Check out a video of RAILROAD MINISTRY started by our shelter managers
About the shelter
Our shelter is located directly behind our offices at 518 S. Guadalupe Street in San Marcos. There are 6 rooms with 2 twin beds in each, with community style bathrooms at the end of the hall. There is a comfortable living room, kitchen and a computer with internet access. The shelter is closed during the day to allow clients at the shelter to work or look for work during the day. Those staying overnight are required to leave the facility between 7 and 8 am and can return at 5 pm.
VISIT THE PHOTOS LINK FOR PICTURES OF THE SHELTER!
Staying overnight
Only families with children or single women can stay overnght at the shelter. No single men can be considered. There is a 3 night maximum, and anybody needing an extension must apply for more time at the Southside offices. Executive Director Ruben Garza is the only person that can grant such extensions. Those staying overnight are requried to keep their room clean and obey the rules of the shelter, posted at the facility.
Meals and other services
We serve a healthy dinner every night to anybody needing a meal. Nobody under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be allowed on the premises, and we do not hesitate to ban anybody showing signs of extreme aggression or violent tendencies. No pets are allowed in the building. Those using any facilities at the shelter are required to obey the rules posted at the shelter.
Laundry and shower facilities are also available. There is a one load per night limit for our washers and dryers. Sign in when you arrive to use both facilities. Remember our facility closes during the day, so take your washing with you before you leave for the night.
Railroad Ministry
Shelter managers Alex and Dean have started an outdoor worship service for the disadvantaged and homeless. Texas State college students also frequent the services, but everybody is welcome at Railroad Ministry! They hold the worship every Thursday night at 7 pm, at the pavillion by the railroad tracks by Dollar General. Volunteers play music, sing, and speak at these services. Volunteers are also welcome to bring snacks and drinks for about 15-25 people. If you are a preacher, pastor, youth group leader, Bible study leader or just somebody who loves God and loves to share Him with others, you are invited to speak at Railroad Ministry. Contact Alex or Dean for more information about the worship.
Volunteering
Our shelter managers are always looking for a helping hand in serving, cooking, and socializing with the clients at the shelter. If you're interested in helping, you may cook a meal, side-dish, or desert at home and bring it to the shelter. Or you may help cook at the facility. Be prepared to cook for about 30 people. Volunteers are let in the shelter starting at 4 pm (or earlier if arranged) to prepare before clients arrive at 5. Contact Alex and Dean for more information.
Southside is blessed with generous & dedicated volunteers
What does the shelter need?
Toiletry packages (male and female) - deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap etc.
Donations of canned foods - (mixed veggies, hamburger meat, bacon, macaroni and cheese, pasta noodles and sauce, milk, meats, more detailed menu listings to come...)
Queen-sized bed settings for beds in the shelter
Bathroom towels
Blankets & cold weather clothing for the clients to take with them
Shelter Success Stories :)
Two regulars of the shelter who suffered from alcoholism are now in a local rehab facility
Two regulars of the shelter have been baptized since the inception of the Railroad Ministry
Two regulars of the shelter are now enrolled in group recovery classes
One woman who used to live under a bridge met her mentor at the shelter and was given a trailer
Hours & contact info
Shelter - (512) 392-6697
Alex manager - (512) 216-8224
Dean manager - (512) 557-9164
Ruben Garza - (512) 392-6694 Ext 0
Special thanks to....
Charles and Louise Curtis
Jeff & Julie Riddle
Cypress Creek
Crosstalk Minstries
First Presbyterian Church
Texas State Geographic Association
Auntie Anne's Pretzels
Patsy Butler
Heather Bullin
Jennifer White
Sigma Delta Lambda
ResCare Premier
Levi Itanusch
Kirstin Hanusch
University Star
Sarah Smallwood
Saved by Grace
ZTA sorority
FCA - Fellowship of Christian Athletes
Silver Wings
Hong Kong Restaurant! Yuummmm, they are donating food to our shelter DAILY!
Charles & Louise Curtis
Volunteers:
Abundant Life Christian Church: Women of Excellence; Cool Kids: Jeanette Tellez, Pilar Perez, Norissa Aguilar, Yesenia Contreras, Marcos Perez, Johnny Perez, Melissa Rivera; Crosstalk: Daniel Gray, Chris and Casey Kipp, Deb Ross, Andrea Palella, Amy Keefauver, Savannah Cleavland, Sarah Smallwood, Joel and Lauren Lowry; Cypress Creek Church: Nate McDonald, Taylor Robertson, Jackson Reams, Josh and Ali Lowry; FCA: Kenisha Leshalt, Pilar Perez, Caitie Buck; First Baptist Church NBC: Rev. Nofan, Sandra Kirk, April Clark, Donna Perkins, Tereuce Parleer, Wallace Cheatham; First Presbyterian Church: Donna Neuhaus, Justin Neuhaus, Richard Bump; Imladris H.E.G.: Lawrence Al-Anzi, Tiffany Al-Anzi, Ebba Al-Anzi, Aria Al-Anzi, Garion Al-Anzi, Elias Al-Anzi, Iain Al-Anzi, Germaine Al-Anzi; LU: Marie Rivera-Diaz, Toni Ouarrino, Emily Raiser Mu Epsilon Theta: Rachel Earl, Sabrina Soza, Tori Popp; New Braunfels Church of the Nazarene Youth: Lee Ann & Gordon Linam , Amber O’Neil, Ashley Staley, Abby Linam, Erin Seidel, Savannah Wheelis, Callie Taylor, Arthur Johnson, Ashley Marcoe, Kelsey Fabre Hayes, Tucker B. Wheelis, Evangeline Johnson, Jenee Saldana, Andrew Staley, Jason Boswell, Frank Linam; Phi Mu Alpha: Edgar A. Lerma; Real Life Fellowship: Rosanne Sianiz; Sigma Delta Lambda: Christine Vaspot; Various: Allison Sheffield, Erica Miller, Aimee Munger, Alex Newton, Ashley Montez, Lauren Blacklock, Laura Stringfellow, Abby Knapp, Kelsey Pennington, Cara Stubbs, Kenisaa Leonhardt, Monica Garcia, Chad Williamson, Teri Todd, Emily Williamson, Steven Williamson, Kamalei Rife, Marisa Alvarado, Juanita Vargas, Emlie Reeves, Shannon Reeves, Annetto Dever, Dylan, Nicholas, Ray, Sharon Priddy, Carter Mcquade, Aruthur Limon Jr.
