AUSTIN, Texas — Britney Hunter has lived on the streets on and off for ten years before she settled at the Austin Resource Center for the Homeless (ARCH) shelter in Downtown Austin.
For Hunter, the options for a better life didn't feel attainable until she got there.
"I was like in fear for my life," said Hunter. "I was running from the world, running from my own demons and thinking that everybody is out to get me. Nobody loves me."
Hunter, who was thrown into a life of drugs and chaos, was able to finally find her footing and began to want more for herself and her future. And it came at a time when Urban Alchemy -- the nonprofit organization that manages the shelters -- introduced a new opportunity.
The nonprofit announced its partnership with Austin Community College (ACC) to allow 25 people at the ARCH and 8th Street shelters to participate in a job training program through the college at no cost. It is aimed at learning about heat and air conditioning maintenance.
The classes would be three times a week at the ARCH shelter and be fully funded by Workforce Solutions.
"This is something that is going to help many people," said ACC Continuing Education Workforce Associate Maria Arce. "It's going to help them have a good job, have a reason to look forward to their days."
New students such as Hunter will be able to earn certificates, meet with employers, and have access to resources on campus like computer labs and the library.
"I love to learn new things and it'll be hands on, so I could use my hands," said Hunter. "I'm just very excited."
Urban Alchemy Field Operations Specialist Harriet Young said she has known Hunter for quite some time, and shared the opportunity with her along with others at the shelters who were interested in joining the program.
"[Hunter] was willing open and ready to do something different," said Young. "Seeing a lot of our guests being in a place that was unhealthy and with the education program being brought to Urban Alchemy, I knew it would benefit them."
Young noted opportunities such as the training program is a good starting point for those like Hunter who want to change the course of their life.
"I'm excited about our partnership to move forward and be able to provide our guests with whatever they need," said Young.
Arce said they hope to open up other programs in the near future.
The program is expected to start at the end of September.