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ALLEVIATING POVERTY AND CARING FOR THOSE WHO STRUGGLE

Over 140,000 people in Austin and Travis County live below the poverty line.

Over 180,000 are food insecure.

Over 6000 people are homeless.

Glimmer | Austin works with, partners and invests in local non-profits and service organizations that care for those who struggle from poverty, homelessness, hunger and addiction.

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.

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Hunger

Over 180,000 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.

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Children

Hungry children. Homeless children. Children who don’t know where their next meal will come from. Children who do not have a home to live in, living amongst homeless families.

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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.

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Education and Skills Training

Education and skills training break the cycle of poverty by empowering individuals with the knowledge and capabilities needed to secure stable, well-paying jobs.

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Glimmer|Austin Commits $1 Million Annually to Combat Homelessness in Austin

AUSTIN, TX – April 30, 2025 – Glimmer|Austin, a local family foundation, has committed $1 million annually to support efforts to end homelessness in Austin. Following a $1 million investment in 2024, the foundation will continue to provide this level of funding each year to accelerate solutions through strategic partnerships with leading nonprofits.
This significant investment supports innovative and proven approaches to addressing homelessness across Austin. In 2024, Glimmer|Austin directed funding to three key organizations: Sunrise Homeless Navigation Center, The Other Ones Foundation at Esperanza, and Community First! Village—alongside additional support for LifeWorks and several smaller local nonprofits.

Each organization plays a vital role in addressing different dimensions of homelessness, creating a coordinated and comprehensive response to the crisis.

Sunrise Homeless Navigation Center

Sunrise Homeless Navigation Center has seen exceptional results through its Wayfinder diversion program, which connects families to existing low-cost apartments. In the past year alone, Sunrise has housed more than 1,000 individuals, including over 100 in the last month—dramatically reducing the number of people living on Austin’s streets.

The Other Ones Foundation

The Other Ones Foundation is providing immediate relief through temporary housing at its Esperanza site, where 100 formerly homeless individuals currently reside in affordable micro-homes. With Phase 2 nearing completion, Esperanza will soon double its capacity, welcoming an additional 100 residents. The foundation also supports transitions into permanent supportive housing.

Community First! Village
Community First! Village, a national model for permanent supportive housing, currently houses 350 formerly homeless individuals. The community is poised for significant growth, with plans to serve more than 1,500 residents in the coming years.
LifeWorks

LifeWorks, another key partner, continues to focus on the growing number of unhoused youth in Austin, providing stable housing and essential services to support their path to independence

Glimmer|Austin is proud to collaborate with the City of Austin, Travis County, and fellow funders to amplify collective impact—filling critical funding gaps and focusing resources on the most urgent needs.

We are committed to working alongside our partners to create lasting change for Austin’s homeless population. Our continued investment in 2025 will build on this momentum, helping more individuals and families find a path to stability and hope.

Philip Berber, Founder of Glimmer|Austin.