St. Louise House—originally called VinCare Services of Austin—was founded in Austin in 2000. St. Louise House is a grassroots organization inspired by the Vincentian model of service. The founders of Saint Louise House were a group of parishioners led by Sr. Sharon Groetsch, D.C. from St. Austin Catholic Church who were called out of the spirit of social justice to serve those in need. Feeling called to do more, St. Louise House surveyed Austin-area homeless service providers—nonprofits, government agencies and churches—to identify the greatest need in our community.
Because of the needs of the Austin community, St. Louise House is now redefining itself through expansion and collaboration with other non-profit organizations and volunteers in order to meet those needs. St. Louise House provides long-term supportive housing and will have the capacity to house 46 families in September 2010.
Saint Louise House believes in the power of women to transform their lives, their families and our community. Their licensed social workers and case managers partner with residents to reach their individual goals. In their apartment-style housing environment, families are embraced and encouraged to be a part of a supportive community as they work or attend school. St. Louise House collaborates with their families, partner organizations, donors and volunteers to serve the most vulnerable of our community in their greatest hour of need—and in the months and years that follow. St. Louise House seeks to meet the needs of residents through housing, case management, counseling, building skills, employment services, access to health care, education and child care resources.
St. Catherine of Siena is a financial sponsor of St. Louise House. Members of the Homeless Advocacy Committee participate in a monthly "Mom's Night Out" for the residents providing a community meal and child care, while the mothers meet with their case managers and attend education programs.
Video presentations and speakers are available to groups interested in learning more about St. Louise House. There are a variety of volunteer opportunities: In-kind Donations Volunteer, Apartment Set-up Volunteer, Volunteer Shopper, Capital Area Food Bank Volunteer, Birthday Cake Volunteer, Welcome Meal Volunteer, Administrative Office Volunteer, Program Office Volunteer, Childcare Volunteer, Facilities/Maintenance Volunteer, Meal Cook, Meal Server, and Utility Assistance Volunteer. For more information, please visit their website at http://saintlouisehouse.org/.