Hays-Caldwell Women’s Center Empowers Survivors of Domestic Violence
Finding affordable housing in Central Texas can pose a significant challenge for many, even under the best of circumstances. For those escaping abusive situations—often with children—this difficulty becomes especially pronounced, particularly for those living in rural areas where affordable housing options can be scarce.
This is precisely what Hays-Caldwell Women’s Center (HCWC) seeks to address. Originally established in 1978, the center has evolved to provide comprehensive programs and services—primarily free of charge or low cost—to survivors of sexual and domestic violence.
In 2022, HCWC was awarded a two-year $45,000 grant from the Women’s Fund, a signature program of Austin Community Foundation. HCWC received their grant in the housing impact area, and used it to bolster their supportive housing program, Marla’s Place. As the grant period concludes, we had the opportunity to hear the impactful changes and empowering stories that have emerged from Marla’s Place over its past two years of operation.
Marla’s Place: A Community Feat from Start to Finish
As a first-of-its-kind project for HCWC, years of careful planning went into transforming Marla’s Place from concept to reality. Grassroots fundraising efforts began in 2016 and were met with overwhelmingly positive responses from the community. “We had 100% giving from our staff and Board of Directors,” shared Holly, Chief Development Officer at HCWC, who has been involved in Marla’s Place from the beginning. “We met with long-term supporters and donors, reached out to other foundations and city and county support… all were incredibly enthusiastic about being a part of it.”
Marla’s Place community room. Individuals shown are models, not actual clients.
Notably, a key decision was to forgo state and federal funding to avoid restrictions that could disqualify survivors with criminal records—often a result of their abusers’ actions and through no fault of their own. “We didn’t want that to prevent them from taking that step forward and seeking help,” Holly explained. If this was a project that HCWC would do, then they were committed to doing it right. After breaking ground in 2020 and navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, Marla’s Place officially welcomed its first residents in August 2022.
Since then, the center has flourished into what it is today: a safe haven for those in Hays and Caldwell counties, offering fully furnished apartments and empowering supportive services to 114 survivors—over 90% of whom identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC). In addition to the funding HCWC has received, the Central Texas community has generously stepped up to provide necessities such as clothes, cleaning supplies, and important services that clients are often unable to prioritize, like dental care. Lydia, Program Director of HCWC, shared excitedly that “one person even donated a car!”
Affordable Housing with a Purpose
In addition to essential living supplies, residents benefit from a variety of programs designed to build life skills and foster trust and relationships with staff, each other, and—perhaps most importantly—themselves. These programs include:
- An exceptional on-site child care and early education program provided by Community Action, Inc.—the very first of its kind on a US domestic violence campus
- Counseling and legal advocacy
- Educational classes such as financial health, writing workshops, and self-defense
- Community-building events like Back-to-School, Easter, and Mother’s Day
Holly described support from the Women’s Fund as the first programmatic grant received for Marla’s Place, marking a significant milestone focusing on direct impact rather than construction. “We were determined to tailor something unique for our clients, and funding from the Women’s Fund really was that catalyst to being able to provide that next-level support,” she elaborated.
Marla’s Place basketball court. Individuals shown are models, not clients.
The impact of Marla’s Place extends beyond direct aid. By meeting individuals where they are and providing a safe environment for personal and familial rebuilding, it sets them on a path toward long-term success and independence. Residents are uplifted by others who have faced similar traumas and supported by professionals, including a bilingual advocate who meets with them weekly to set and achieve goals.
Lydia and Holly both shared the joy that comes with celebrating successes with the residents of Marla’s Place—whatever that may look like for them. “One of our clients, when they were talking about themself… they weren’t blaming themself for their abuse. That’s incredible, those small victories,” Lydia reminisced.
“We also had another client who was able to work with our bilingual advocate to take and pass her citizenship test,” shared Holly. “She was working full-time and was enrolled in college courses… now she has moved out into her own place with her kids. Seeing how strong she was and seeing her pass that onto her kids was truly amazing.”
Need Immediate Assistance?
HCWC offers a 24/7 confidential HELPline for those experiencing abuse, staffed by trained advocates. Survivors of sexual assault, family violence, dating violence, and child abuse in Hays or Caldwell counties can call (512) 396-HELP (4357) or (800) 700-HCWC (4292) for counseling or shelter services. For those outside these areas, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 799-SAFE (7233) or visit thehotline.org.
For more information on how you can support HCWC and Marla’s Place, please visit HCWC’s website.
Give to the Women’s Fund
In addition to supporting access to affordable housing, the Women’s Fund invests in organizations that advance child care, education, unintended pregnancy prevention, and women’s health. This year, ACF is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Women’s Fund! Support our efforts with a donation or learn more about our grantmaking at austincf.org/womensfund.