St. Austin Center Campus to Expand with Choice Food Market and Social Services Offices

A plan to expand the St. Austin Center Campus to serve Houston’s Greater East End moved forward in November when the City of Houston approved permits for the proposed site plan. The new 20,000-square-foot structure will replace the former “SER” welding building and will house a grocery-store-style food pantry and offices for social services.

 “The addition of this new building will help the Congregation round out its vision for St. Austin Center, which includes CHRISTUS St. Mary's Clinic, as a place where individuals and families can come for services that improve their well-being in body, mind, and spirit,” said Sr. Christina Murphy, CCVI, who launched the project while serving as Director of St. Austin Center.

 Anchored by a “client choice” pantry, the new building will allow individuals needing supplemental food to “shop” for their families in a dignified, market-style environment, choosing items that best suit their preferences and dietary needs. The Congregation has partnered with Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston to operate and staff the market, which will offer fresh produce, meats, dairy items, and pantry staples. Social services offices on the second floor will address other emergency basic needs such as housing, rental and utility assistance, help with accessing public benefit programs, and other navigation services.  A large multi-purpose room with a catering and demonstration kitchen is envisioned for classes, senior programming and meeting space.

 “Our desire is to be available to families when they need help the most, but also to connect them to other opportunities at St. Austin Center that fosters longer-term wellness and self-sufficiency, such as English, citizenship, and financial literacy classes, or assistance in developing job skills or finding mental health services,” said Monica Hatcher, CCVI Communications & Social Concerns Director. St. Austin Center currently partners with the Houston Area Women’s Center, United Against Human Trafficking, LIFE Houston, Harris County Public Health, Justice for All Immigrants, and Catholic Charities’ St. Frances Cabrini Center for Immigrant Legal Assistance, among other organizations.

 

Groundbreaking is tentatively scheduled for Spring 2025.