Where Hope Grows

Casa Marianella Provides a Safe Place for Transition

Words Abby L. Johnson |  Photos Eric Morales & Casa Marianella

A vibrant cluster of homes tucked away in East Austin is so much more than the sum of its many indispensable beds.

Along row of colorful murals line the fence of a cozy backyard in the Govalle neighborhood where several residents are scattered about, chatting amongst themselves over a shared meal. Each piece of art, created in its own distinct style, depicts a different evocation of hope, peace, joy, and community. The collection, created by volunteers and residents alike, beautifully mimics the mission of Casa Marianella, Austin’s only shelter completely dedicated to supporting immigrants and asylum seekers.

“We’re one of the only shelters of our kind in the country, which is really unfortunate,” shares Jennifer Long. Jennifer joined the board of Casa Marianella in 1995 and became the director in 1998, serving as director, and now co-director, for over two-and-a-half decades.  

Casa, for short, stands alone as one of the only shelters specifically serving immigrants. They also provide life-changing services to ease the difficulties of transitioning to life in the U.S. 

Once folks arrive at Casa, the goal is to foster self-sufficiency over a period of approximately three months. They’re provided free legal services, aid in procuring healthcare, English classes, and a sense of community during what can often be a tumultuous and disorienting process. 

“There should be something like this in every city because people who come to the border and ask for asylum… are given papers, without services attached. They don’t receive any housing, any food, or legal services, and they don’t get a work permit for generally a year,” says Jennifer. Casa Marianella serves as a great blueprint for what a truly empathetic shelter could be by seeing and addressing this dearth of resources needed to restart from scratch. 

The mission began humbly in 1986 with one house and plenty of heart. Today, Casa owns 12 properties (including homes in the Govalle neighborhood) and works with three more on loan. Across these homes, they provide 200 beds, half of which are dedicated to housing families. Last year alone, Casa Marianella resettled 575 people from 38 countries. They’ve been serving this community for nearly three decades, and the need continues to grow. Thankfully, Casa Marianella shows no signs of halting their impact on the most vulnerable. 

Make an Impact
Austinites can pitch in by donating men’s clothes and household goods, volunteering to help maintain the homes, or purchasing items from Casa’s Amazon wishlist.

Let’s Party!
On the last Sunday of every month, Casa Marianella hosts Convivio, a get-together for current and former residents as well as the community. It’s a time for fellowship and community-building filled with live music, good food, and plenty of fun. 

Contact:
821 Gunter St.
casamarianella.org
info@casamarianella.org