Mission Around Austin: ReWork
Austin is filled with unique churches, missionaries and organizations. In Mission Around Austin, we'll feature short interviews that will introduce you to others working for the good of the city. The following is from Austin Henderson of ReWork.
What is the name and inspiration behind your organization? ReWork found it's roots when Nate took his kids hiking through the green belt to meet men and women experiencing homelessness. As they made friendships they discovered many of the men and womenwere incredibly talented. Nate invited several of these folks over to his house and, in the back yard, they created several items that they later sold in an outdoor market, making about $400. Nate realized they could do this all the time, given the opportunity, and began exploring what it would look like to create a space to give men and women experiencing homelessness just this opportunity. At the same time, Jacob Vanhorn of Soma Austin Community Church was looking for a way for his church to serve the homeless. They found a space on South Congress both organizations could share. We wanted to be part of renewing the lives of men and women spiritually, physically and socially by both declaring and demonstrating the gospel of Jesus. As we connect men and women with opportunities to earn a modest wage we get to talk about Jesus and how he renews not only their physical state but their relationship with God as well.
What is the focus of your organization? Our focus is to provide opportunities for men and women to work and lift themselves up off the street by creating products to sell and earn a consistent, sustainable modest income. Through partnerships with Mobile Loaves and Fishes and others in the city, an individual earning approx. $800/mo can get housed, fed and have their basic needs met. Relationships are the backbone of success and we strive to be good friends as we work alongside men and women.
How can churches and individuals partner with you? We would love to have churches partner with ReWork both by physically joining us and also helping us meet our financial needs to continue serving those who live on the street. We have multiple ways and opportunities to serve and welcome both the skilled and inexperienced laborers alike. The best starting point would be to shoot an email to Sarah, our volunteer coordinator at volunteer@reworkproject.orgWe are also still actively fundraising and trusting God to provide where he has called. We have been blessed incredibly by Soma Austin, who covers ReWork's rent and utilities but still need additional funds to complete the space and begin operating at full capacity. Information on how to donate funds can be found at http://www.ReWorkProject.org.
How can you be contacted?
ReWorkProject.orginfo@reworkproject.org - General Email
Volunteer@reworkproject.org - For those wanting to find out about volunteering.
