Carrying Hope

Carrying Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit founded in Austin in 2016 with a mission to improve the lives of youth and families who have been impacted by the foster care system through resources, support services, housing, and enrichment opportunities. Our Hope Packs –– backpacks brimming with comfort items and essentials designed to meet the needs of newborns through teens during the first 24-48 hours in foster care –– offer comfort and peace during a moment of crisis. Since 2016, we have distributed more than Hope Packs across Texas. Our Hair + Hope program partners and fully compensates local stylists who are experts in textured hair with African American and biracial youth in the foster care system in desperate need of hair care services. Hope's Home, our transitional housing project for youth who are aging out of the foster care system, provides young people ages 18-21 with housing, support, and wrap-around case management services, allowing them not only to have a place to sleep but also gain access to jobs, school, medical care, and more. Learn more at