Our Mission
SAWA is a volunteer educational and fundraising arm of The Salvation Army Greater Austin Area Command.
The Rathgeber Center for Families opened in February 2020 and is the largest facility of its kind in Central Texas because it allows dads, moms, and guardians to stay with their children while 100 percent of households are case managed. Our services help families move from homelessness to stable housing, confidence, and self-sufficiency. Phase I serves as a case-managed shelter program with 120 beds in 42 private rooms; the average family stay is 90-120 days. Phase II has 23 extended-stay suites where families with higher barriers can stay, find success, and eventually move into permanent housing.
Our comprehensive approach proves effective.
Last fiscal year 85% of families exiting Rathgeber successfully moved to safe housing.
SAWA initiatives enrich the lives of families at the Rathgeber Center by meeting them at their point of need through fundraisers and programs like Angel Tree, Easter-Basket making and more. SAW Members have a good time, work hard together, and live by the mission of “Doing the Most Good”.
SAWA IS CHANGING Austin ONE LIFE AT A TIME
These are examples of life transforming stories that are possible thanks to the service & grant support from the SAWA.