Cooler weather, warm sweaters, pine trees covered in string lights – it’s clear the holiday season is upon us.
Along with making holiday shopping lists (and checking them twice), many folks are looking for ways to give back to their community during this season of giving.
It can be challenging to wade through the noise and find simple yet impactful ways to give.
“Holiday giving is critical for our community members and organizations,” said Caritas of Austin’s Community Partner Coordinator, Perla Carranza.
“Holiday donations ensure we can continue giving our unhoused neighbors a place to call home,” Carranza added. “It’s the perfect season for community members to unite around a local cause close to their hearts. When families and organizations assemble Winter Care Kits, they can enjoy time together while providing the essentials people experiencing homelessness need to stay safe and warm this winter.”
Below, we’ve assembled an easy guide on ways to give back this holiday season in Austin.
- Stay at South Congress Hotel
Family or friends coming to visit? Need a staycation? Stay at the South Congress Hotel, and you can help ensure all Austinites have a place to call home.
From now until December 31st, South Congress Hotel will donate $15 of nightly room proceeds to Caritas of Austin.
- Enjoy Cookies for Community
Whether you need something to bring to the holiday party or want something sweet after dinner, you can satisfy both by ordering cookies from Tiff’s Treats.
From December 11th to December 22nd, Tiff’s Treats will donate 20% of cookie sales to Caritas of Austin when you use the code “CARITAS” at checkout.
- Donate to the Miura Challenge Grant
To maximize your giving this holiday season, consider donating to the Miura Challenge Grant, benefitting Caritas of Austin.
Thanks to a $10,000 matching gift, if you donate $50, Caritas will receive $100 to end homelessness in Austin. If you donate $100, we’ll receive $200, and so on. This is the perfect holiday giving opportunity for folks looking to double their impact!
- Buy for Season for Caring
For those looking to help a specific family, Season for Caring can be the best way to give.
You can help Aaliyah Gaulmon, a single mom who fled domestic abuse and experienced homelessness for four years, build well-being and a strong future for herself and her four-year-old daughter.
You can give directly on the Statesman Season for Caring website or purchase a gift for the family off their Amazon Wish List.
- Welcome Espero Rutland Residents Home
After years of planning, collaboration, and construction, Espero Rutland, Caritas of Austin’s first housing development, is welcoming home its first residents.
All 171 individuals have experienced homelessness, and many of them have little belongings or home essentials. By assembling a Welcome Home basket, you can provide the necessities to turn an apartment into a home for our neighbors transitioning out of homelessness.
- Assemble Winter Care Kits
Winter weather is miserable for those without a warm and safe place to shelter from the elements.
Donating a Winter Preparedness or Winter Care Kit can help our unhoused neighbors stay warm and prepare for winter weather and emergencies.
However you decide to give back, you can make this holiday season warm and bright for our neighbors experiencing homelessness!
For more information on how you or your employer can give back this holiday season or in the future, feel free to reach out to Perla Carranza at pcarranza@caritasofaustin.org.
