Taylor church provides shelter for those in need
While many east Williamson County residents spent the last few days in the comfort of their homes during Winter Storm Fern, those who did not have that option found refuge at St. James’ Episcopal Church.
The sanctuary at 614 Davis St. turned its fellowship hall into a warming shelter for 15 unhoused men and provided funds through its Taylor Center for Assistance and Navigation, or Taylor CAN, to find additional lodging at area hotels for 20 women, children and persons with special needs.
The church raises funds for the endeavor through donations and the Empty Bowls project, where proceeds from the sales of local artisans’ wares help the less fortunate.
“We can house up to 15 men at the church,” said the Rev. Terry Pierce, St. James’ priest. “Part of this is housing people and part of it is feeding people. We also have a huge number of volunteers who help out.” St. James’ began putting people in hotels during freezing weather in 2021 when Winter Storm Uri crippled the area. A year ago, Pierce said the church started to house men during cold snaps and send others to hotels.
This past week as the mercury plunged to a record low, the men who stayed at the house of worship not only had a warm place to sleep, they also enjoyed access to food, laundry and bathing.
The Taylor CAN shower trailer at the church has two enclosed private bathrooms with showers, toilets and sinks, and a third room with washer and dryer units makes it possible for the men to take care of these necessities.
“I think it’s nice here at the shelter,” said Kenneth, who chose not to give his last name. “They have the friendliest people, and they do a good job here. It can’t get any better.”
Kenneth and another man named Jermaine said they have lived in Taylor most or all their lives.
Jermaine, who also didn’t want his surname used, said this was his second time bunking down at the church during icy conditions.
“I’ve stayed here before and it was just as amazing as it was this time. The people and their kindness are what I love most about this. Pastor Terry and the volunteers allow us to come and go freely,” Jermaine said.
He added, “They make sure we have everything we need and are sheltered, warmed, showered and fed. You can’t ask for anything more.”
Jermaine, who said he is not much of a “people person,” enjoys fellowship at the church.
“It feels good to actually be around people I can talk to,” Jermaine said. “They’re doing what Jesus would do.”
Victor, who has been in Taylor 18 years, said he has struggled to establish himself and is grateful for St. James’ and other places offering resources.
“It is a benefit because I was previously out in the woods,” said Victor, who preferred not to disclose his last name. “They provide resources for people like us who are in-between places. Economically, it’s hard if you’re not from (Taylor). Your family has to be established, otherwise you’re not in the program.”
Pierce said the majority of the unhoused in Taylor do not hail from Austin or other areas, but are primarily locals.
“Ninety percent of our unhoused population in Taylor are people who are from Taylor and have family in Taylor,” the pastor said. “We don’t have people from Austin or other towns coming to shelter here because places like Austin have much better resources than we have.”
She added, “It’s our local residents, who most of the time are invisible.”
Those wishing to donate to Taylor CAN may stop by St. James’ to drop off a check or cash, or mail PO Box 268, Taylor, TX 76574 or send it to 614 Davis St., Taylor, TX 76574.
Other options are Venmo@ StJamesTaylorTx or Paypal via [email protected].
To learn more about the shelter or its availability, call 512-352-2330.
For a video version of this story, visit www.taylorpress. net/ or facebook.com/ GoTaylorTx/.
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“They make sure we have everything we need and are sheltered, warmed, showered and fed.
You can’t ask for anything more.”
— Jermaine
