ANNUAL REPORT
A Note from Our Leadership
Dear Friends, You’ve impacted the lives of our homeless neighbors over this past year! As challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic continued in 2021, along with the crisis of Winter Storm Uri, Austin Street’s dedicated team responded with “determination,” one of our core values and a guiding principle throughout our organization. As we faced down one crisis after the other, we found a way – we found a way together! While we met adversity head-on, we must also celebrate the wins and many successes achieved over this past year. Our successes are counted by the number of homeless neighbors served, as our team works to transform lives with innovative programs and individualized plans working to help our clients gain employment and most important, those helped in bringing an end to their homelessness. We are pleased to share that this past year, we served 1,489 unduplicated individuals, assisted 244 individuals in regaining employment and successfully helped 349 individuals end their homelessness. Despite the crisis faced, we remain steadfast in our promise to provide safe shelter and meet the basic needs of the most vulnerable homeless within our community. In the coming months, we will grow our capacity and expand our services with the move to our new home, the Austin Street Center for Community Engagement. This 60,000-squarefoot, master planned facility will serve as a 24/7 client-focused homeless shelter and day service center that will give our neighbors the resources they need to help each person find a permanent place to call home. Through all this, regardless of the crisis or circumstance, we weathered the storms together. We came together as a caring, compassionate community that overcame every obstacle that was placed in our path. I’m proud of our accomplishments in 2021 and grateful to have the support of friends like you.
Sincerely,
Daniel Roby
Nancy K. Best
Chief Executive Officer
Chairman
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Our Mission
Austin Street Center provides safe shelter and meets the basic needs of the most vulnerable homeless.
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Our Services Basic Needs Education & Employment Services Spiritual Support Medical Health & Respite Care Mental Health Care Substance Abuse Recovery Benefits Navigation Housing-Focused Case Management Homelessness Diversion Services Transportation Assistance
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2021 Financials
5%
6%
SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS
ADMINISTRATION
8%
FOUNDATIONS
12%
10%
FUNDRAISING
CORPORATIONS
17%
INDIVIDUALS
82%
26%
PROGRAMS
SPECIAL EVENTS
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EXPENSES
33%
REVENUE
GOVERNMENT GRANTS
Our 2021 Impact
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Winter Storm Uri
Winter
Storm
Uri
required
the
immediate
operated the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention
mobilization of Austin Street Center’s staff and
Center for inclement weather emergency shelter.
resources. Throughout the storm, Austin Street
This shelter provided warmth, food, and safe
Center not only provided shelter, and staffing for
shelter for 1,304 individuals from February 12th
the 250 clients at Austin Street’s main shelter but
through the 22nd. While providing service and
also worked in partnership with other nonprofits
support at three locations, the electrical grid at the
to procure 150 hotel rooms to house homeless
hotel failed, resulting in the relocation of all clients
individuals. In close coordination with the City
and consolidation of resources, further supporting
of Dallas, Austin Street Center, along with other
the convention center’s needs.
homeless service providers, also opened and
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Client Story
Rudy Rudy came to Austin Street depressed and grieving
hard time adjusting to shelter life. He would stay
the loss of multiple family members. Rudy stepped
for a short period of time and then leave shelter
up to raise his siblings after his parents died when
only to come back weeks later. Rudy grew tired of
he was 14 years old. Recently, he lost two of his
this instability and committed to sticking with his
siblings that he had raised as his children. “After
case manager, Maryssa, who started working with
they died I just gave up,” said Rudy. His finances and
him on finding employment to supplement his
mental stability began to spiral. “I even attempted
monthly disability income.
suicide.” Rudy was homeless for a year in Houston before he came to Dallas. “Houston just held too many bad memories for me. I had to leave,” said Rudy.
Rudy’s vulnerabilities made it extremely difficult for him to navigate homeless services and find housing on his own, and the longer he was homeless, the worse his physical condition became. Austin
After arriving in Dallas, Rudy stayed with friends
Street’s spiritual support and mental health
for a while before he ended up on the street. He
services helped him heal, while his case manager
also suffered a substance abuse relapse. After
worked with him to find the resources he needed to
being sober for 18 years, his resolve waned after
obtain permanent housing. Austin Street provided
the death of his siblings.
