Trinity Center Austin

How have Trinity Center's extended Cooling Center hours made a difference for you? We asked our neighbors, and what they shared reflects something we don't just hear—we witness it every day. 🙌

We see the difference when they walk through our doors, out of breath after enduring the excruciating heat—and the relief on their faces as they step into the air conditioning and pour themselves a cup of ice-cold water. We see it in the change in their demeanor after a refreshing shower, and in the smiles and heartfelt thank-yous they share with the volunteers serving their afternoon meals.

These quotes remind us how grateful we are to have been doing this for almost three months, and we couldn’t do it without the support of our amazing partners. A Glimmer of Hope Austin, for example, was one of the first organizations to give us the green light this year to move forward with the cooling center for the third consecutive year. We are so thankful to them—for putting their resources where they are needed most and for trusting us to take the best care we can of our community. 💛💛

Thank you! 🫶

We were recently featured in the Austin American-Statesman for our work with the cooling center and the tremendous impact it has had on our unhoused community in downtown Austin since June. ❤️

The heat hasn’t let up enough just yet, and our neighbors still need a place to stay cool while accessing basic, essential, and dignifying services. We’ll continue to be here for a couple of weeks, and you can still help support this initiative!

Our biggest needs right now:
🙋‍♀️ Volunteer!
👕 Donate men’s clothing (all items and all sizes)
👚 Donate women’s clothing ( especially shoes and larger sizes items)
📣 Spread the word!

Let’s continue keeping our neighbors inside, safe, healthy, and cool. ❄️

Read the article: https://www.statesman.com/news/article/austin-cooling-center-homeless-summer-heat-22407596.php

More info about the Cooling Center: https://www.trinitycenteraustin.org/post/2026-cooling-center-check-in-here-s-what-s-happened

Or reach out to us directly by DM! We want to connect with you! 🩵

Geneva and her partner, Jose, are two of our regular visitors during cooling center hours. They are currently living in the woods, and during the hottest hours of the day, they come to Trinity looking mainly for safety for themselves and their dogs. They come to cool down, shower, eat, rest/sleep in our day-sleep area, and have access to some of the basic resources they otherwise would not have access to while being outside.

“This heat is hard. I’m tired of sweating. I’m tired of the smell. I haven’t taken a bath in two or three days. I just took a bath, and it feels so good, so good. I didn’t want to get out,” Geneva said, laughing.

Beyond those services, they are also simply able to be here inside: somewhere safe, somewhere cool, with access to bathrooms and water to stay hydrated. They know their dogs are welcome inside with them and can also receive food and supplies. 🐾

“You all are good people. I love coming here. You are doing a good job taking care of us, and I’m thankful. If it wasn’t for you all, we wouldn’t have anywhere to go,” Geneva said.

We’re grateful to be able to stay open in the afternoons for Geneva and the many others who visit us each day for the same reason. ❤️ We’ll continue to be here for our neighbors throughout the next few weeks of intense heat.

If you’d like to read more about her, learn how the cooling center can benefit her and others, and find out how you can continue to support this initiative, you can do so here🔗: https://www.trinitycenteraustin.org/post/this-heat-is-hard-i-m-tired-of-sweating-i-m-tired-of-the-smell-i-haven-t-taken-a-bath-in-two-or

Every Wednesday afternoon, from the beginning of the cooling center, St. David's Men’s Group has committed to collecting funds within their group and their networks to sponsor a hot meal prepared by St. David's Chef, Chef Ray. Their commitment goes even further, with members volunteering their time to come, prepare, plate, and serve the meals!

We are so thankful for this group of people who hold Trinity so close to their hearts. For many of them, coming here every Wednesday has become a special weekly tradition, a time to share with others in the group, see and greet our neighbors, recognize familiar faces, and spread lots of kindness through a delicious plate of food.

