For Caritas of Austin (Caritas), 60 years represents decades of unwavering trust and commitment from the community. It tells how resilience, compassion, and growth can cause change and impact. Reflecting on this journey reveals how far the organization has come and how much it has contributed to the lives of countless neighbors in Austin.
Caritas was founded in 1964, a time of national turmoil. The country was still reeling from the assassination of President Kennedy and, soon after, the losses of his brother Robert and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Amid this unrest, Monsignor McCabe and a group of compassionate Austinites came together with a vision to create something meaningful—an organization that could serve as a beacon of hope during difficult times. “That sense of perseverance and compassion has been part of Caritas’ DNA from the beginning,” reflects Jo Kathryn Quinn, CEO of Caritas of Austin. “It’s a reminder that even in the darkest times, we can choose to create light.”
Over the decades, starting as an organization to tackle hunger in the Austin community, Caritas has expanded its mission to housing our clients while providing additional services like education, employment, and more. One of the most transformative moments came in 2006 with the launch of Austin’s first Supportive Housing Program. At the time, supportive housing was a relatively new concept, but the team at Caritas recognized its potential to change lives. “We started small, leasing a few units,” Jo Kathryn recalls. “Over time, we refined and expanded the program, and today, 97% of our clients don’t return to homelessness. It’s a testament to the power of investing in people’s potential and providing the right support at the right time.”
Caritas’ commitment to creating community has also been evident in its work with refugee resettlement. In the early 2000s, the organization played a pivotal role in helping families fleeing wars and conflict build new lives in Austin. “Families arrived with little more than hope, and we helped them create a sense of belonging,” Jo Kathryn shares. “That work reinforced our mission of providing opportunities for people to reach stability and thrive.”
The challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 further highlighted Caritas’ resilience and adaptability. While much of the world came to a standstill, Caritas still provided housing and our Community Kitchen remained open. Staff members stepped up to ensure that meals remained prepared and distributed for those who needed a meal. “Our Community Kitchen never closed,” Jo Kathryn emphasizes. “The team worked tirelessly, showing true dedication to our clients and living out our values every single day.”
Caritas remains steadfast in its vision: a community where homelessness is rare, brief, and nonrecurring. “Achieving this requires innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to scaling what works, like our Supportive Housing Program,” Jo Kathryn explains. “It’s ambitious, but so was starting this organization in 1964. Every step of the way, the Austin community has been with us, and that gives me hope for what we can accomplish together.”
The 60-year milestone is a time to celebrate and an opportunity to reflect and recommit to the mission. “It’s about honoring the trust that the community has placed in us and continuing to move forward—together,” Jo Kathryn concludes. “The work isn’t done, but with the support of this incredible community, I believe we can achieve even more in the years ahead.”
