Casa Marianella is a volunteer-driven emergency homeless shelter in east Austin, serving recently-arrived immigrants and asylum seekers from around the world.

In addition to shelter, Casa offers access to legal and medical resources, food, clothing, English classes, and other resources. Casa Marianella started in 1986 as one home for men, women and children, but as Casa has grown, a nearby branch site was created in 2003 for women with children (many of whom are escaping domestic or cultural violence) and named Posada Esperanza. Casa Marianella currently consists of three neighboring houses for men and women without children, while Casa’s Posada Esperanza branch has expanded to four neighboring houses. Casa Marianella shelters an average of 500 individuals annually as well as providing assistance and services to the community.