AUSTIN, Texas – The City of Austin, Austin Public Health, and The SAFE Alliance announced the grand opening of a new domestic violence shelter on Wednesday, Sept. 10.  This new, 40-unit facility is dedicated to providing safe, short-term housing and wraparound services for survivors of domestic violence and their children.

“This shelter is a reflection of our values as a community,” said Austin Mayor Kirk Watson. “It’s about protecting health, restoring dignity and making sure no one has to choose between safety and survival. Together, we’re building a healthier Austin where every family has the chance to heal and thrive.”

The City of Austin’s Capital Delivery Services began construction on the shelter in Aug. 2024. The work entailed converting a former Super 8 Motel into a trauma-informed shelter for women and children experiencing domestic violence. The motel’s 62 guest rooms were converted into 40 rooms for residents, and the pool was replaced with an outdoor children’s play area that offers a safe, calming environment that encourages physical activity and interaction with nature. The approximately $16 million project used general fund and 2018 bond dollars.

“This shelter represents our investment in the mission to protect and support survivors of domestic violence. By providing this safe haven and partnering with The SAFE Alliance to operate these essential services, we are empowering survivors to rebuild their lives and achieve stability,” said Austin Public Health Director Adrienne Sturrup. “Austin Public Health remains committed to advocating for the resources needed to ensure the health and safety of our community.”

The SAFE Alliance will operate the facility and provide comprehensive on-site support, including basic needs, safety planning, and referrals to financial assistance and permanent housing resources. 

Key services include: 

• Emergency transportation and rapid placement into a safe shelter.
• Counseling and support groups.
• Safety planning and case management focused on housing stability.
• Connection to healthcare benefits.
• Educational advocacy for K-12 students.
• Children's Services program to build skills and resiliency.
• Legal advocacy.
• Peer support, life skills programming, and career/education access.

“Today is about strengthening the safety net for survivors and their children. Housing is violence prevention. When violence forces you to flee, you need more than a bed—you need a pathway to stability: safety planning, counseling, medical and legal care, and a bridge to permanent housing. Together with the City of Austin and Austin Public Health, we’re closing a critical gap so families can move from danger to a future where they can heal and thrive,” said Julia Spann, CEO of The SAFE Alliance.

Shelter services are provided without discrimination. The 24/7 SAFEline hotline screens to prioritize those at the highest risk. If you or someone you know needs help, contact the SAFEline: Call 512.267.SAFE (7233) • Text 737.888.SAFE (7233) • Chat safeaustin.org/chat. 

About The SAFE Alliance

The SAFE Alliance is an Austin-based nonprofit serving survivors of child abuse, sexual assault, sex trafficking, and domestic violence. SAFE provides housing and shelter for nearly 1,000 people every night in Austin and supports more than 6,000 survivors annually with safety, healing, and prevention through housing, counseling, advocacy and legal services, and community education. Learn more at safeaustin.org.

About Austin Public Health

Austin Public Health is the health department for the City of Austin and Travis County. Austin Public Health works to prevent disease, promote health and protect the well-being of all by monitoring and preventing infectious diseases and environmental threats and educating about the benefits of preventative behaviors to avoid chronic diseases and improve health outcomes.