Mission

• Caritas provides a service continuum for those experiencing poverty that begins with a safety net and links them to resources to achieve self-sufficiency.

Vision

• Caritas envisions a community where there is respect for all individuals, hope for those experiencing poverty and opportunities for self reliance.

History

• Caritas was founded in 1964 by Monsignor Richard McCabe as a safety net for the community's working poor.

• Caritas is an integral part of our community's human services network and Travis County's largest non-governmental source of assistance.

Client Population

• This year, over 20,000 Travis County adults and children will benefit from Caritas’ programs.

• Caritas serves the working poor, the unemployed, the homeless, the near-homeless and documented refugees.

Annual Budget

• 90% of the budget directly benefits clients in the fight against poverty, hunger and homelessness.

• Caritas receives support from individuals, businesses, foundations, organizations, the faith community and all levels of government.

Caritas helps in these ways:

Basic Needs Services

• Basic Needs Services Department helps people experiencing a financial crisis meet their most basic human needs.

• Caritas provides rent and utility assistance for those faced with losing their housing; hot meals to those who are hungry; take-home groceries for those struggling to feed their families; and food, shelter, clothing and support for newly arrived refugees.

• Learn & Earn needs to be changed to Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program(CEAP)

• Balanced Budget is now Best Single Source

Self-Sufficiency Services

• Self-Sufficiency Services Department builds the skills needed to move toward self-reliance.

• Caritas offers case management, life skills and ESL classes, assistance with budget planning and money management, employment readiness training and job placement.

Best Single Source Project

• Caritas serves as the fiscal and administrative agent for the Best Single Source Project, an innovative collaborative program developed by the Basic Needs Coalition of Central Texas.

• Best Single Source Project centralizes intake, links agencies electronically and simplifies families’ access to services among member nonprofit service providers.

"Caritas" is derived from the Latin word for love. In this spirit, Caritas of Austin has upheld the inherent dignity of each person seeking assistance since its inception in 1964.

To volunteer or make a tax-deductible contribution, call 512-646-1265.

Download a 2008 Caritas of Austin Fact Sheet