Rudy a safe refuge while he worked through his
Rudy eventually found Austin Street by researching
depression and maintained his sobriety.
homeless shelters on the internet. While he was
After ten months in the shelter, Rudy moved into
grateful to no longer be on the streets, he had a
his very own home.
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Program Spotlight
Xela Aroma As Social Enterprise concepts emerged over the
the company was generously gifted to Austin
past several decades, Austin Street Center’s team
Street Center.
dreamt of this business concept as an opportunity to diversify its revenue stream, while helping to drive transformative social change in Dallas. The launch of a social enterprise at Austin Street Center also has the propensity to provide employment for our clients. In turn, their employment helps each client regain their independence, and ultimately, on the path to resolving their homelessness.
maintains the pioneering spirit by which we were founded, offering the most luxurious hand-made candles, classic diffusers, room sprays and hand washes. With a commitment to source locally, our small team is hands-on from start to finish. Xela’s products are hand-poured, using natural fragrances and essential oils, in Dallas, Texas, by
This dream became a reality in October 2021, when
clients of Austin Street Center. These clients are
a long-term Trustee and avid supporter of Austin
among the most vulnerable homeless, and may
Street stunned the audience at our 21st Annual
have been victimized, traumatized, or suffer with
Humble Beginnings Luncheon, announcing that
mental illness.
he would be gifting a candle company to Austin Street Center.
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Today, Xela Aroma by Austin Street Center
With an aim to continually benefit Dallas’ most vulnerable homeless, this social enterprise helps
Founded by Dallas attorney and entrepreneur,
to create employment opportunities for our
Maryann Mihalopoulos in 2000, Xela Aroma was
homeless neighbors, to earn a livable wage, a key
a certified woman-owned and operated business,
step in their journey to finding a permanent place
first offering all-natural reed diffusers, growing
to call home.. In turn, we are altering the prevailing
to become a trusted home fragrance brand
socioeconomic
across the United States. In honoring Maryann’s
neighbors face, helping to end homelessness, one
entrepreneurial spirit and her legacy of service,
person at a time.
challenges
our
homeless
Client Story
Hannah Hannah
and
her
mother
were
thrust
into
Even though she has only been at Austin Street a
homelessness after having to flee from her
few months, The Sisterhood Program has had a
abusive step-father. Over the past few years, he
profound effect. Hannah was scared and nervous
has continued to stalk and threaten them. Bravely,
when she first arrived but the team helped her feel
Hannah is moving on and is determined to achieve
at ease. “I am learning lots of great life lessons in
her dreams. “The security here helps me to feel
the classes,” says Hannah. “I now know that it is
safe,” she says. “I feel stronger every day.”
ok to cry, but then you’ve got to get back up and
Hannah created a Vision Board containing a collage
move on.”
of images that depict her aspirations. She wants
After landing a new job, Hannah moved into a new
to go to school to study business and ultimately
home in August 2021.
become a make-up artist.
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Special Events For the fiscal year November 1, 2020-October 31, 2021
For event sponsorship information, contact Myrshem George, at Myrshem.George@austinstreet.org
$864,216
NORMATHON
NOVEMBER 30-DECEMBER 28, 2020
RAISED
The 20th Annual NORMATHON included three events spearheaded by Norm Hitzges, Texas Radio Hall of Fame sports member and long-time Austin Street advocate, with all proceeds benefitting Austin Street Center. The Annual Car Raffle featured three new vehicles from the Crest Auto Group. During the 12 Days of Christmas, one auction item was highlighted daily on the Norm and Donovan Show weekdays from December 9-24. NORMATHON concluded with a full day of broadcasting live on December 28th.
$79,861
NIGHT WITH NORM
DECEMBER 10, 2020
RAISED
The 15th Annual Night With Norm featured virtual conversations with Dallas sports greats Troy Aikman, Rick Carlisle, Bob Lilly, and Chris Woodward, hosted by radio legend Norm Hitzges, of Sportsradio 1310 The Ticket.
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NO PLACE LIKE HOME
DECEMBER 10, 2020
$224,400
RAISED
Austin Street Center’s Sixth Annual No Place Like Home included a casual cocktail party with delicious food and drinks. The event’s main attraction was the silent auction featuring incredible vacation homes, staycations, home goods and services, along with unique travel experiences.