And then there’s the food! Chef Ray creates delicious, wholesome, and filling meals, from comforting classics to more exquisite creations—meatloaf and potatoes, pork chops, brisket, pasta, and so much more. And, of course, they never miss a fun dessert!🥘🍰🍝🥗

Thank you for being such a key part of this initiative, for supporting us, and for showing love to our neighbors through food. ❤️

For two months, we’ve been serving as a Cooling Center in the afternoons, keeping our neighbors inside and safe during the most dangerous hours of the day. But while our afternoon hours have expanded, our morning operations have continued as usual.

One example is Women’s Day every Monday. 💜From 9 am to 1 pm, our space is dedicated to only women and individuals who identify as female. Showers, clothing, breakfast, coffee, and other services are available, along with resources and activities specifically designed to support our female neighbors.

✨Once a month, The Source joins us to provide pregnancy and other health testing. Every other week, SAFE offers one-on-one support to anyone experiencing domestic violence. Throughout the year, different groups also bring activities like conversation circles, painting, bracelet making, movement workshops, and more.✨

It’s all part of our effort to bring women together in one welcoming space where they can access resources, connect with others, and experience a little joy, peace, and serenity for a few hours. And Mondays are extra special because we see so many familiar faces. Our regular neighbors know our staff and volunteers, and we know them too. There’s a sense of familiarity and community that makes Women’s Day something we all look forward to.

This year, we’re especially grateful to Impact Austin, a new supporter of Trinity Center. Through their generous grant, they have not only helped make our Cooling Center initiative possible but are also supporting some of our year-round programs, including services offered during Women’s Day.

is an Austin-based women’s collective giving organization investing in women and the community around them, and we admire that mission and are honored to now be part of their network.🌸

Thank you, Impact Austin, for believing in us and supporting the work we do. We’re so grateful to have you alongside us and look forward to continuing this work together while building meaningful relationships with your incredible community of caring and committed women.💜🫶💜

A couple of days ago, Raising Cane's co-sponsored a delicious meal for our neighbors during Cooling Center hours. We know fried chicken is a favorite, and they truly stepped up with an amazing spread: fried chicken, bread, French fries, sauce, lemonade, and tea! It was definitely a comforting meal that our neighbors really enjoyed. 💙 Thank you, Canes!!

We still have a few Thursdays open and are looking for sponsors for our afternoon meals, including this Thursday!🍽️

You can cook a homemade meal, buy from your favorite local spot- tacos, burritos, burgers, or whatever you love- or simply donate the funds and we’ll take care of the rest.

Have questions or want ideas about what other groups and individuals have sponsored or cooked? Message us! We’re happy to help you find an option that works for you.

Sign up here https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0848A4A623A46-64344485-meals #/ 🍽️

WE NEED MEN’S CLOTHING! 🩳👟

Have gently used or brand-new men’s clothing sitting in your closet? Give it a new purpose by donating it to Trinity Center!

Our neighbors rely on clothing donations to access clean, comfortable clothing, especially during our clothing days and after using services like showers.

We’re especially in need of men’s T-shirts and pants/shorts 👕👖

🔹 Donate to our center Monday to Thursday from 9am to 6pm. Fridays 9am to 12pm. 📍304 E 7th St
🔹 Drop off donations at St. David's Episcopal Church front desk in a donation bin from Monday to Friday 9amto 2pm OR Sunday from 9am to 12pm. 📍301 E 8th St

Help us help our neighbors! 💛

Recently, the Chamber of Commerce hosted one of their networking events at Trinity Center, creating a wonderful opportunity to meet new people, connect with local businesses, and have meaningful conversations, all while serving our neighbors in downtown Austin.

During their time with us, the group sorted and organized clothing donations, deep-cleaned our main space so we could welcome our neighbors into a clean environment, prepared and served breakfast, and put together hygiene kits with encouraging notes.

We love hosting groups that come together for a good cause while also building connections with each other and with our community. If you have a group of friends, coworkers, or family members and want to spend time together while making a difference, reach out to us! We’d be happy to welcome you 🙂

Thank you, Chamber of Commerce members, for sharing time and kindness with us 💙