Dear Friends,

We are entering the holiday months that are centered around joy, family, and warmth, but we need to remind ourselves that not everyone is as lucky to experience this season in the same comforting way.

On any given night, almost 4,000 people experience homelessness in Dallas & Collin counties. Austin Street is doing all we can to bring awareness to our shelter and we are proud to share that through our programs and Connector bus, we provide service to 1 in every 4 individuals enrolled in the Dallas & Collin County Homeless Management Information System. We are also working to admit those who seek shelter at our doors and we're providing individualized care to each client so that we can help end their homelessness.

As you prepare for the busy holiday season, please do not forget about the most vulnerable in our communities and the many homeless that need your support, care, and encouragement. We invite you to share a smile by serving a meal to our clients or we welcome gently used items that will keep our residents warm as the winter temperatures approach.

Together, we can make a difference. Thank you in advance for all you do to keep spirits warm and bright at Austin Street Center.



Normathon

In partnership with the Crest Family of Dealerships, we are getting ready to kick off our 24th Annual Normathon event on Monday, December 2! This event will feature an exciting raffle of three new cars from the Crest Family of brands followed by the Twelve Days of Christmas, an auction offering wonderful items for bid each day.

Raffle tickets are $100 each and no more than 4,500 tickets will be sold. For more information surrounding this event and to purchase your chance to win on 12/2, click here.

GivingTuesday

December 3 is a global movement that inspires generosity around the world. At Austin Street Center, our clients rely on kindness, and a world without a good-hearted community is a dismal thought for our shelter:

• Without kindness, our vulnerable neighbors would not receive three meals a day from smiling volunteers.
• Without understanding, our donation room would be void of warm sweaters and cozy blankets.
• Without the spirit of giving, our shelter would not be able to increase the number of beds and serve all the individuals who seek refuge at our doors.

When the community collectively gives to those less fortunate, we all share in the joy of knowing that lives are being transformed. For those able to extend generosity to Austin Street on Tuesday, December 3, please select any of the buttons below.

Many individuals experience unforeseen layoffs, but have you ever faced homelessness due to job loss? Client Emmanuel, and others at Austin Street, unfortunately know this situation far too well.

Emmanuel initially moved to Dallas from Canada on a sponsored visa for an Information Systems job. He had a steady income and lived in an apartment when he was unexpectedly laid off after just four months. He luckily found a new contract position but faced a second layoff which left him unable to pay rent. He then leaned on a local church who recommended he visit Austin Street.

Emmanuel has now lived at our shelter since March 2024 and when asked about his experience he shared “It’s like a second home.” He’s grateful for the free food and accommodation, computer lab, and Connector bus, which he uses often to visit the library.

In positive news, Emmanuel has landed a job as a shipping agent in Plano. By staying at Austin Street, he’s saving money and is paying off debts from earlier this year. He would like to move in the near future but may return to Canada if he cannot find a job in his field. 

Austin Street Center is calling all individuals who are interested in volunteering! During the busy holiday months we have many group volunteer opportunities covered, but we're needing individuals to fill in duties by serving at areas such as our Guest Services or Welcome Desk.

Volunteers for these two roles must be 18 years or older to sign up. If you're able to assist, please email asc.volunteer@austinstreet.org to begin the process.