For more than half a century, Hope House has provided a home and community in Central Texas for children and adults with what the organization describes as “profound disabilities”—people who need around-the-clock care. Now, the organization is expanding with a new campus in Liberty Hill that will provide a lifelong home for up to 80 disabled adults.
The backstory
In 1966, a German immigrant named Rose McGarrigle began caring for disabled children out of her Austin home, Community Engagement Director Adam Stone said. Ten years later, with the support of local churches, friends and charitable foundations, she established the first official Hope House near Liberty Hill.
Decades later, Hope House continues to care for disabled children and adults. As the organization has grown, so has the number of people who need care, with the facility having reached its capacity. Hope House is home to 35 adults who grew up there, as well as 16 foster children who will have no home once they age out of the foster system, Stone said. The organization’s waiting list stretches 10-12 years, he explained, noting that’s why Hope House is expanding.
What’s next
With the help of donors, Hope House purchased a 54-acre property that will be the site of a set of new homes that will eventually house up to 80 disabled adults, Stone said. Hope House broke ground on the new site in September.
“The idea behind all of this is pretty simple,” he said. “Sixteen kids at Hope House are growing up without a permanent adult home waiting for them. We want to change that.”
The new campus will consist of 10 small, family-style homes, each complete with a kitchen, a dining room, bedrooms, a living room and more, all centered around a large community center with space for group activities, vocational opportunities, therapy and caregiver training.
Hope House provides people with not just a place to stay, but a place to belong, Executive Director Dave Gould said. He said it’s important that its residents have both individual bedrooms and opportunities to socialize.
“The people we serve don’t need to be simply somewhere for the rest of their lives,” Gould said. “They need a life.”
Why it matters
The home that Hope House provides wouldn’t be possible without the help of countless volunteers and donors over the years, or the staff who take care of its residents day in and day out, Gould said.
“Hope House has always been something that people have built together,” he said. “For 60 years, caregivers have shown up on Christmas morning, two o’clock in the morning, on really good days and on the really bad days.”
He said the work is all aimed at ensuring every resident has a place to live out the rest of their lives and a community to call home.
“When our kids come to us, I make them a promise—we're committed to their forever future,” Gould said. “We're committed to building a community where they'll be known, connected and needed. We'll honor who they are as whole people.”
Get involved
Hope House launched a fund called the “Community Chest” at its September groundbreaking. The goal of that fund is to raise $35,000 before the nonprofit’s annual fundraising gala, and every gift of $100 or more will be recognized on a Community Chest Wall inside the new community center, Stone said.
The fundraising gala, HopeOpoly, will take place Oct. 24 at Haute Spot in Cedar Park. Tickets are on sale now, and there are opportunities for people or businesses to sponsor or donate auction items, he said.
The organization also offers a variety of opportunities to volunteer, including working on home improvement projects, participating in activities with residents and serving as an ambassador to raise awareness or funds for Hope House. People interested in volunteering can sign up on Hope House’s website.
