Archive | From the desk of Irit Umani

By Irit Umani
Executive Director

During the General Convention of the Episcopal Church here in Austin, I was invited to discuss what we do here at Trinity Center. A filmmaker came to the Center to film scenes of our services to downtown “neighbors,” and then I was interviewed by Rev. Lorenzo Lebrija of the Diocese of Los Angeles, who put me very much at ease. I think the result shows beautifully what we strive to do every day in service to our homeless brothers and sisters. Please watch and enjoy.

By Irit Umani
Executive Director

When I examine through Trinity Center’s lenses the year that just ended, I am looking to find out whether we remained true to our mission “to serve the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of people experiencing homelessness and poverty in Austin.” I am looking to find out if we changed or increased services to the neighbors we serve in ways that respond to their actual needs. I am looking also to find out if we did so with deep care and compassion. Are we still serving neighbors rather than clients? And are we playing a role in the larger community’s attempt to end homelessness?

By Irit Umani
Executive Director

At times like this, silence is not golden. Times like the chapter that we are in call for raising our voices. At such time that a group of Neo-Nazis with swastikas shouting “Jews will not replace us” walk in the name of “freedom of speech” and our president assesses that there were “fine people among them,” or that the people who resisted them were equally to be blamed for violence, at such times, we must raise our voices.

Gratitude & Generosity
By Irit Umani

The theme that we chose for this year is “Gratitude & Generosity,” and I can immediately start with my own gratitude for your generosity. Many of you, in so many ways, show us generosity. With your time, with your resources, financial and otherwise, with your spiritual and emotional support, with your LOVE.

By Irit Umani
Executive Director

Well, my friends, we did not end homelessness in year 2016. Will we ever? Research of best practices strongly suggests that Permanent Supportive Housing and Housing First are the two major approaches to reach this lofty goal.