AUSTIN, Texas — SafeHorns, a nonprofit organization focused on enhancing safety for students at the University of Texas-Austin, is appealing to the community for support to avoid the closure of its West Campus facility. The organization’s space, known as “SafeHorns Place,” is situated in the basement of the Congregational Church on West 23rd Street and has been an important resource for students since its inception nearly two years ago.
The facility has become a hub for educational initiatives, self-defense workshops, and various community-building activities. According to Joell McNew, president of SafeHorns, the space provides a vital refuge for students facing the challenges of university life. “It gives them a space to be, and it’s central. It’s in the heart of the community,” McNew noted. “It’s made such a positive impact. We hate to leave the space.”
Background and Mission
SafeHorns was established following the tragic death of UT student Haruka Weiser in 2016, an incident that underscored the need for enhanced safety measures around the campus. Since its founding, the organization has made significant strides in promoting student safety and revitalizing the surrounding area. McNew emphasized the collective effort involved in maintaining the space, stating, “So many amazing people came together, our parents, community members to support us, to take over the rent here, to clean it up, to activate it as a student community space. It has made a tremendous positive impact.”
The organization relies entirely on donations to operate, and with funding dwindling, SafeHorns is now seeking $75,000 to keep its doors open through the end of the year. McNew explained that ongoing community support is crucial for the continuation of their mission. “It helps us to continue our mission in a bigger way if we can stay in this space,” she said. “And the only way we can do that is with donations.”
Community Engagement and Future Plans
As SafeHorns embarks on this fundraising campaign, the organization hopes to rally support from the local community, emphasizing the importance of the West Campus space for student life. The closure of SafeHorns Place would not only impact the various programs offered but would also signify a loss of a crucial support network for students navigating university challenges.
With the potential closure looming, SafeHorns is urging students, parents, and community members to contribute financially to help preserve this vital resource. The organization’s commitment to student safety and community engagement remains steadfast, and it is reaching out for help to ensure that its mission can continue to thrive.
For those interested in supporting SafeHorns, donations can be made through their website or by contacting the organization directly. As the situation develops, the community’s response will play a significant role in determining the future of SafeHorns and its impact on student safety at the University of Texas-Austin.
