About Our Organization
Abilene Hope Haven Began Out of a Single Decisive Moment
The Shelter
Hope Haven manages Abilene's only shelter dedicated to helping our most vulnerable homeless neighbors transition into housing and get on the path to independence.
This program is called Bridge 2 Home for a reason. We don't simply provide a place for them to stay. We provide 360 degrees of care (see next section) to help them overcome obstacles hindering their progress to living sustainably in their own home again. The
shelter really is meant to serve as a bridge to help them regain the ability to maintain a place to truly call home.
The shelter includes 14 rooms with bathrooms, a community kitchen, and a community room for activities. We operate at full capacity.
The Path to Independence
Once a neighbor enters the shelter, we begin identifying the wrap-around supports they need to get on the path to self-sufficiency. Our goal is to transition them out of the shelter in 30-90 days.
Wrap-around services include mental and physical health care, substance abuse treatment, workforce training, transportation needs, case management, spiritual guidance, and basic needs training to ensure that every neighbor has a chance to be successful. Wonderful community partners make this happen. Rather than duplicate efforts in our community, we work strategically with expert agencies already providing the wrap-around services described above. When a neighbor receives our case management,
the case manager works proactively to connect each neighbor to the services they need.
Our Story
Abilene Hope Haven began around a kitchen table in 1992, when Jackie Warmsley and her son Bobby saw a growing need to support individuals experiencing homelessness. By 1994, with the donation of an old grocery store, Hope Haven officially opened its doors.
What started as a small shelter quickly grew. By 1998, it was serving single men, women, and families at full capacity. In 2002, a new facility allowed expansion to serve both families and individuals.
In 2016, the organization shifted its focus to long-term solutions with a new 5-year strategic plan. Since then, programs like Bridge2Home and Hope Housing Services have launched, with a current vision to build a community of tiny homes for those facing chronic homelessness.
Our Founder
Abilene Hope Haven’s services operates and continues to build upon the foundation that was put in motion by Jackie over 28 years ago after she recognized the need for the homeless. She was an extension of the blessings of God. She loved life and it loved her right back. She asked for so little but gave so very much. Her memory will live on in our hearts forever. Her life was a blessing, and memory a treasure. She is loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.
Jackie passed away on October 16, 2019. She was preceded in death by both of her parents. Left to cherish her memories are her husband Landon Ray Warmsley, her three sons: James Lawson, Don Thomas Lawson and Dr. Robert Lee Lawson; brother Thomas Asbury Morris, sister Patsy Morris; 6 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.
“Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.” – Matthew 25:21
What is Homelessness?
Abilene Hope Haven uses HUD definition of homelessness. Individuals are considered homeless if they are:
1. Living in a place not meant for habitation (e.g., streets, cars, abandoned buildings). Third-party verification of recent whereabouts is required.
2. Staying in an emergency shelter, with signed and dated verification from shelter staff.
3. Living in transitional housing after coming from the streets or a shelter, with staff confirmation of both residence and prior homeless status.
4. Evicted within a week, with proof of income, housing search, and a signed statement from the landlord or family.
5. Discharged from a short-term institution (under 30 days) and previously homeless, with written verification from the institution.
6. Discharged from a long-term institution, lacking housing or resources, with documentation showing homelessness would occur without assistance.
7. Fleeing domestic violence, with a signed statement confirming lack of safe housing or support options.
Get in Touch
We'd love to hear from you. Reach out to learn more about our work or how you can get involved.
Mark 12:31
Contact Us:
(325) 677-4673
(325) 677-4674
801 S. Treadaway Blvd.
Abilene, Texas 79602
Abilene Hope Haven, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Contributions are tax deductible.