Jameca Mitchell spent 12 years off and on behind bars and away from her children. During her most recent incarceration, she made a commitment to turn her life around and be a better mother. But, because of her criminal record, she struggled with homelessness and unemployment. In this Keep Austin Affordable video feature, Jameca explains how assistance through resources like The Salvation Army ‘s Austin Shelter for Women and Children kept her from returning to a life of crime.

In June, The Salvation Army Austin broke ground on a new shelter, the $12 million Rathgeber Center for Women and Children. It will be located at 4523 Tannehill Lane, next to the existing Austin Shelter for Women and Children, which the Salvation Army also operates.

The new shelter will be about 53,000 square feet, have 63 bedrooms and be able to accommodate up to 213 women and children.