The H.O.M.E Center has not just been helping people find houses, but, instead, they work hard to connect those in need to a home where they can heal and thrive. The nonprofit's mission is to break the cycle of homelessness in Hays County through outreach, mitigation and emergency response. From helping displaced victims in the recent foods in Burnet, to helping people right here in San Marcos, the H.O.M.E Center focuses on a "housing-first" approach. With recent federal funding cuts, a lot of grants that smaller nonprofits would aim to receive are now being dispersed to larger nonprofits that have lost federal funding. This creates a time of uncertainty and scarcity for these organizations who rely on grants and donations. The community took action and hosted a fundraising concert at Wake the Dead Coffee House this past July, which not only raised funds for the nonprofit but introduced many citizens to the H.O.M.E. Center's mission.
The fundraiser was organized by Grady Roper and included performances by local musicians Attic Ted, Emily Ash, Molly Hayes and Jack Henry who donated their time and talents. Texas State University's Gamelon Lipi Awan team kicked of the event with synchronized sounds inspired by Indonesia. There was face painting by Leah Paints Faces and raffle prizes donated by local businesses, including Classic Tattoo Studio, Vagabond Vintage, Jo’s Cafe, Pie Society, Rhea’s Ice Cream, Root Cellar Cafe, Wild Rice Yoga Studio, Dos Gatos and The Coffee Bar with beer provided by Middleton Brewing. Local artists donated art classes and artwork for the raffle, including Rene Perez, Karl Toft, Boone Graham and Karly Schlievert. There was free harm reduction supplies from the organization With Love, San Marcos, and Mano Amiga offered support and funds for the H.O.M.E. center. The event was a success with hundreds of attendees enjoying local music and learning about the mission of the H.O.M.E Center. Wake the Dead Coffee House not only hosted the event but offered a percentage of drink sales to be donated to the organization. According to a Facebook post on the H.O.M.E Center’s page, they raised $2,758.40 from just raffle and community donations alone. Additionally, Mano Amiga donated $2,500, and the United Way donated $2,000 to help with fundraising and operational costs. The Wake the Dead fundraiser was a success, but the mission continues for the H.O.M.E. Center and so does the need for funds.
The team behind the H.O.M.E. Center is small but mighty, including social servants who care deeply about those suffering from homelessness. The board includes Anita Ingle who serves as the fundraising arm, Joyce Berryman as President, Scott Cove as Vice President, James Summers as Treasurer and Kaycee Baker as Secretary. Additionally, Holly Banski trained for Peer Support Counselor and was an active case manager. Hannah Durrance is the founder and executive director, and her story is what fuels the mission of the H.O.M.E. Center. After arriving in San Marcos in 2013 as a homeless single mother living in her van with her four children, Durrance only found obstacles when reaching out for resources. She was given a list from the library of multiple agencies who she began to reach out to. She called and showed up in person and every agency turned her away.
