Imagine waking up one morning not knowing where you would sleep that night. Imagine bundling your children in the back seat of your car, hoping you have enough blankets to keep them warm or breeze to keep them cool in our unpredictable weather. How could you feed your family, send your children to school or keep the family in clean clothing? What if there was no space in a shelter, or you were a single father who could not bring children to a shelter with him. Some of our neighbors face these challenges every day.
Five years ago, Peace Lutheran Church opened their hearts to God’s mission for them. They knew they could not solve the homelessness issues of Austin, but God assured them that they could help. Their resources were land to spare, a committed congregation, members with a variety of gifts and a strong faith in God’s calling to them.
Accepting God’s call in 2021, they began the long and tedious process of land evaluations, permits and architectural renderings, all while raising funds for this undertaking. Today, they have permits, an innovative design, some materials donated and 1 million dollars of the 1.4 million required to actually begin building.
The building will have four private units for families with 2 bedrooms, a bathroom and a kitchenette. Common areas will include 2 cooking areas with fridge and pantry space for each family. In addition, indoor and outdoor dining areas, an indoor playroom, and laundry services will be available.
Partnering with Austin Foundation for the Homeless, Peace will house 4 family groups at a time for 30-90 days until they can transition to more permanent housing. Resources and support will be provided in finding a home, managing a budget, accessing medical care and developing relationships while living in a comfortable, safe home.
Pastor Carolyn, Keith Byrd, and Jennie Cox from Peace shared their excitement with our Prime Timers group on April 16th. We think some of our congregation members will want to assist this project. You can do so by donating online at www.peaceaustin.org/housing; just click the green button labeled Give. You can donate by mail to Peace Lutheran Church, PO Box 171047, Austin, TX 78717-0039; please write Housing Project in the memo line of your check. You are also invited to attend a Sunday service and donate in the offering plates. If your employers offer matching funds or you know of someone looking for an opportunity to make a meaningful donation, share this with them. Right now, Peace has been offered a matching donation for any donation received. There will be other ways to help when the building is open; meanwhile perhaps God is also calling you to join the Peace Family Housing Project with your prayers and donations.