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.”…