About Hope House
Leading the Way in Disability Care
Our mission to provide the best possible life for our residents.
At Hope House, our mission is to provide the best possible life for children and adults living with profound intellectual disabilities. We don’t exist to simply keep people alive, we exist to help them truly live. Every day, we ask a bold question: How good could life get? From building homes that feel like home, to offering the most specialized care, to hiring and equipping caregivers who become like family—we’re relentless in our pursuit of joy, dignity, and belonging.
Our residents are not hidden away; they are seen, celebrated,and included as bright lights in our community.
Our History
In 1966, Rose McGarrigle—a resilient mother and immigrant from pre-war Berlin—saw a heartbreaking gap in care for children with profound disabilities in Austin, Texas. Fueled by compassion, she turned her West Austin garage into a safe haven and drove her red Volkswagen bus across the city, welcoming these children into her own home.
Rose’s selfless dedication laid the foundation for what would become Hope House. With the support of churches, friends, and foundations, and following a land donation near Liberty Hill in 1976, the first official Hope House was built. Her blended family grew into a thriving community—offering not just care, but unconditional love.
Rose's legacy lives on. Today, Hope House continues to provide lifelong care for profoundly disabled children and adults, guided by the mission: "For As Long As It Takes."
Ben's Story
Ben was born with profound intellectual disabilities and complex medical needs. His mother loved him fiercely, fighting through endless appointments, medical equipment, and sleepless nights. But despite her unwavering devotion, she was met with a system that was not built for kids like Ben. No permanent home existed to meet his needs, no safety net for families who can not do it alone. After exhausting every option, she made the agonizing decision to place him in foster care, not because she wanted to, but because there was nowhere else for him to go. All she could do was pray he’d find the stability and love he deserved.
Instead, Ben bounced from home to home, scared and confused, until he came to Hope House.
Today,
Ben isn’t just surviving. He’s thriving. He dances when music plays, laughs freely, and lights up around his favorite caregivers. Because now, he is home. This is what happens when a child with profound disabilities finds not just care but a family. At Hope House, we believe every person deserves more than a place to stay, they deserve a place to belong for life.
A New Model for Care at Hope House
Creating Safe, Nurturing Homes for Every Resident at Hope House
Family-Focused, Individual Care
At Hope House, we believe every resident deserves a safe, nurturing space to call home. That's why we’re leading the way with a revolutionary family-focused home model designed to provide children with the stability and care they need to thrive.
Hope House is one of the few charities implementing this forward-thinking model. Our commitment to creating these family-style homes not only meets federal regulations but also provides children with the personal care they deserve. This is a sustainable, scalable solution that sets a new standard for foster care and residential support.
Moving Beyond the Group Home
Traditional group homes often struggle to meet the individual needs of children. With large numbers of residents, personalized care becomes difficult.
Federal mandates now require foster children to live in homes with no more than four children to ensure better support and attention. Faced with the challenge of closing our group home, we saw an opportunity to reimagine what care could look like.
Designed for Dignity and Comfort
Every child we welcome into our homes has faced uncertainty, instability, and a profound need for safety and belonging. They need more than just a place to stay—they need a home designed to nurture them. That’s why skilled architects have generously donated their time and expertise to create spaces built with high-quality materials and true accessibility in mind.
For the first time, each child will have their own private bedroom—a place of comfort, privacy, and security, something many have never known. The duplex model greatly enhances behavior and emotional well-being, and improves the overall quality of life.
These children don’t just need a house;
they need a home where they are safe, valued, and loved.
It’s not a facility. It’s not temporary. It’s a
forever home. And it changes everything.
Staff retention improves by 10% in these homes.
That means more stability, more consistency, and deeper bonds with the people who provide love and care every day.
Smaller homes mean stronger connections.
When a resident moves from living with 15 others to just 4, we see fewer disruptive behaviors and more peace.
Every detail is intentional.
The shower facilities adapt to each resident's journey, from full independence to full assistance, so no resident has to lose their home just because their care needs change.
How You Can Help
Building and maintaining these homes requires ongoing support. Your donations help us provide the highest quality care, covering essentials like therapy, medical care, education, and enriching activities. Every contribution makes a meaningful impact, ensuring that every child at Hope House has the opportunity to grow and thrive.
Together, we can build brighter futures. Donate today and be a part of this transformative journey.
