After reaching a $2.65 million settlement on behalf of several thousand Texas apartment residents who were overcharged for water, Mandel and Priddy haven’t been content to merely recover full compensation for their clients and pocket their fees. Instead, they’ve negotiated a unique settlement that will also help people who often can’t find housing at all.

As a result, Austin Street Centre and Vogel Alcove are receiving donations of $392,313.14 each, which ranks among the largest contributions ever for either group. The money will allow both relief organizations to continue their mission of helping the homeless by giving them the tools they need to care for themselves and their families.

“There’s no better feeling than being able to assist those who need help.” says Mandel, a partner in the Dallas law firm of Stanley, Mandel & Iola, L.L.P. “Vogel Alcove and Austin Street Centre were selected because of their long-standing commitment to the homeless. They truly provide a second chance at life, and we’re honored to be part of that effort.”

“As our case concluded, it just seemed to make sense that we’d end up trying to help groups like these two,” says attorney Bruce Priddy of The Law Offices of Bruce Priddy. “This lawsuit focused our attention on housing, something many of us take for granted. We couldn’t help but think about those who have no place to call home.”

Austin Street Centre offers emergency shelter and related services to the homeless. Everyday at ASC, more than 350 men, women and children are provided their basic needs, including food, showers, clothing, personal care items and over-the-counter-medications. In addition to the basics, ASC provides medical and psychiatric clinics, substance abuse counseling, and a transitional housing and rehabilitation center.

“After 9/11, our donations dropped off significantly,” says Rev. Bubba Dailey, ASC’s Executive Director. “So, this donation, at this time, is a real blessing. It’s almost as if this money dropped from the sky in answer to our prayers”

Vogel Alcove provides childcare for children whose families reside in Dallas-area emergency shelters. This allows their parents to search for jobs, seek training, work and look for housing. In addition to providing a safe, happy and secure environment for the children, Vogel Alcove offers an early education program. Vogel Alcove also provides social services, including play therapy for kids and psychotherapy for parents, as well as health services such as checkups, immunizations and treatment of illnesses.

Executive Director Barbara Landix says Vogel Alcove will use the donation to directly benefit families that have succeeded in finding a place to live.

“People don’t realize just how difficult it is for a homeless family to ‘mainstream’ into everyday life,” says Landix. “All of a sudden you need furniture, bed sheets, money for security deposits. The list is endless. Now, we’ll be able to help ease that transition.”