Volunteers have emptied a plot of land in the back of the Open Door Soup Kitchen that will house Bastrop County’s first family emergency shelters — eight small homes that will welcome parents and children during times of personal crisis.

Roland Nava, who founded the soup kitchen, said that while there are resources in the county for abused women and drug-addicted men, there are no facilities for whole families.

"We see the need," he said. "Every time the family is looking for help, they are split. Not everyone is on drugs or alcohol. Everyone gets on hard times."

He said that the houses are not disaster shelters. They are for anyone in need. Families will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and allowed to stay between one to three months.

"People just need help," Nava said. "There are people couch-hopping and waiting for something to open up. There are families that are seeking shelter right now."

The first two shelters are expected to open by summer, with all eight available by year’s end.

Each house will have a full-size bed, bunk bed, small refrigerator and microwave, a dining table and an air conditioning window unit, Nava said. Separate communal restroom and shower facilities will be available on-site. Anyone who stays is allowed to eat breakfast and lunch at the soup kitchen and will be asked to participate in volunteer work and religious services.

Amazing Floors of Bastrop sponsored the purchase of the first house, which will be built by Studi-Built Construction at a discounted price of $3,225.

Nava has asked other local businesses, churches and individuals to sponsor construction of the remaining seven. Anyone who contributes will be honored in the naming of the house.

"It’s a way to let people know who purchased the house," Nava said.

Nava has also welcomed financial and in-kind contributions from the community, including kitchen supplies, home decor and bedding.

Anyone wishing sponsor an emergency shelter is asked to contact Nava by phone at 512-317-7503.

The Open Door Soup Kitchen was founded in 2014 from a Meals on Wheels service. It was moved from its Chestnut Street location in Bastrop to just outside the city limits on Texas 95 last year. It serves breakfast 9-10:30 a.m. Monday through Saturday, as well as lunch noon-2 p.m.