Philanthropy – more specifically, helping women – has always been a part of Glenda Johnston’s life.
Her parents started a women’s resource center and shelter in Southern California when Ms. Johnston was young. Now, living in Williamson County with her husband Ron, she is continuing the passion with Yesterday’s Gone.
On December 19, Glenda and Ron — along with Yesterday’s Gone staff, volunteers and board members — unveiled two brand-new tiny homes, donated by the Johnstons.
“It is truly a miracle that we are where we are right now,” said Angela Grill, development director for Yesterday’s Gone. “These homes are so beautifully crafted and designed and will last for years. Being able to house women, their children, and their pets comfortably is one thing, and now they are truly able to begin their healing journeys.”
Yesterday’s Gone is a long-term women’s shelter in Liberty Hill. Using RV campers and tiny homes to house the women who suffer from abusive relationships, the nonprofit also coaches those who live on the property to regain life skills like money management and interviewing for a job.
When she first started working at Yesterday’s Gone, Ms. Grill said she was genuinely hopeful that they would be able to help four people. Now, the property houses nine homes.
The Johnstons are neighbors with one of Yesterday’s Gone’s volunteers, Gail, and she invited them to the nonprofit’s first fundraiser in May. While attending, the couple met with Chad Moore of Milestone Builders, who builds tiny homes. Ms. Johnston said that she and her husband were impressed by the nonprofit’s work and wanted to help. 
“When we had talked to Loree, she indicated that she would like to have tiny homes out here, just for construction-wise and stuff,” Ms. Johnston recalled. “That evening, we put it all together. We met, we arranged a meeting. We met with Chad and discussed the design, and he told us what the price would be, and we said, ‘Okay, let's do two of them.’ ”
The custom-built tiny homes are different from the rest of the living spaces on the Yesterday’s Gone property. Most are small campers, and the two new homes come with functional upgrades like a farmhouse sink and three sleeping spaces.
The homes were built by Chad Moore of Milestone Builders, a Georgetown-based tiny home builder. Mr. Moore has been a part of Yesterday’s Gone since the nonprofit’s early days in 2024 and is also a monthly donor for the organization.
“It was great to come back and meet with Chad and see the progress and see what he had done and discuss some things along the way,” Ms. Johnston said. “[There were] a few changes here or there. But, it’s been great, and it’s fantastic to see them here on the property. So we’re thrilled.”
Both tiny homes have guests staying in them. For the long-term use of the structures, the Johnstons said they want the homes to be a gift to Yesterday’s Gone.
“It’s great to help out the organization,” Mr. Johnston said. “Obviously, it would be nice to put out like 50 of them, because we know there’s a need for them and for ladies and things like that. So hopefully, down the road, it can continue to grow.”
To learn more about Yesterday’s Gone, residents can visit www.yesterdaysgone.org.