A U S T I N S T R E E T
C E N T E R 2 0 2 3
A N N U A L
R E P O R T
A NOTE FROM OUR LEADERSHIP
Our organization is grateful to share that throughout fiscal year 2023, we served our clients holistically and more comprehensively than ever before. As our new Austin Street Center for Community Engagement has been up and running for over a year, our capacity greatly expanded. Austin Street increased its number of beds, served more annual meals, routinely offered innovative medical and mental health services, and provided almost twice the amount of case management services sessions in 2023 than the year before.
In addition to addressing the immediate shelter needs of our clients, our team worked tirelessly to adopt integrated housing solutions that provide our guests with a process to exit Austin Street and enter a home. We are also proud to highlight that our rapid re-housing program is one of the largest in Texas, removing the existing barriers to permanent housing and providing rent assistance, housing location services, tenant education, and goal-setting support.
Although it was a year of growth, we must remember that our 40 years of work in the community are far from over. Data shows that a $100 increase in median rent around the country is associated with a 9% increase in homelessness in Dallas. The lack of affordable housing continues to be a major driver of homelessness with rent prices in North Texas much higher than they were pre-pandemic.
According to a local homelessness count, the number of unsheltered individuals remained about the same in 2022 and 2023 despite Austin Street housing about 25% more clients than last year and serving 2,399 individuals.
Thankfully, help is on the horizon. In February 2023, it was announced that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) would invest in Dallas and Collin County outreach and diversion programs to address homelessness. There are also strategic partners such as local forprofit organizations and donors in our community who are providing Austin Street with the critical support needed to meet the daily challenges and necessities that our organization faces, and our work cannot be sustained without their help.
As we reminisce on the wins and ruminate on the opportunities in the subsequent pages outlining 2023, we invite you to join us in transforming the lives of our homeless neighbors. Whether that be making time to prepare a meal for our clients, handing out hygiene kits at our entrance, attending our staple No Place Like Home or Humble Beginnings events, or simply resharing Austin Street Center stories on social media, we welcome you to walk alongside us as we restore hope to our homeless neighbors.
Sincerely,
Daniel Roby Chief Executive Officer
Frank Mihalopoulos Chairman of the Board
Daniel Roby Chief Executive Officer
Frank Mihalopoulos Chairman of the Board
OUR SERVICES
Basic Needs Employment Services
Spiritual Support Medical Health & Respite Care
Mental Health Care Substance Use Treatment
Benefits Navigation Transportation Assistance
Housing-Focused Case Management
Homelessness Diversion Services
MISSION
Austin Street Center provides safe shelter and meets the basic needs of the most vulnerable homeless.
VISION
Beyond meeting basic needs, Austin Street is committed to helping our clients regain their independence and find a permanent place to call home. No matter how they got here, we focus on a caring, customized, collaborative approach that involves a variety of services and special programs to remove barriers to permanent housing.
Year: 11/1/22 - 10/31/23
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHT
AUSTIN STREET CENTER EDUCATION & EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM
Our organization offers holistic wraparound services and resources that focus on improving our clients’ mental health, physical health, and financial well-being.
As our clients work to end their homeless experience with the outcome of stable housing, access to income is critical. Last year, our education and employment program assisted 415 clients with job placements. Austin Street achieved this result through monthly job fairs, providing clients access to a 20-unit computer lab and offering several skill-building classes and training opportunities.
Shelter resident Mark N. has lived at Austin Street since October 2023 and has leaned on our employment resources to get himself back into the workforce. Mark suffered a stroke that landed him in the hospital for months. “It didn’t take me long to lose everything,” he shared. His medical crisis led to the demise of his relationship, the inability to return to his former job, and nowhere to go after his long hospital stay. He heard about Austin Street Center on TV but never thought he would have to reside in a shelter as he had previously lived a comfortable life and held a stable career until his health crisis. Once he arrived at the shelter, he quickly leaned on case managers for job connections, and they helped him obtain his Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission & Food Handler’s certifications which allowed him to gain employment within sporting event concessions. Through a connection at his concessions role, he then began working a second job managing a group home and was able to save several thousand dollars.
With the help of his case managers, he is now in the process of transitioning to an apartment and is confident that he’ll be able to sustain himself once he leaves the shelter. “All I needed was a little help,” Mark shared, adding that the Austin Street staff has been great, and he’s had confidence in their employment advice since the beginning. Other shelter clients have noted his success and have turned to him for motivation, and he enjoys being seen as a leader. Mark feels that this whole experience has been humbling, and he now has a different outlook on homelessness. With the end of his Austin Street days on the horizon, he plans to spread positivity to those entering the shelter and give back in any
“If you’re really trying to start over, Austin Street can help you do that.”
Mark N., Client
22,740
Case Management Sessions
2,399 Served
551 Housed
415 Job Placements
"We know the one thing that ends homelessness is housing, and I am proud that our team really gets it."
Dustin Perkins, Senior Director of Client Solutions and Strategy
2023 INCLEMENT WEATHER
In fiscal year 2023, Austin Street Center’s emergency inclement weather shelter was open for a total of 18 days stretching across six months. With help from the City of Dallas’ Office of Homeless Solutions, OurCalling, and a variety of local nonprofit partners, we were able to intake 1,001 individuals who would’ve otherwise had nowhere to turn during the sub-freezing winter and dangerously hot summer temperatures.
As the inclement weather shelter coordinator for Dallas, Austin Street also served our emergency shelter clients by shuttling individuals to one of the three shelters throughout the city, providing three nutritious meals a day, and offering access to showers, clothing, blankets, personal hygiene items, and medical care.
