Women’s Shelter

Continuing a tradition of hospitality

Austin’s Place first opened on January 1, 2008 when six homeless women were provided with emergency overnight shelter. Over the years, at its original home in Champaign’s First United Methodist Church and then at New Covenant Fellowship, hundreds of women have been blessed by the ministry of Austin’s Place.

The shelter is named in honor of Austin Cloyd, who attended First United Methodist with her family. As a college student, Austin used her summers to initiate service organizations and work on service projects that benefited at-risk women. She was tragically killed in the 2007 Virginia Tech shooting.

Austin’s Place officially became part of C-U at Home in June 2020. Now located in a house in Champaign, its provides communal living space for up to eight women, including a kitchen and living room.

---