Chris Baker, executive director of The Other Ones Foundation, said they formed the organization in 2017. Since then it has grown to offer non-congregate shelter, workforce training, and daily work opportunities for its residents at the Esperanza Community, what Baker calls "dignified resources." Esperanza is currently offering 100 cabins in southeast Austin, soon expanding to 200 cabins with further growth planned. 

Baker was a guest on a recent episode of the Texas Talks Podcast.

“I've been doing this work most of my adult life. I just really believe firmly in people having access to dignified resources and helping them find a way to live a life that’s not only fulfilled but also independent, said Baker. "There are a lot of different ways we try to reach that goal.”

“One of the biggest is through a program called the Esperanza Community, a piece of property in southeast Austin," said Baker. “Right now, we have 100 cabins where people can live with dignity, and that will increase to 200 cabins in the next few months, with a big expansion planned for late next year.”

Baker serves as the executive director at The Other Ones Foundation, which provides shelter and workforce services to the homeless. He earned his degree from SUNY Oneonta in 2007 and gained experience in homelessness services, activism, music, writing, and legal work. He founded The Other Ones Foundation in 2017 to implement his new innovative to addressing homelessness.

Texas Talks podcast is hosted by Brad Swail. The weekly show is focused on public policy in the state of Texas, with insights from the people and organizations that influence it.

The podcast is available on Simple Cast and YouTube.