AUSTIN, Texas — SafeHorns, a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing safety for students at the University of Texas-Austin, is seeking community support to prevent the closure of its West Campus space. Located in the basement of the Congregational Church on West 23rd Street, “SafeHorns Place” has become an important venue for many UT students since its opening nearly two years ago.
The space has served as a hub for educational events, self-defense workshops, and community-building activities, offering a supportive environment for students facing the challenges of university life. Joell McNew, president of SafeHorns, emphasized the significance of the location, stating, “It gives them a space to be, and it’s central. It’s in the heart of the community.” She added, “It’s made such a positive impact. We hate to leave the space.”
Background and Mission
SafeHorns was established in response to the tragic death of UT student Haruka Weiser in 2016, who was killed while walking home from campus. Since then, the organization has focused on promoting student safety and revitalizing the surrounding area. McNew highlighted the community’s role in the initiative: “So many amazing people came together — our parents, community members — to support us, to take over the rent here, to clean it up, to activate it as a student community space. It has made a tremendous positive impact.”
Operating entirely on donations, SafeHorns now finds itself in a precarious situation, facing dwindling funds. To sustain its operations through the end of the year, the organization is seeking to raise $75,000. McNew noted that continued community support is crucial for the organization’s mission. “It helps us to continue our mission in a bigger way if we can stay in this space,” she explained. “And the only way we can do that is with donations.”
Community Engagement and Future Prospects
As SafeHorns embarks on its fundraising efforts, the organization is reaching out to the community to emphasize the importance of its mission. Through various initiatives, SafeHorns aims to create a safer environment for students and foster a sense of belonging within the campus community.
McNew remains hopeful about the organization’s future, expressing gratitude for the support received thus far. The outcome of this fundraising campaign will determine whether SafeHorns can continue to provide its vital services to the UT community. With the deadline approaching, the organization urges anyone who is able to contribute to help ensure that “SafeHorns Place” remains a safe haven for students at the University of Texas-Austin.
