Things Got Started In 2019
In the heart of Travis County, Texas, just beyond the bustling city of Austin, a unique village of tiny homes has emerged as a beacon of hope for those experiencing chronic homelessness. This innovative community, known as Community First! Village, has not only been a sanctuary for individuals seeking refuge from the streets but is also set to become one of the largest of its kind in the nation, thanks to recent philanthropic support.
Community First! Village began its remarkable journey in 2019, extending its warm embrace to individuals who had previously grappled with homelessness. Nestled on the outskirts of Austin, this village is a testament to the power of compassion and community-driven solutions. Its mission is simple yet profound: to provide a safe haven where formerly homeless residents can rediscover their freedom, security, and embark on a journey of healing.
Micro-House May Be The Future
At the heart of Community First! Village lies an array of tiny homes, offering shelter and stability to its residents. These homes are complemented by a host of amenities, including 100 RVs, 125 micro-houses, community gardens, buzzing beehives, workspaces, playful playgrounds, serene recreational areas, inviting parks, communal kitchens, and a myriad of other facilities designed to nurture both body and soul. Remarkably, residents are only required to contribute between $200 to $430 per month, a cost many can cover through employment opportunities within the village itself.
The Village Is Expanding
Founded by the Mobile Loaves & Fishes charity in 2014, Community First! Village has steadily expanded its capacity to offer sanctuary and support. Although the village currently provides housing for 200 formerly homeless individuals, plans were set in motion last year to construct additional facilities. Upon completion, the village will have the capacity to accommodate nearly 500 people, representing a substantial portion of Austin's chronically homeless population as of 2019.
The Village Aims To Be Energy Efficient
In the fall of 2022, the visionary minds behind both the charity and Community First! Village embarked on an ambitious endeavor—an adjacent site that will usher in a new era. This expansion aims to introduce 2,000 energy-efficient tiny homes designed by architectural firms that generously offered pro-bono services. The scale and scope of this project have captured the attention of experts in the field, as Mark Hilbelink, the director of Austin's largest homeless-services provider, emphasized, "No one's ever done what they're about to do."
Neighborhoods and Knowingness
Lucy Tompkins, in a feature for The New York Times, beautifully captures the stories of hope and recovery experienced by residents of Community First! Village. Rooted in a Christian ethic of "Neighborhoods of Knowingness," this community serves as a testament to the indomitable spirit of humanity and the transformative power of compassion.
The Community Is Receiving Major Help From The Government
The realization of these new building projects was anticipated by the end of 2023, fueled by two substantial windfalls: one from the American Rescue Plan and a generous gift from the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation. Notably, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has approved federal housing vouchers for the village's tiny homes, significantly easing the financial burden and offering residents the time and support to develop valuable skills for a sustainable career path.
Inspiration Through Kindness
Community First! Village has inspired the emergence of a dozen similar communities across the nation, each following the path of neighborly kindness and sustainable solutions set forth by this transformative Texas village. As it continues to expand and evolve, Community First! Village serves as a beacon of hope, a testament to the enduring spirit of compassion, and a model for addressing homelessness with empathy and creativity.
Mobile Loaves & Fishes
