About Us
Our History
In 1966 a mother of five, Rose McGarrigle, relocated to Austin, Texas from pre-war Berlin, Germany, by way of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Rose realized the desperate need for quality care for children with both physical and mental handicaps; many whom had no home at all. Her vision was to care for children who were at risk of neglect and isolation. With little help from the state or local officials, Rose converted the garage of her West Austin home and took her red Volkswagen bus around all of Austin, serving these special children in her own home.
She was relentless in finding ways to be with the children who she so adored. She got local churches involved and weathered storms. She used her own house to give room and board to several youngsters mixed with her own children until the number of children and needed space outgrew the circumstances.
In 1976 land was donated just outside of Liberty Hill, Texas and the first Hope House was built with the kind and loving attention of her family, friends, and a dedicated and committed staff, with the backing of several foundations in the state of Texas.
Rose was an inspiring woman who went through a lot of strife during the Nazi era in Germany. Watch the video of an interview with her one year before she passed away. She details the life before, during, and after Hitler's reign.
Austin Chronicle, 1/10/2003
To see the inspiring interview with Rose and her struggles in Germany, watch the video below:
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 1967!
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.