What we do
We are committed to serving the poor and breaking the cycle of poverty.
Glimmer | Austin has a deep desire and renewed focus on improving the lives of those impacted by the severe challenges of living in poverty.
Glimmer | Austin invests in local nonprofits that support those struggling with poverty, homelessness, and hunger. We are committed to empowering these organizations with resources and support to create lasting change. Our focus on education and skill training helps break the cycle of poverty by providing individuals with the tools for economic independence, fostering stronger, more resilient communities. Together with our partners, we are driving positive change and creating a brighter future for all.
Caring for those who suffer from poverty
Homelessness
Over 6000 people in Austin are homeless. They sleep on the streets – under bridges and in local parks and encampments. Some will find shelter overnight, on a short-term basis or in transitional housing. Many are long term chronically homeless – others have fallen into homelessness over the past few months. And it’s not just adults. An ever-growing number of children and youth fall into homelessness when they “age out” of the foster system or children’s shelters. And many children living in Austin are homeless, living with their families in their cars or sleeping on a couch, before going to school each day. Part of the solution is to provide permanent support of housing, by funding and build housing for the formally homeless. Equally, local motels are being rehabilitated for the homeless to live in. Affordable housing is also part of the solution, in addition to transitional housing on a temporary basis
Glimmer Austin has identified a small number of key major homeless nonprofits in Austin, and has been supporting them, including Community First Village, the Other Ones Foundation at Esperanza as well as the Sunrise Navigation Center these. These organizations provide permanent supportive housing, transitional housing and diversion programs along with other vital support services, including case management and health services.
Hunger
Hunger
Over 190,000 people in Austin and Travis County face food insecurity, uncertain where their next meal will come from. They rely heavily on food trucks, pantries, kitchens, and centers for free meals. This population largely consists of individuals living at or below the poverty line, including many children and families.It’s hard to imagine that in a city brimming with restaurants, supermarkets, and food trucks of every sort and variety, people are suffering from hunger just around the corner.
Glimmer|Austin has supported numerous local organizations such as Caritas of Austin, Central Texas Food Bank, Keep Austin Fed, Hungry Souls, Hope Austin, Sunrise Homeless Navigation Center, Meals on Wheels, and more.
These agencies work tirelessly to collect and distribute food, prepare and serve meals throughout the day in kitchens and pantries, and deliver meals to seniors at their homes. Keep Austin Fed is a prime example of how innovation and technology can be harnessed to redirect food “waste” from restaurants and supermarkets to those in need, effectively connecting surplus food with the hungry. For many, a meal at a food kitchen at lunchtime, a sandwich from a food truck, a few cans and packages from the pantry, or a bag of food to take to school or work might be their only meal of the day.
Shelters
Women & Children
When women are in crisis—whether due to domestic violence, financial hardship, or unsafe environments—their children are impacted too. Ensuring women have access to secure housing and support services is essential not just for their own well-being, but for the safety and stability of their children. Organizations like SAFE provide critical resources and protection for survivors and their families, while Saint Louise House offers long-term housing and comprehensive services that help women and their children heal, grow, and thrive. By creating safe, supportive spaces for women, we ensure that children have the security they need to feel protected, cared for, and free to simply be kids.
Addiction Recovery
Addiction Recovery
Addiction is a disease that strikes people from all walks of life in many forms. Most remain caught in the trap and devastation of addiction—many either die, go to prison, go broke, or end up homeless. Few escape addiction, and it affects all types of people, often destroying their lives and relationships. They end up losing their jobs, families, homes, and more.
In response to this pervasive issue, Glimmer Austin brought The Phoenix to Austin after it had successfully helped many people stay sober through its unique programming and activities. The Phoenix fosters a supportive, physically active community for individuals recovering from substance use disorders and those who choose to live sober. Additionally, we support Communities for Recovery, which provides a broad range of support services to help people maintain their sobriety.
Addiction Recovery
Skills, Jobs & Income
Skills development and access to meaningful job opportunities are key to breaking the cycle of poverty. By equipping individuals with practical tools, training, and support, programs focused on workforce readiness help people secure stable employment and generate sustainable income. Organizations like American YouthWorks connect young adults to in-demand careers through hands-on experience; JUST supports women entrepreneurs with capital and coaching to grow their own businesses; and Dress for Success helps individuals prepare for the workforce with professional attire and career support. These efforts foster economic mobility, strengthen families, and create a lasting impact across communities.
