“When I think about home, it is more than the place where I live. It is the place where my family anchors our lives. It is the place where I am known and loved because the people who care about me most live there. It is the place where I know with certainty that I belong.”
– Alan Graham, Founder & CEO
Years of living on the streets of Austin left our friend and neighbor, Kate, feeling lost, fearful, and uncertain. Kate describes herself as a free spirit, inheriting her flair for creativity and discovery from her parents. Sadly, this freedom to be her true self was lost while she was struggling to survive on the streets, during which her primary purpose each day was simply to find food and a safe place to sleep for the night.
Housing alone will never solve homelessness, but community will.
Kate came home to Community First! Village in 2021. It took her some time to acclimate to her new home and community, but she has found healing and restoration here. Now we see Kate and her handiwork all over the neighborhood. She has found purposeful work on the property beautification team. In fact, she is the green thumb responsible for keeping the plants around the Graham household alive and well! She also spends time painting, writing poetry, singing with the Home Street Music circle, and she regularly checks in on her neighbors.
Kate is a very vibrant person, and her art represents this aspect of her personality. MLF’s art house manager, JM, bought one of Kate’s paintings before she ever joined the MLF team.
“I love this painting! I was drawn in by the colorful and busy aesthetic. Now that I know Kate, I understand that it comes from her free spirit and her openness to try new things.”
– JM, MLF Staff member
“Having a job on the property is a big plus. It helps me afford my rent and live in this great place that has so much going on!”
– Kate
You are the community in Community First! Village. Your donations allow Mobile Loaves & Fishes to provide ongoing support for neighbors living in the Village and hope for our friends still experiencing homelessness on the streets of Austin.
Kate has come home. She has rediscovered her God-given talents and has connected herself to a community of people who know and care for her. She has found her freedom and is embracing her true self.
You are providing the safe home and caring community that Kate and so many other men and women experiencing homelessness need to be able to return to their true selves.
A note of thanks from Kate:
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“Each person is given a new home with everything in it. This is a monumental opportunity if you have courage & determination to make a new life. There are endless possibilities to move forward and grow. Every time you donate, hope, faith and encouragement are given for a better future. God bless you. I have gratitude and thanks. Your generosity is appreciated and makes a huge difference. Actions are more profound than words. This is loving kindness at its best. Donors are amazing awesome insightful people who make the world a better place by giving back to the community.”
Kate Stevenson
Forever Grateful
