Faith based organization, Mobile Loaves & Fishes created Community First!  Village, a 51 acre master planned community that has provided affordable and permanent housing to Austin's chronically homeless. We had the opportunity to visit 4 years ago when they first broke ground. At that time it was acres of land and big blue print dreams. 

Since then, Alan Graham and his team have created one of the most inspiring and innovative endeavors for Austin's homeless population. Community First! has provided more than just shelter from the storm, their programs have facilitated jobs, created places for worship and study, planted gardens, and cultivated community at it's heart center. 

The village now serves the public as they host weekly movie nights  at their outdoor cinema where residents work concessions. They have also created the Community Inn, one of the largest tiny house bed-n-breakfasts in Central Texas. Guests can vacation in trendy air streams, RV's, tipis, and tiny homes. Residents work diligently to provide house cleaning services and make sure all guest rooms are tidy and full of fresh linens. 

Phase II Expansion

In efforts to expand, they're now working on Phase II. This will create an additional 24 acres, making way for 310 new micro-homes + a 20,000 sqft healthcare facility +  7 new community kitchens, laundry facilities, showers and restrooms, an 8,000 sqft multi-use building and 2 acres of organic gardens. 

The announcement came with a celebratory ceremony where Austin' s most affluent city leaders, collaborators and influencers like John Paul attended. 

 Serving Goodness

Philanthropy is woven through our work. Getting involved with Community First! was just the first step to understanding chronic homelessness. And then we met Emily .  .  . 

Watch the story of how she & Kent Redding's lives changed forever while sitting at a stoplight one day.