A Gritty Journey of Tex-Mex Theology with Alan Graham, Founder and CEO of Mobile Loaves & Fishes
From Bridges to Building Dreams, with my Neighbor Jim
Join Alan on this episode of the Gospel Con Carne podcast as he sits down with our friend and neighbor, Jim. Life for Jim has been marked by its share of highs and lows. He has experienced the joy of being a father, and has also experienced deep loss after losing his wife to cancer. In 2017, Jim faced another battle when a life-threatening illness left doctors uncertain if he would make it. Miraculously, he survived and ended up moving to Austin from Kansas in search of a fresh start.
Unfortunately, a plumbing job that Jim had lined up fell through and he found himself homeless, living under a bridge for four years. Even then, Jim says he avoided the traps of addiction and leaned on his faith, finding hope through Mosaic Church and later moving to Community First! Village in December of 2022.
Today, Jim treasures the dignity of having his own front door and the stability of home. Close with several of his neighbors, he uses the Village as a foundation to keep moving forward. His next dream? Starting a construction business with his son. Through it all, Jim has held onto one belief: something better is always around the corner and having a goal is the key to finding your way.
A Place to Begin Again, with My Neighbor Kim
On this episode of the Gospel Con Carne podcast, Alan sits down with our neighbor and friend, Kim! From losing homes in natural disasters to living out of her car during the pandemic, Kim’s journey hasn’t been easy—but it’s been marked by grit, love and unshakable determination. Originally from western Kansas, Kim made her way to Austin in 2017 after years of navigating life’s twists and turns alongside her son, Jordan. In October of 2023, after reaching out to the Charlie Center, Kim and Jordan moved into Community First! Village, where they now live just around the corner from one another. Since then, life has taken a hopeful turn. Jordan works in our Genesis Gardens operation and also receives support from Integral Care, while Kim has found steady ground and a renewed sense of peace within the Village, especially through her involvement in our Art House program.
Known for her quiet strength and deep compassion, Kim believes everyone has a story and that every person deserves dignity. For her, the Village isn’t just a place to live—it’s a place to heal, grow and be surrounded by a community that truly cares.
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About the Podcast
Each of us has a story to tell about who we are and how we got to where we are in life, and the element of community, whether you realize it or not, has played a vital part.
You alone have not just pulled yourself up by your bootstraps. Your path in life—your story—has been molded by other individuals along the way.
Hosted by Alan Graham, founder and CEO of Mobile Loaves & Fishes, the ‘Gospel Con Carne’ podcast explores the woundedness of society through the untold stories of individuals who have encountered homelessness. You’ll hear from men and women who lived on the streets for years or even decades, and other guests who, though never homeless, understand the profound impact of family and community on their lives.
Join Alan as he takes you on a gritty journey of Tex-Mex theology while unpacking poignant stories from the streets of life that will leave you with a new understanding of the significance of community and home.
Alan Graham is one of the country’s leading visionaries on issues involving homelessness. He’s also a pretty cool dude. Meet Your Host >
