About Us
Our History
In 1966, Rose McGarrigle, a resilient mother of five, embarked on a journey from pre-war Berlin to Austin, Texas. In her new city, she recognized a profound need: children with severe physical and mental disabilities were being neglected, often left without a place to call home. Determined to make a difference, Rose transformed her West Austin garage into a sanctuary. With unwavering dedication, she drove her red Volkswagen bus across Austin, bringing these special children into her own home.
Rose's compassion knew no bounds. She collaborated with local churches, weathered numerous challenges, and seamlessly integrated these children with her own, creating a blended family bound by love and acceptance. As the number of children grew, so did the need for space. In 1976, a generous land donation near Liberty Hill, Texas, paved the way for the first Hope House. Built with the support of family, friends, and dedicated staff, and backed by several Texas foundations, Hope House became a beacon of hope for those in need.
Rose's legacy of compassion continues to thrive. Today, Hope House provides long-term care and a loving home for profoundly disabled children and adults, ensuring they receive the respect and support they deserve. The organization relies on donors and advocates to sustain its mission, operating with the guiding principle: "For As Long As It Takes." Rose's unwavering dedication and the enduring spirit of Hope House serve as a testament to the profound impact one individual's compassion can have on countless lives.
Rose was an inspiring woman who went through a lot of strife during the Nazi era in Germany. Watch the video, right, of an interview with her one year before she passed away. She details the life before, during, and after Hitler's reign.
Rose's relentless compassion to help her disabled children is carried on today.
That Old 1968 Red VW!
Our founder, Rose, transported her children wherever they needed to go in this 1968 Volkswagon bus. Some of the children in this picture are still living here at Hope House today!
We strive daily to provide the opportunity for our residents to play and interact with their peers as much as possible. We encourage families and groups in the community to come out and play with them as well!
More Of Our History
Rose continued her passion and caring in the home outside of Liberty Hill for many more years.
She instilled in all of us a love for children who need it the most. Rose worked every day until her very passing on the 1st of January 2003. On this day she asked the workers to take care of “her kids” and left the facility in the capable hands of her devoted staff under the direction of Ginger Hernandez, an assistant that trained with Rose for over 10 years. Ginger retired as director in early 2008 and the homes are now operated by our Executive Director, David Gould and a board of directors.
Today 16-18 children live in the original home and 24 Senior adults and teenagers live in two duplex style homes and one single family style home within the city limits of Liberty Hill, Texas. Most of the adults with us today were Rose’s children in 1966!
By the grace of God, Hope House has operated for over 55 years. With the help of our supporters, we will continue to care for the most profound cases of mental and physical disabilities well into the future. For as long as it takes.