Peace Lutheran Church Transforms Worn Building into Transitional Housing for Homeless Families

Peace Lutheran Church is transforming an old building on its property into a transitional housing facility for families experiencing homelessness. The church plans to demolish the building next year and replace it with the Peace Family Housing Project, which will help up to 24 families each year find stability.

The Church recognizes the building’s past use for preschool and Sunday school but acknowledges its current state of disrepair. Pastor Carolyn Albert Donovan emphasizes the importance of the new project, which aims to quickly support families who have recently lost their housing, reducing their trauma while keeping kids in their schools and parents at their jobs.

The facility will consist of four units, each with two bedrooms, allowing families to stay together during their transition. Unlike other transitional housing programs, this project will accommodate fathers and husbands, ensuring entire families can remain united.

The nonprofit Foundation for the Homeless will manage the project. It aims to provide immediate housing for families while they wait for permanent apartments, potentially housing six to eight families at once.

Peace Lutheran Church has garnered support from other congregations and has raised over half of its $1.25 million goal. Contributions include a $500,000 grant from Lord of Life Lutheran Church and $10,000 from Christ the King Lutheran Church.

What are the main goals of the Peace Family Housing Project?

Title: An Interview with Pastor Carolyn Albert Donovan on the Peace Family Housing Project

News Directory 3: Thank you for joining us, Pastor Donovan. Can you share with us the inspiration behind the Peace Family Housing Project?

Pastor Carolyn Albert Donovan: Thank you for having me. The inspiration for the Peace Family Housing Project comes from our deep commitment to service and support for our community. We recognized the urgent need for transitional housing for families facing homelessness in our area. It’s heartbreaking to see families, especially children, experiencing trauma from housing instability. We wanted to create a safe space where families can stay together and receive the support they need during this difficult time.

News Directory 3: It’s great to see that emphasis on family unity. Could you elaborate on how the new facility differs from other transitional housing programs?

Pastor Carolyn Albert Donovan: Absolutely. One of the key differences is our focus on keeping families intact. The facility will consist of four units, each equipped with two bedrooms, which allows families—fathers and husbands included—to remain together. This is crucial for maintaining stability and providing emotional support during their transition. Most transitional housing programs don’t accommodate entire families, which can lead to added stress and complications for those already facing challenges.

News Directory 3: You mentioned that the project will be managed by the Foundation for the Homeless. How do you envision their role in this initiative?

Pastor Carolyn Albert Donovan: The Foundation for the Homeless has a remarkable track record in providing supportive services to families experiencing homelessness. Their expertise will be invaluable in managing the day-to-day operations of the facility, connecting families with necessary resources, and ensuring that their transition from our housing project to permanent apartments is as smooth as possible.

News Directory 3: It’s impressive to see community support behind this initiative. Can you tell us about the fundraising efforts and how the community has rallied around this cause?

Pastor Carolyn Albert Donovan: We have been truly blessed by the support from our community and fellow congregations. So far, we’ve raised over half of our $1.25 million goal, thanks to generous contributions like a $500,000 grant from Lord of Life Lutheran Church and significant donations from Christ the King Lutheran Church. This support highlights the collective desire to tackle the issue of homelessness and shows that when we work together, we can create meaningful change.

News Directory 3: Former City Council Member Jimmy Flannigan spoke about the importance of replicable models in combating homelessness. What are your thoughts on that?

Pastor Carolyn Albert Donovan: I wholeheartedly agree with Mr. Flannigan. This project exemplifies how faith communities can leverage their resources to develop practical solutions to homelessness. If other churches in Austin and beyond follow suit, we could significantly expand transitional housing options for families. There are over 700 faith communities in Austin; even a small fraction of them taking action could have a tremendous impact.

News Directory 3: And what message do you hope to convey to other faith communities and individuals about this project?

Pastor Carolyn Albert Donovan: My hope is that this project inspires others to see what is possible. There is a great need in our communities, and I believe that together, we can rise to the occasion. Everyone can contribute, whether through donations, volunteering time, or simply raising awareness about the challenges families face. It is crucial that we come together to support those in our midst who are struggling.

News Directory 3: Thank you for your time, Pastor Donovan. For those interested in supporting the Peace Family Housing Project, where can they find more information?

Pastor Carolyn Albert Donovan: They can visit our website at peaceaustin.org/housing for more details on the project and how they can help. Thank you for shining a spotlight on this essential initiative!

News Directory 3: Thank you again, Pastor Donovan, for sharing your insights on this impactful project. We look forward to seeing its progress.

This initiative represents a shift towards smaller, community-based solutions to homelessness. Former Austin City Council Member Jimmy Flannigan underscores the need for easily replicable models, highlighting that many faith communities have the resources to make a difference.

Pastor Donovan hopes the project encourages other churches to take similar actions. With over 700 faith communities in Austin, even a fraction could significantly increase transitional housing availability in the city.

Katie Van Gulick, a member of the church, reflects on the transformation, noting that the new building will provide a safe space for families in need. For more information or to support the Peace Family Housing Project, visit peaceaustin.org/housing.