AUSTIN, TX — Austin-based foundation Glimmer|Austin is providing emergency funding to local non-profits serving the homeless, hungry and elderly, officials announced on Wednesday.
“In these times the need is greater than ever. We are working with local partners to provide hope and help to those without food, sanitation and shelter,” Philip Berber, Founder of Glimmer|Austin, said in a prepared statement. “We are also concerned about the isolation and lack of support our seniors are facing.”
In the best of times, officials noted, some 150,000 people in Austin are food insecure. The specter of COVID-19 has caused that number to rise dramatically, officials added. Homeless people are particularly exposed at these times as many of the support services have been severely restricted, and the shelters face increased challenges in their operation and safety, Berber added.
Initially, Glimmer|Austin is supporting 12 local non-profits who run homeless shelters for women, children and the youth — as well as food programs for the homeless and foster children. “The homeless shelters are asking for sanitation supplies, such as wipes, sprays, and cleaners – while the homeless and shelters also need for food, tents and blankets” Berber detailed.
The mix of local organizations being supported includes both some of the larger more established players — such as Caritas, Lifeworks, Mobile Loaves and Boys and Girls Club — as well as a number of lesser known smaller ones including Street Youth Ministry, The Other Ones Foundation and Lighter Loads ATX. The list of organizations supported is shown on Glimmer|Austin’s website.
“We invite others to come alongside us in our support of these organizations and others.” Berber said, while acknowledging that many can’t afford to give right now. Given such exigencies, Berber noted the need for volunteers: “Most of us have more time on our hands which allows us to volunteer” he said. “These organizations need our help as they are serving some of the most vulnerable in our community”. Food deliveries and drop offs are a prime example of how people can offer themselves and get engaged.
Glimmer|Austin invests in nonprofits and organizations that address homelessness and poverty in the greater Austin community. Since 2003, Glimmer|Austin has granted over $8 million to over 170 Austin-based non-profits and partners. The foundation is part of A Glimmer of Hope, founded in 2000 by Donna and Philip Berber to transform the lives of rural Ethiopian families through income growth, good health and continuous access to education.