NORTH TEXAS GIVING DAY
SEPTEMBER 23, 2021
$201,000
RAISED
North Texas Giving Day is an 18-hour online giving event hosted by Communities Foundation of Texas designed to garner support for North Texas area local nonprofits. North Texas Giving Day is the largest community-wide giving event in the nation.
HUMBLE BEGINNINGS
DECEMBER 25-26, 2019
$1,200,000
RAISED
The 21st Annual Humble Beginnings Luncheon focused on the theme “Come Together” and featured a conversation and performance by award-winning actress, singer and songwriter, Cynthia Erivo.
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The Austin Street Center for Community Engagement Our 30-year-old facility has served as a refuge to individuals experiencing homelessness in Dallas 24/7, 365 each year. The exhausted and failing HVAC, plumbing & sewer systems have had no break in operations for more than three decades. Our current shelter was created for use as a nightly emergency shelter for men only, with minimal day services. In the coming months, we will transition to a new 60,000 sq. ft. shelter and day service center, The Austin Street Center for Community Engagement.
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Current Facility
New Facility
28,000 sq. ft.
60,000 sq. ft.
Designed for men only, adjusted to accommodate women
Modernized, gender-specific accommodations
Limited, shared restrooms, shower spaces & laundry facilities
Larger, gender-specific restrooms, showers and laundry facilities
Lacks full-service commercial kitchen
Commercial kitchen with walk-in refrigerator
No dining room, clients eat at beds
Dedicated dining area
No gathering or classroom space
4,000 sq. ft. engagement center and separate classrooms
At capacity for both clients & staff
1,200 sq. ft. dedicated to increase in case management staff. 100% in case management and support staff.
400 clients served nightly
Nearly 500 with adequate distancing
No clinical or mental health care space
Dedicated Mental Health and Medical Clinic
9 bed Medical Respite space for men only.
More than 2,000 sq. ft. dedicated, gender-specific medical respite space (10 female beds, 18 male beds)
Computer lab with 10 computers
Larger computer lab with 26 computers
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Get Involved
Austin Street Center is dedicated to engaging our community as we care for our most vulnerable citizens. We welcome individuals and groups from churches, schools, businesses, and other civic organizations to help provide support for our homeless neighbors. A variety of volunteer opportunities are available throughout the year.
Prospective volunteers must attend an Austin Street Center Orientation Tour. For more information and to begin the registration process, visit austinstreet.org/volunteer.
Lead Volunteers Lead volunteers will be tasked with managing other volunteers, coordinating volunteer events, conducting tours, and acting as a liaison between
Austin Street welcomes professionals to help us
volunteers and Austin Street staff. Training will be
expand the resources available to our clients. You
provided. No experience necessary.
can teach subjects such as job readiness, financial
Meal Donation & Service Austin Street Center is dedicated to providing hot meals daily to our clients. This service opportunity is the best way to have a direct impact on the men and women that we serve daily. You can donate funds for catering, prep food off-site or serve food from our kitchen.
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Professional and Personal Development Classes
literacy and empowerment, and fundamental computer skills.
Donation Drives The needs of Austin Street Center’s clients are ever-changing. Hosting a donation drive is a great off-site volunteer (or virtual) opportunity that can provide a lasting impact on our clients. Please review our website and consult with us about our current needs before organizing your drive.
Clothing Room Volunteers in the clothing room organize existing donations, monitor inventory levels, and work directly with clients to ensure that they have the clothing they need.
Donation Sorting Austin Street receives a large amount of donations every week. Volunteers are needed to engage with donors as well as receive, sort, and clean incoming donations.
Welcome Center The Welcome Center is the hub of operations at Austin Street. Working in this fast-paced environment, volunteers perform administrative duties such as answering phones and interact directly with clients.
2021 Community Engagement
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Board of Trustees
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
Nancy K. Best SECRETARY
David M. Rosenberg TREASURER
Frank Mihalopoulos VICE PRESIDENTS
Megan E. Burkhart Michael Cleaver Joe R. Flores Nancy Ann Hunt Chris Kleinert William M. Lee Jay McAuley Carolyn L. Miller Michelle Thomas Rod Washington
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P.O. Box 710729 Dallas, Texas 75371 214.428.4242 austinstreet.org