Partners4People has a simple but powerful purpose: to provide practical, direct assistance to individuals and families in Central Texas facing hardship. They want to support neighbors in need, anywhere and anytime.
For Tim and Debbie Keaney, serving others has always been part of their story. Tim brings over two decades of nonprofit volunteering and board development experience, while Debbie has served on education and community foundation boards.
In 2022, they saw a report detailing the number of people facing food insecurity in our area. According to the Central Texas Food Bank, that’s more than 83,000 residents in Williamson County alone. In one of the fastest-growing communities in the country—one with low unemployment and above-average incomes—the reality that so many people are struggling was impossible to ignore.
“Debbie and I were inspired by the work of Chef José Andrés and thought it would be amazing to try to bring his vision of ‘food is dignity’ to life in our community,” says Tim. “Chef José really exemplifies service over self and has built an amazing organization that does one thing really well: show up. Because of this, they have been able to provide dignified meals for natural disaster victims all over the world.”
The Keaneys wanted to stand alongside local organizations already doing great work by supplementing their efforts with new programs. That vision became Partners4People. Their board has played an instrumental role in turning their big ideas into action.
One example is The Charlie Center, a homeless hospitality and navigation center in Austin. By connecting individuals with critical resources, they guide them toward permanent housing.
“According to CNBC, more than 50% of US adults live paycheck to paycheck. So, when a paycheck is cut or basic living costs go up, that money can only go so far,” says Tim. “The COVID era saw a dramatic increase in rent in Central Texas while not seeing a corresponding increase in income. Many were left with no choice but to put more people in one apartment or, at worst, forsake permanent shelter altogether.”
Every week, dozens utilize The Charlie Center’s free shower program, made possible through grants and a city-supplied shower system. Partners4People stepped in with shower and hygiene supplies for those participants, allowing the center to focus on providing more showers to more people.
“Since Partners4People began providing these essentials, The Charlie Center has seen an increase in clients taking advantage of on-site medical services,” says Taylor Orsat, Director of Operations at The Charlie Center. “Having access to these basic hygiene products helps remove barriers and creates opportunities for these clients. We are so grateful for the difference Partners4People makes.”
Partners4People has hands in plenty of other community efforts, too. They keep the pantries and refrigerators stocked through the ATX Free Fridge program, and partnered with the youth group from Northpoint Church’s Camp 75 to provide meals for the homeless.
Last Thanksgiving, Partners4People helped over 30 families enjoy a special meal by giving H-E-B gift cards. This year, they are once again raising funds, but aiming to reach substantially more families. Each contribution can turn a difficult holiday into one filled with comfort and hope.
If you know someone struggling, Partners4People invites you to reach out. Access to food is a basic human need, and they believe every neighbor deserves to have enough.
“We are grateful for the partners, friends, and donors we have met along the way who have encouraged us and, more importantly, challenged us,” says Tim. “We love this community and are thankful that we can play a small part to help.”
Discover how to become an impact partner by visiting: partners4people.org