Visiting HomeAid Austin
During my visit to Austin for the 2023 Conference on Ending Homelessness, I had the opportunity to meet with Lynne Williams, the Executive Director of HomeAid Austin. She kindly allowed me to shadow her and observe the life of an executive director. It was exciting for me to see her in action and reconnect with the mission in a different way than my usual work from behind the computer screen.
One of the day's highlights was attending a project meeting for Top Drawer Thrift, a store that supports Doug’s House, also known as Project Transitions. This facility provides assistance to people diagnosed with HIV who are also experiencing homelessness. Recently, Top Drawer Thrift had to relocate due to increased rent at the previous location. The new store is located on Airport Boulevard and requires construction and design attention before operations can resume. Unfortunately, the permit process is slower than expected, but everyone had a "can do" attitude.
During the meeting, each person had suggestions and questions such as "Can we take this down?", "Open this up?", "Paint this?" or "Install that?". Lynne's calm demeanor impressed me as she updated statuses, answered questions, and empathetically responded to concerns while educating everyone on standard processes. It was a great experience to see the dedication and passion of those working towards ending homelessness and supporting those in need, specifically those receiving hospice and support services at Doug’s House.
The next day, I met Lynne at the 2023 Brookfield Residential Benefit Home, which will be sold to raise funds for several organizations fighting homelessness, including HomeAid Austin. Although the house was still in the framing stage, it was exciting to see how things were starting to take shape in residential construction. It was heartening to know that this home would eventually provide a haven for a family in need. During the event, all the attendees gathered in front of the home to hear Tammy Schneider speak about the Brookfield and HomeAid partnership and their commitment to ending homelessness. Despite the many people and organizations involved, there seemed to be real clarity on each organization's role and what they were doing to end homelessness now and in the future. HomeAid partners with social service providers, GHBAs, developers, and others to make these housing solutions possible. I am grateful to be part of a community that takes the issue of homelessness seriously and works towards finding sustainable solutions.