Southside Community Center: Putting God’s Love Into Action in San Marcos

Founded in 1927, Southside Community Center has long been a cornerstone of care and compassion in San Marcos. As a United Women in Faith National Mission Institution, Southside’s mission has remained consistent for nearly a century: to put God’s love in action by helping neighbors in need in the San Marcos area. Today, it continues to serve as a key community hub, offering essential services and emergency support for vulnerable neighbors.

Volunteers with southside community center sign. photo courtesy of jessica cain.

Southside provides a free hot dinner and breakfast every day of the year, meeting a basic need for community members who may not know where their next meal will come from. The center also offers showers, laundry, mail service, and compassionate support for people experiencing homelessness. For families facing difficult financial circumstances, Southside provides emergency rental and utility assistance—help that often prevents eviction or loss of critical services. Importantly, Southside is the only active emergency weather shelter in Hays County, opening its doors during periods of extreme or severe weather.

Volunteer with dinner prepared. Photo courtesy of jessica cain.

Staff with members of the Texas State food recovery team. Photo courtesy of jessica cain.

Today, Southside plays a significant role in the city’s Strategic Action Plan on Homelessness, working to prevent eviction, stabilize families, and keep San Marcos residents in their homes. The center recently launched a rapid rehousing program to help families return to stable shelter and operates a transitional shelter where families can stay for 30–60 days as they work toward greater self-sufficiency. Southside also owns and operates Sunrise Village, a 100-unit affordable senior apartment complex that provides activities and community-building opportunities for residents.

Southside community center Friendsgiving serving line. photo courtesy of Jessica Cain.

Sunrise Village Thanksgiving meal. Photo courtesy of jessica cain.

Southside’s work is strengthened by partnerships with other local nonprofits and agencies, contributing to coordinated care throughout the region. Through collaboration with Methodist Healthcare Ministry, Southside offers educational and healthcare access via a Wesley Nurse, while also providing community resources and parenting support through an MHM Promotora de Salud (Community Health Worker) serving residents at Sunrise Village.

At the heart of all these services is a guiding belief in human dignity and the sacred worth of every neighbor. As Rev. Dr. Todd Salmi, Board President, reflects: “At its heart, Southside is centered on human dignity: welcoming each person as a beloved child of God and walking with them through crisis toward greater stability and hope. We are a faith-based ministry that does ministry with our neighbors to build a more beloved community.”

Move-in day for one of their Rapid Rehousing clients. Photo courtesy of jessica cain.

With a long history of faithful service and a deep commitment to meeting the needs of those most vulnerable, Southside Community Center continues to be a pillar of support for the San Marcos region—living out love, hope, and hospitality every single day.