As the scorching summer temperatures and the unpredictable cold snaps of the winter approach, we remind our supporters that we accept donations for blankets, jackets, pants, and personal hygiene items year-round so that we are quickly prepared to serve our community during uncertain weather events.
“Some days I have so many blessings, I don’t know what to do with them all.”
Misty R., Client
CLIENT STORY SISTERHOOD PROGRAM
Before acceptance into Austin Street Center’s Sisterhood program, Misty described her life as dark, sad, and fueled by drug addiction. When she committed to turning a new leaf, she found herself in the parking lot of the Sisterhood building and was anxiously praying due to past negative shelter experiences, but when Misty walked through the front doors, she said, “I saw angels and knew God sent me here.”
Today Misty has been living at Sisterhood for about a year and has experienced immense personal growth during her stay. She’s leaned on the welcoming Austin Street team members and soul-cleansing offerings such as morning meditations and spiritual walks. Misty has also taken advantage of the built-in financial literacy program and has saved enough for a future outside of Austin Street. In the past, she wasn’t equipped to properly handle her finances and relied on men or family members for support, but through the Sisterhood savings program, she is now in the process of moving into her own apartment and feels prepared to re-enter a life of independence. Once Misty exits Sisterhood, she plans to be active in their aftercare program and wants to motivate incoming Sisterhood clients by sharing her story and reminding newcomers that there is always light at the end of the tunnel. “They’ve built structure for me,” Misty shared. She is grateful for the life skills that Sisterhood has taught her and has long-term goals of owning property, enjoying life, and helping others overcome their addictions.
SPECIAL EVENTS
$460,875 RAISED
$93,175 RAISED
The 22nd Annual Normathon included three events led by Texas Radio Hall of Fame member Norm Hitzges, with all proceeds benefitting Austin Street Center. The Annual Car Raffle featured three new vehicles from the Crest Auto Group, and during the 12 Days of Christmas from December 10-27, one auction item was highlighted daily on the Norm and Donovan weekday show. The event concluded with a full day of live broadcasting on December 27.
The 16th Annual Night with Norm event featured new board member and radio mogul Norm Hitzges of Sportsradio’s 1310 The Ticket. The evening featured a “Roast & Toast” of Hitzges and highlighted his long-standing support and commitment to Austin Street Center.
$156,378 RAISED $179,485 RAISED
Austin Street Center’s 8th Annual No Place Like Home event took place at Klyde Warren Park and featured a garden cocktail party with dancing, music, and light bites prepared by a local chef. With the stunning Downtown Dallas skyline as the backdrop, guests enjoyed an extravagant silent auction featuring luxurious vacation homes, upscale staycations, and unique local experiences.
$981,960
Communities Foundation of Texas’ North Texas Giving Day is the largest community-wide giving event in the nation and 2023 was its 15th anniversary. North Texas Giving Day helps build awareness and support for local nonprofits and has strengthened the philanthropic culture in the community.
The 23rd Annual Humble Beginnings Luncheon kicked off Austin Street Center’s 40th anniversary celebration. The theme was Opening the Door to Hope, Healing, and Home and featured the 66th Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice. We also recognized the contributions of board member, Nancy K. Best and Southern Methodist University for their service in the community.
INTRODUCING AUSTIN STREET HOME
Our organization is excited to share that our social enterprise formerly known as Xela Aroma and gifted by the late Maryann Mihalopoulos is now branded as Austin Street Home.
This rebrand ensures that our luxurious hand-made candles, classic diffusers, room sprays, and hand-washes highlight the connection to Austin Street Center and bring community awareness to our mission of providing safe shelter and basic needs for the most vulnerable homeless.
Scan the QR code to discover our new Austin Street Home website and support our shelter by purchasing any of our aromatic items.
VOLUNTEER AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Our organization relies on our community of selfless volunteers to help care for our clients during their greatest time of need.
We invite individuals and groups from corporations, churches, civic organizations, and families to assist us with a variety of volunteer opportunities that support our homeless neighbors and make an impactful and lasting difference.
Community Engagement Statistics
Total # of volunteers
Total volunteer hours
Total value of volunteer hours
12,977
17,184
$546,451
To learn about ways you can serve our community, scan the QR code or visit austinstreet.org/volunteer
CORPORATE HIGHLIGHT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES
Austin Street Center is able to provide for our most vulnerable neighbors thanks to a multitude of partnerships throughout the North Texas community.
This year, we recognize Southwest Airlines for their unwavering support which allows our shelter to thrive and transform lives for our homeless neighbors. In 2023, Southwest Airlines employees completed 390 volunteer hours and have already planned several service opportunities for 2024. In addition to their onsite volunteering efforts, they have brought awareness to Austin Street’s mission outside of our four walls and asked attendees of an upcoming conference to bring personal hygiene items which they will then pack and donate to our organization. They also involved team members outside of the metroplex during one of their 2023 visits, during which 71 Southwest employees from all over the country collectively gave 142 hours of their time to Austin Street Center.
Thank you, Southwest Airlines, for walking alongside us as we work together to restore hope for those experiencing homelessness.
AUSTIN STREET CENTER BOARD
OF TRUSTEES
Frank Mihalopoulos Chairman
Chris Kleinert Vice Chair
David M. Rosenberg Secretary Rod Washington Treasurer
Nancy K. Best Vice President
Megan D. Burkhart Vice President
Nancy Ann Hunt Vice President
William M. Lee Vice President
Jay McAuley Vice President
Michael Cleaver Vice President
Carolyn L. Miller Vice President
Michelle Thomas Vice President
Norm Hitzges Vice President
Hon. Jeanne L. Phillips Vice President