The operation had become so large, fundraising Chair Hal Cromwell said, that it would overwhelm spaces where these kinds of meetings could typically be held, such as churches or community centers.
“In our prior location, we were busting at the seams,” Cromwell said.
YHF is one of at least three nonprofits in Williamson County expanding in an effort to better serve the community.
Two-minute impact
In addition to Yellow House Foundation, Hope House and Hope Alliance—which are organizations that provide homes for severely disabled people, and provide shelter and resources for victims of domestic or sexual violence, respectively—are expanding to meet the needs of the community.
Erland Schulze, development director with Hope House, said the nonprofit is in the process of building three new houses, which will serve as permanent homes for children and adults with mental and physical disabilities. The organization provides 24/7 care, including feeding, clothing and various therapies.
“There just are not enough places like us to take care of the demand,” Schulze said.
He noted that it can take up to 10 years to find a place like Hope House to take care of disabled children, and he said the organization does not maintain a wait list because people stay so long with them.
Currently operating out of three locations, Hope Alliance will consolidate services into one larger location, which is in the construction process.
Hope Alliance, which serves victims of domestic or sexual violence, provided face-to-face services for around 1,400 people in 2023 and fielded about three times that number in requests for help through its hotline or online chat. Of those, around 280 people spent time in the group’s emergency shelter.
“The need for nonprofit organizations that provide support and services has never been more critical. These organizations not only help individuals and families overcome challenges, but they also strengthen the fabric of our community,” said Katie Amsler, Liberty Hill director of community engagement and communications.
The details
Construction on each of these projects is expected to wrap up by the end of next year.
Hope Alliance will consolidate its counseling, shelter, food and legal services to one location, CEO Richard Brown said.
Hope House expects to finish Joe’s House, which will house older kids and adults, and increase capacity for the nonprofit by eight people, in the coming months. The organization is also building two duplexes next to Rose’s House, the organization’s original house, to provide better living conditions for residents.
At around 6,175 square feet, Cromwell said Yellow House Foundation’s new location is nearly twice the size of the facility the group has been operating out of. The building will provide a large meeting space and have meeting rooms available for organizations to rent, Cromwell said.
Current situation
Most of the projects have been years in the making, and have faced delays due to permitting issues and increased construction costs after the pandemic. All three nonprofits are still working to raise the money needed to finish their work.
“We can only grow as much as people support us,” Schulze said.
He noted that about 80% of Hope House’s operations are funded by fees from the state, but he said it relies on donations and grants to fund the difference as well as its expansion projects.
Cromwell said he worries people will see the new building and think YHF has all the funding it needs—which isn’t the case, he said, calling their need for donations and funding “critical.”
Williamson County also provided support for each of the three nonprofits. Since 2020, Hope Alliance has received over $2.3 million through a range of sources, including juror donations, and district attorney and sheriff’s asset forfeiture donations. Hope House received $1,450 in clothing allowances for foster children, and YHF received $301,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds.
Williamson County Commissioner Valerie Covey said nonprofits help round out needed services in a community.
“Nonprofits that provide sheltering services and substance abuse services can help reduce county costs in areas that are core responsibilities,” she said.
Supporting the projects
- Hope Alliance
- New facility cost: $22.3 million
- Raised: $9.3 million
- Hope House
- New facilities (3) cost: roughly $1.1 million
- Raised: roughly half will be donated from local contractors and suppliers
- Yellow House Foundation
- New facility cost: $2.7 million
- Raised: $1.5 million
These three nonprofits aren’t the only ones in the Cedar Park, Leander and Liberty Hill area with expansion efforts underway.
Texas Humane Heroes is in the process of opening a new building at their current location to expand its services, including its low-cost spay and neuter program.
Agape Women’s Clinic, which offers assistance to women facing unexpected pregnancies through ultrasounds and early tests, is adding a second clinic in Cedar Park later this year.
Other organizations are increasing their offerings. Operation Liberty Hill is adding to its educational services, including money management programming. Similarly, Reset Mentoring is expanding its advanced life skills classes on cooking and finances.
For more information on area nonprofits and opportunities to get involved, see Community Impact's Volunteer Guide.
