Golden Age Home receives $10k grant from Austin Forever Fund

By Anthony Collins

LPR Editor                        

   The Austin Community Foundation (ACF) is awarding $2.5 million in grants to 130 nonprofits across Central Texas through its Forever Austin Fund, supporting organizations working to strengthen economic mobility, health, the humanities and the region’s overall quality of life.

   According to a press release from the Foundation, the 2026 grant cycle drew strong interest throughout Central Texas, with 459 letters of interest and 272 full applications submitted. Applications were reviewed by ACF staff, board members, fundholders and trained community reviewers.

   The Forever Austin Fund (FAF) is supported by donor-directed funds from individuals and families who want to create long-term benefits for the community. Through the fund, ACF makes grants that honor donor intent while also responding to the changing needs of Central Texas. Awards range from $5,000 to $50,000.

   The largest share of funding went toward economic mobility, with $1.6 million awarded to 75 organizations helping Central Texans stay housed, access career pathways, grow small businesses and build long-term wealth. Another $677,000 was awarded to 38 organizations in the areas of health and humanities, supporting expanded access to health care services, arts, cultural experiences and creative communities. In addition, $280,000 was awarded to 17 organizations focused on nurturing the region through green space protection, environmental stewardship and animal welfare.

   Among the projects highlighted in the grant cycle is Golden Age Home’s (GAH) proposal, “Securing Housing Stability and Economic Mobility for Lockhart Seniors,” which focuses on helping older adults remain safely housed while receiving the support they need to live with dignity.

   For the past 65 years, GAH has been a cornerstone of the Lockhart community, providing compassionate care to senior adults since 1960. While it was founded with church support, the home has operated as an independent, self-funded 501(c)(3) nonprofit throughout its history and receives no regular external funding.

   Today, GAH serves as more than a residence, it is a community built on dignity, belonging and a commitment to serving seniors who may not otherwise be able to afford the level of care and support they need. The 40-resident facility includes assisted living and independent living units, with 16 units specifically set aside at affordable housing rates. Currently, all residents pay below-market rates because many live on fixed incomes.

   The need for affordable senior housing in Lockhart remains significant. According to the GAH proposal, the senior poverty rate in Lockhart is approximately 13.1 percent, higher than the broader Austin metro area. Many seniors face difficult choices between paying rent, buying food or affording essential medications.

  GAH works to address those barriers by combining affordable housing with wrap-around services such as meals, housekeeping, health care oversight, emergency assistance and social engagement. That model is especially important for seniors who may not qualify for a skilled nursing facility but still need support to remain independent.

   The financial gap facing older adults in Central Texas continues to grow. Their proposal notes that while the average monthly Social Security benefit is approximately $1,900, the average cost of assisted living in Texas has risen to approximately $4,915 per month, with Austin-area costs often exceeding $6,200. A semi-private room in a skilled nursing facility in Texas averages $5,323 per month. For seniors on fixed incomes, those costs can be out of reach.

   GAH’s affordable independent living program dates back to the late 1990s, when the organization added affordable units through a 15-year program with the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs. When that program ended in 2012, the GAH Board of Directors chose to keep the units at reduced rates because the need had not gone away. Since then, the program has been sustained through grants and fundraising.

   More than 400 seniors have benefited from the affordable housing program since it began. For many, GAH has provided not only an apartment, but a family, daily support and an improved quality of life.

   One longtime resident, Mr. Bill, reflects the difference that support can make. After an accident left him paraplegic, he could not live fully independently, but he also did not medically qualify for a skilled nursing home and could not afford traditional assisted living. He found GAH’s low-income housing in 2000. The service-enriched housing allowed him to live independently while paying a rate he could afford on his SSI income. Twenty-five years later, he still calls GAH his home.

   The facility provides more than 14,600 nights of safe, stable housing each year for low-income seniors at risk of displacement. The average length of stay is 3.5 years, compared to 2.5 years nationally, according to the organization’s proposal.

   Meals are another major part of the support system. GAH serves approximately 43,800 healthy meals each year, helping ensure residents do not have to choose between nutrition and rent. Residents also receive medical services coordination, housekeeping and other support that helps them remain safely housed and avoid premature institutionalization.

   Social connection is also a key part of the home’s mission. GAH facilitates about 1,200 social activities and 220 faith-based gatherings each year, helping combat isolation and strengthen residents’ sense of belonging. In 2025, the home also lent more than 100 pieces of durable medical equipment, helping residents avoid costly purchases and preserve limited income for housing and daily needs.

   GAH’s work also extends into workforce development. In 2024, the home trained 10 student interns working toward CNA and CMA certification. By serving as a teaching facility, GAH supports the next generation of caregivers while also improving the residential environment through early detection of health changes that could threaten a senior’s ability to live independently.

   The home’s independent living program serves senior adults ages 55 and older. There are 10 independent units at GAH, and individuals must qualify under the Section 8 definition of low income to be eligible. There is generally a waiting list for the units.

   Services for residents include three home-cooked meals each day, housekeeping, social programs, utilities, cable television, an emergency call system, emergency lifeline pendant, 24-hour on-call staff and full maintenance. Optional laundry assistance is also available. Visiting providers include physicians, podiatrists, psychiatrists, nurses and therapists. Transportation is provided for bi-weekly Walmart trips, with medical appointment transportation available for a small fee. For more information about availability and pricing, call GAH at 512-398-2421.