Community. It is absolutely what holds this neighborhood together. It is relationships that are built neighbor to neighbor through the bonds of trust and compassion. It involves shared meals and pickleball or small group Bible studies and open mic night. It is connecting—human to human and heart to heart. It makes us feel safe, known and loved. This community is a place where everyone belongs. It is what we love most about living in Community First! Village.
Housing alone will never solve homelessness, but community will.
“When we were homeless, I was just in survival mode. I was trying to make it to the next day and make sure my mom was safe.”
– Nicholas
When our friend and neighbor Nicholas lost his job during the pandemic, initially he wasn’t worried. As an army veteran and an experienced IT professional, he had many skills and truly expected to find work. He had a small nest egg of savings and his mother, Caroline, was living with him. He believed they would weather this unexpected storm together. Nicholas spent his days sending out resumes and taking occasional interviews. He was even extended a job offer, but it was rescinded shortly thereafter due to the pandemic. It didn’t take long for his savings to run dry. Nicholas ended up losing his home, and soon he and his mother found themselves struggling to survive on the streets.
“Community is key to everything here.”
– caroline
We are so thankful that you have chosen to be part of this community of compassionate and generous people who support Community First! Village.
You provide what our neighbors like Nicholas and Caroline need every day to heal from the ravages of the streets, to rebuild their lives, and to live in a permanent home surrounded by a caring community.
Community is key, and we are fortunate to have many partners and volunteers working alongside us to care for our Community First! Village neighbors. Volunteers like our friends from Steiner Ranch have been building relationships through the hospitality of food for nearly 10 years. Every Thursday night, they come to share a meal and to connect with our Village neighbors. Strong friendships have been built over delicious dinner plates—all served with a side of conversation, laughter and love.
Within our community we also have missional neighbors. These are men and women who have not experienced homelessness but have been called by God to serve our friends who have transitioned off the streets into a new place of permanence and belonging here in the Village. Through regular check-ins and other relational opportunities, missionals like Sharon have helped Nicholas and Caroline feel more connected to their new community.
“It’s not just the food. It’s an opportunity to consistently check in and connect with each other.”
— LANEY, COMMUNITY FIRST! VILLAGE VOLUNTEER SINCE 2015
It takes community to build community, and we need your continued support!
Your gift allows Mobile Loaves & Fishes to provide ongoing support for neighbors living in the Village and will also help us as we expand Community First! Village to welcome home as many as 1400 more neighbors from the streets of Austin.
Thank you for being a part of this community. Because of you, Nicholas and Caroline are now home in Community First! Village. They are surrounded by people who consistently show up for them, care for them and keep them connected to a neighborhood of belonging. We are grateful that you keep providing what they need most—hope, home and community.
