Safe Housing is Violence Prevention
At SAFE, we believe that housing is violence prevention. Without a safe place to go, survivors either continue experiencing violence at home or must face exposure to the dangers of living unhoused. The intersection of domestic violence and homelessness creates a devastating cycle where survivors—particularly women and children—become trapped in dangerous situations simply because they lack housing alternatives.
Through SAFE’s housing programs, we provide ongoing safety and stability to kids, families, and individuals of all identities. With that support, people in our care have a greater opportunity of success. We understand that healing from trauma requires more than just a roof overhead—it requires a foundation of security, community, and hope for the future.
Did you know that 20% of Austin’s unhoused population were children under the age of 18 in 2024?
Our Comprehensive Housing Continuum
SAFE offers a complete continuum of housing services designed to meet survivors at every stage of their journey from crisis to long-term stability:
Current Housing Programs
Emergency Shelter
- Kelly White Family Shelter — Emergency shelter for families and individuals of all gender identities escaping domestic and sexual violence. This critical first step provides immediate safety and refuge for those fleeing dangerous situations, offering 24/7 support and connections to essential services.
Transitional Housing
- Transitional Housing for Families — Housing for families needing longer-term housing and support. These programs provide survivors with the time and stability needed to rebuild their lives, access education and employment opportunities, and establish independence.
- Supervised Independent Living — Structured housing support that helps survivors develop independent living skills while maintaining access to essential services and community support.
Permanent Supportive Housing
- Grove Place Apartments — Permanent housing located next to SAFE’s Grove Boulevard campus, providing long-term stability for survivors who have faced significant housing barriers.
Specialized Housing Services
- Rapid Rehousing — Short-term rental assistance and services that help survivors quickly exit homelessness and return to permanent housing in the community.
- Foster Care and Adoption Placements for Youth — Specialized housing solutions for young survivors, ensuring they have safe, nurturing environments that support their healing and development.
The Importance of Communal Support Spaces
Several community rooms and multipurpose areas at SAFE’s various housing units and shelters are designed specifically for client engagement and communal support, recognizing that healing happens not just in individual spaces but through community connection. These spaces will host support groups, programming, and informal gatherings that help break the isolation often experienced by survivors.
Expanding Our Impact: Upcoming Projects
SAFE is proud to announce two groundbreaking housing developments that will significantly expand our capacity to serve survivors and fill critical gaps in Austin’s housing landscape.
Community Shelter
Grand Opening Sept 2025 | 40 Units
The Community Shelter will expand SAFE’s emergency housing capacity, serving individuals of all genders—men, women, and children—who face safety risks due to domestic violence, sexual violence, stalking, child abuse, exploitation, and human trafficking. This vital addition to our housing continuum will help us prioritize resources, ensuring that those in immediate danger or with higher vulnerability receive priority access while maintaining equitable distribution of resources.
Community-Centered Design: The Community Shelter features
- 40 emergency housing units
- ADA-compliant accommodations on each floor to support accessibility needs
- On-site laundry facilities
- On-site resource center and storage space for basic goods
- Three large community kitchens with seating areas that foster connection and mutual support among residents.
Comprehensive Services: Survivors will have voluntary access to services such as counseling, support groups, and legal advocacy to help them navigate the challenges they face. The shelter will provide resources such as food, clothing, toiletries, and other necessities to meet basic needs while connecting survivors with community resources, job assistance, and educational opportunities to help them become self-sufficient.
The Community Shelter embodies our understanding that shelter is more than emergency housing—it’s a foundation for breaking the cycle of abuse, providing a lifeline for survivors, and fostering an environment that promotes healing and empowerment.
The Lancaster
Opening 2026 | 184 Residents | East Austin
The Lancaster, located off 51st Street, east of I-35, represents a historic milestone as Austin’s first permanent supportive housing site specifically designed for survivors of violence, abuse, and homelessness. This five-story, trauma-informed housing complex will offer one and two-bedroom units designed with survivor safety and healing in mind.
Community Amenities:
- Indoor resident lounge and community gathering spaces
- Meeting rooms for programming and support groups
- On-site support services staff offices
- Laundry facilities and business center
- Secure reception area with safety protocols
- Proximity to schools, healthcare, employment opportunities, and SAFE’s Rathgeber Village campus
Comprehensive Support Services: Residents will have access to voluntary support services including counseling, peer support, life skills training, and case management—all designed to help survivors build sustainable, independent lives.
Partners & Developers: We extend our deepest gratitude to the partners who are making The Lancaster possible: Capital A Development Company, LLC, City of Austin and Travis County, H-E-B, Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas, and Texas Capital.
The Sasha
Opening Late 2026 | 240 Residents | Grove Boulevard Campus
The Sasha represents an innovative approach to supportive housing, offering a unique continuum of care through a mix of transitional and permanent supportive housing units. Located on SAFE’s Grove Boulevard campus, this five-story, 60-unit community will house up to 240 people, including families, in one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments.
Innovative Housing Model:
- 30 transitional supportive housing units
- 30 permanent supportive housing units
- Trauma-informed design throughout
- Integrated community spaces and amenities
Community Amenities:
- Resident lounge and community meeting rooms
- On-site laundry facilities
- Secure reception and safety features
- Access to high-frequency transit
- Proximity to grocery stores, healthcare, and employment centers
Comprehensive Support Services: The Sasha will provide voluntary support services including counseling, case management, parenting support, and life skills training—creating a supportive environment where survivors can heal and thrive.
Partners & Developers: We are grateful to our development and funding partners: DMA Development Company, LLC, Enterprise, the City of Austin Housing Finance Corporation, Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, Housing Authority of the City of Austin, Austin Community Foundation, Federal Home Loan Bank, and Texas Capital Bank.
The Impact of Safe Housing
Every housing unit we provide represents more than just a place to live—it represents freedom from violence, hope for the future, and the opportunity for survivors to rebuild their lives on their own terms. Our housing programs recognize that each survivor’s journey is unique, and we are committed to providing flexible, culturally responsive services that meet people where they are.
When survivors have access to safe, stable housing, they can:
- Focus on healing from trauma without fear
- Maintain employment and pursue education
- Keep their children safe and in stable schools
- Build healthy relationships and community connections
- Develop the skills and resources needed for long-term independence
87% of clients in Supportive Housing programs secured permanent housing after exiting the program.
Looking Forward
As we prepare to open The Lancaster and The Sasha, SAFE continues to advocate for policies and funding that recognize housing as a fundamental human right and essential component of violence prevention. These projects represent our commitment to ending the cycle of violence and homelessness that affects too many survivors in our community.
Together, we are building a future where every survivor has access to safe, affordable housing and the support they need to thrive. Because when survivors are housed, they are safer—and when survivors are safer, our entire community benefits.
For more information about SAFE’s housing programs reach out using this form or to inquire about services, please contact the SAFEline by calling 512-267-SAFE [7233] texting 737-888-7233, chatting at safeaustin.org/chat.