Soma Austin

The months of heat are subsiding, for many a welcome change but for some the beginning of another hard winter. Hundreds of men and women who spend the night on the streets of Austin are in desperate need of clothing and gear to keep not only warm but safe as the temperatures drop. Soma Austin has been collecting cold weather clothing and items for the past few years to bless those who need them and is continuing in that tradition this year with the "Keep Austin Warm" drive.

The renewal of all things is close to our heart at Soma Austin and is the reason we take part in providing cold weather gear to men and women who need it. We do not simply take part in this activity because it is a good thing to do but because we love Jesus and desire to follow him. We are part of a lineage of renewal that began after the fall, continued through the promise to Abraham that he and his descendants would be a blessing to all the nations and culminated in Jesus, who gives us the task of renewal spiritually, physically and socially. Jesus tells us that the act of feeding, clothing and caring for those in need is actually caring for him directly. He says "In as much as you have done it to the least of these, it's as if you did it to me." It is amazing that Jesus considers us to have cared for himself, literally and directly, when we care for others. We participate in things like the Keep Austin Warm drive for this reason, we love Jesus and want to participate in the mission he has given us.

We will be collecting different items for the following weeks. Examples of what we are collecting are:

• Socks
• Gloves
• Coats
• Hats
• Pants
• Thermals
• Long underwear
• Blankets/sleeping bags

These items may be new or used but must be in decent condition, clean and folded when they are dropped off.

There are currently three drop of points. Items can be dropped off at Soma Austin Community Church (4201 S Congress Ave Suite 300, Austin TX 78745) on Sunday mornings or Wednesdays between 10am and 6pm.

The second drop off point is Andy Hoel Insurance (3595 RR 620 S. #150, Austin TX 78738). Items may be dropped off Monday through Friday, 9am to 4pm.

The third is Valley View Elementary School (1201 S Capitol of Texas Highway, Austin TX 78746). Drop offs can be done during regular school hours (8a - 3p) in the school lobby.

Groups will also be meeting on Saturdays to distribute items and have an opportunity to meet and talk to the people receiving these items. You are invited to not only donate clothing but to shake hands with men and women who need them. We will be announcing dates and times for these groups in the coming weeks.

Keep Austin Warm Drive Details

What: We will be collecting warm weather clothing and items at Soma Austin beginning on Sunday, November 6th. We will also take groups in and around the city to distribute these items. Items may be new or used but need to be clean, in decent condition and folded when dropped off.

Where:

-Soma Austin on Sunday mornings and every Wednesday between 10am and 6pm (4201 S Congress Ave Suite 300, Austin TX 78745) 

-Andy Hoel Insurance (3595 RR 620 S. #150, Austin TX 78738). Items may be dropped off Monday through Friday, 9am to 4pm.

-Valley View Elementary School (1201 S Capitol of Texas Highway, Austin TX 78746). Drop offs can be done during regular school hours (8a - 3p) in the school lobby.

Who: Anyone may participate in donating and distributing clothing. If you have questions, please contact .

Distribution: 

Meet at Soma Austin on: 

Saturday, December 3rd at 10am

Friday, December 17th at 6:30pm