In a powerful step toward healing and safety, the City of Austin, Austin Public Health, and The SAFE Alliance celebrated the grand opening of a new domestic violence shelter on Wednesday. This 40-unit facility offers safe, short-term housing and comprehensive support services for survivors of domestic violence and their children, marking a milestone in the city’s commitment to public health and human dignity.
The shelter, transformed from a former Super 8 Motel, was redesigned with trauma-informed care at its core. The original 62 guest rooms were reconfigured into 40 residential units, and the former pool area was replaced with a serene outdoor play space for children, designed to promote healing through nature and movement. The $16 million project was funded through Austin’s general fund and 2018 bond dollars.
“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.”
Operated by The SAFE Alliance, the shelter provides wraparound services that go far beyond a roof over one’s head. Survivors and their children will have access to:
- Emergency transportation and rapid shelter placement
- Counseling and support groups
- Safety planning and housing-focused case management
- Healthcare benefit navigation
- Educational advocacy for K–12 students
- Children’s services to build resilience
- Legal advocacy and peer support
- Life skills training and career/education access
Julia Spann, CEO of The SAFE Alliance, emphasized the shelter’s broader mission: “Housing is violence prevention. When violence forces you to flee, you need more than a bed—you need a pathway to stability.”
Shelter services are provided without discrimination, and intake is prioritized for those at highest risk. If you or someone you know needs help, contact the 24/7 SAFEline:
- Call: 512.267.SAFE (7233)
- Text: 737.888.SAFE (7233)
- Chat: safeaustin.org/chat
About the Partners
- The SAFE Alliance is a nonprofit serving survivors of child abuse, sexual assault, sex trafficking, and domestic violence. It provides shelter for nearly 1,000 people nightly and supports over 6,000 survivors annually.
- Austin Public Health works to prevent disease and promote wellness across Austin and Travis County, with a focus on education, prevention, and community safety.
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