INSPIRATION
WRITTEN BY Bek Mitchell-Kidd
There are many factors contributing to homelessness including insufficient healthcare services , unemployment , and racial disparities . A lack of affordable housing options combined with stagnant wages leaves stable housing out of reach for many . We ’ re highlighting a few non-profit organizations in Austin that are true agents for change , and the best ways you can support them .
The Other Ones
The Other Ones Foundation ( TOOF ) was born out of a desire to find new approaches to serving Austin ’ s homeless community . TOOF took a deep dive interviewing in encampments , asking unhoused people what they felt was missing from the homelessness response system .
TOOF ’ s most common finding is that people feel directionless and disempowered to connect with their community during the day , while waiting to get into shelters or access other services . This gave way to the
Workforce First Program , which offers unhoused people an extremely low-barrier opportunity to get a day ’ s work .
The dignity and empowerment of working in a group setting and giving back to your community , complemented by income and case management , serves as a major stepping stone to getting our homeless friends on the path to a more fulfilling life .
TOOF also offers a
Mobile Hygiene Clinic , a fleet of shower trailers that drives around town delivering showers , toiletries , and lunches .
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Donate money or hygiene supplies , or consider volunteer opportunities with the organization .
Previous page , clockwise from top left : Volunteers for The Other Ones Foundation with a Mobile Hygiene Clinic shower trailer , photo courtesy of TOOF ; Artst Jefferson Bright painting in the Art From The Streets studio , photo by
Alicia Wells ; Joe Green , chef at Caritas of Austin ’ s Community Kitchen , photo by
Nich Perez .
SUMMER 2022 47