Basic Needs
Support that starts with what you need right now.
Starting with What Matters Most
It’s hard to plan for the future when you don’t know where you will spend the night. We’re here to help you get what you need right now: a roof over your head, a hot meal, a fresh pair of socks, a warm conversation.
Whatever that first step looks like, we’re here to start with the basics and support you with what comes next.
Showing Up,
Wherever You Are.
If you’re unhoused, our Street Outreach team goes to the places you already are—parks, libraries, bus stops, and other places in the community—so that you don't have to find us first.
We’ve got hygiene kits, snacks, weather gear, and safe rides when you need them. But more than that, we show up with respect and listen without judgment.
What comes next is your choice. It could be a visit to our Youth Resource Center, a housing referral, or simply staying connected so you know someone is in your corner.
Youth Resource Center
Need a break? A hot meal? A safe place to rest?
The Youth Resource Center is your drop-in space if you’re 16–26 and experiencing homelessness or housing instability. No appointment needed.
Here, you can:
Recharge: Grab a warm meal, rest, and take a breather.
Get essentials: Access snacks, hygiene items, and other basics.
Find support: Talk to someone who can help with housing, resources, and next steps—only if you want to.
Everything is free. Just come as you are.
Contact Us
-
835 North Pleasant Valley Road
Austin, TX 78702 USA -
Monday - Thursday
12PM - 4PM -
Call or Text: (512) 473-9125
“Our drop-in center has couches, hot meals, showers, and clothing. Sometimes, just one peaceful afternoon Changes Everything.”
— Valentina Carrero, Program Services Coordinator
The Next Step.
Once your immediate needs are met, LifeWorks can help you take the next step toward stability. Whether you’re moving into your first apartment, aging out of foster care, or working toward keeping a stable place to live on your own, you don’t have to figure it out by yourself.
We can offer help with things like handling money, making grocery lists, going to school, finding work, accessing health care, and handling day-to-day challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Click on the + to learn more.
-
You may be eligible for After Care Transitional Services (ACTS), which offers one-on-one help with housing, money, school, and work.
Ages 17 ½ – 20
Currently in or aged out of Texas foster care
Live in Region 7 (Travis County and most of Central Texas)
View the Region 7 map to see if you’re located here.
Call us at (512) 735-2400 to check eligibility.
-
You are not alone, and help is available. If you are in immediate danger, call 911 or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1 (800) 799-SAFE (7233).
LifeWorks can also help connect you to housing, counseling, and safety resources. Call us at (512) 735-2400 to talk through what support might be right for you.
-
If you’re 17 or younger and need a safe place to stay, LifeWorks can help. Call (512) 735-2400 and ask for the “Emergency Shelter.”
If you’re 18 or older, you can find a shelter in Austin and Central Texas by visiting this website.
-
If you are between the ages of 16 and 26 and in an unstable living situation, we may be able to help. If you can identify an adult who could potentially provide you with safe and stable housing, you may be eligible for our Diversion program or Family Reunification.
Call us at (512) 735-2400 to see what options might be available to you.
Know a Young Person Who Needs Help?
If you know a youth without a safe place to stay, refer them to LifeWorks. We’ll help them find the support and resources that fit their needs.
More LifeWorks Programs
No matter where you are now, you can find safety and stability. LifeWorks is ready to help you get there.
