Collective Lens: Photography for Social Change

Why is this child happy? She isn't living on the streets anymore.

According to the Austin/Travis County Ending Community Homelessness Coalition there are more than 500 homeless families in Austin and 90% of those are headed up by single mothers. Most of these women have a limited education and have suffered some form of abuse.

This child and her mother were assisted by St. Louise House an organization that provides assistance to homeless women and their children. In just over ten years they have helped over 100 families get into their own apartment within a complex owned and operated by the organization.

Helping these women get on their feet and build a life that allows them to provide for their family is the main goal of St. Louise House. In addition to a roof over their head these families have access to counseling services, workshops that focus on life skills and a support system made up of other women who have faced homelessness themselves.

In order to qualify for one of the apartments run by St. Louise House an applicant must demonstrate that they have an income, have custody of their children, and can turn the electricity on in their own name. The ability to pay rent is required and that amount is based on their income.

St. Louise House has a proven track record with 90% of their residents leaving them with the skills and confidence to make it on their own. Read over their Success Stories to see for yourself what kind of women walk out of their doors.