 1 program.
Outreach was able to help an additional 13 households with their June rent due to continued support from UPLift while their rental assistance program is suspended.