Street Youth Ministry of Austin

Founded in 2008 by a high-tech engineer after witnessing the need in his own home town, SYM provides street-dependent young people in Austin TX hope, practical help, and encouragement to explore faith-based help. We are a volunteer driven organization, leveraging the talents and skills of more than 100 volunteers monthly. We serve between 80 and 120 youth right on the edge of the University of Texas campus daily. Half our clients are under 25. 25% are women. Most became homeless at 18, half after foster care. Each of them has an amazing story and a future. With help, encouragement, and time, they usually take hold of their lives and get off the street. One of the important things we do is to believe in them and expect great things of them. It is a privilege to know and serve such strong and resilient young people. They come from all over the country since the homeless young population is very mobile. We get notes and messages from clients all over the country who are now doing well. Our donors, volunteers and supporters can rest assured that our clients appreciate their help, know that it matters, and demonstrate that it makes a difference every day.