This spring, House the Homeless unanimously elected its Board of Directors, affirming a slate of dedicated leaders committed to continuing the organization’s mission of education and advocacy around issues of homelessness.

Officers

• Will Hyatt — President *

• David Gomez — Vice President

• Cecilia Blanford — Treasurer *

• Richard R. Troxell — National Education Director *

Members-at-Large

• Charles Ray Guidry *

• Russell Ward *

• Victoria Salinas

New to the Board, David Gomez brings decades of relevant work experience and advocacy, while Victoria Salinas adds her important voice grounded in part on lived experience. We are grateful to welcome them both.

HtH extends its sincere gratitude to retiring board member Danny (Dan) Marrs for his dedicated service and continued support.

House the Homeless (HtH), founded in 1989, is the oldest all-volunteer action organization in Texas working to prevent and end homelessness. Our mission is education and advocacy — and our goal is practical, doable solutions, including how to end economic homelessness here in Austin and across the nation.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who supported us through Amplify Austin 2026. This year, 25 generous donors raised $2,135 — with additional matches still forthcoming. Your generosity keeps this work going, all with minimal operating costs and an all- volunteer team. 

Music Benefit Supporting House the Homeless
Sunday, November 1 | 1:00–3:30 p.m. Enjoy an afternoon of live music by P.J. and the Percolators at Moontower Saloon, 10212 Menchaca Road, Austin. Come support House the Homeless and help advance our mission to educate, advocate, and promote solutions to homelessness in our community.

Annual Homeless Memorial Service
Tentatively scheduled for Sunday, November 15, 2026. Each year, we gather to honor those in our community who died without a home. Details coming soon.

HUGSS Thermal Underwear & Hugs Event
New Year’s Day, January 1, 2027. Our beloved annual tradition — hats, under- thermals, gloves, scarves, and socks distributed with warmth and community spirit. Historically held at First Baptist Austin, 901 Trinity St. Details to come.

We are currently raising funds toward a $5,000 goal to produce the next edition of our
uniquely portable, waterproof, fold-out resource guides — connecting unhoused
individuals with shelter, meals, healthcare, and crisis services throughout Greater
Austin. Every dollar helps us put these vital tools in the hands of people who need them
most.

KERR COUNTY, TX – July 2025

In response to the devastating Texas floods, House the Homeless Board President Will Hyatt and longtime advocate P.J. Liles have joined recovery efforts on the ground in Kerr County, one of the hardest-hit areas.

Torrential rains caused the Guadalupe River to rise more than 26 feet in under an hour, overwhelming roads, camps, and homes. The damage is staggering. Entire buildings have been swept away, and countless families have been displaced. Most heartbreaking of all, at least 96 lives have been lost, including 36 children, with 161 people still missing. Many victims were attending or working at Camp Mystic, a cherished local summer camp.

In the midst of this devastation, local heroes and volunteers are stepping up—rescuing neighbors, praying together, offering shelter, and beginning the long recovery. These floods have impacted multiple communities across the state. Among them, San Angelo, TX(hometown to HtH board members Cecilia Blanford and Danny Marrs) has experienced its worst flooding since 1938. Please pray for the families whose children and loved ones were lost in the floods, and remember all those suffering in Kerr County and other Texas communities still reeling from this historic disaster.