In Travis County, extending beyond the zoning boundaries of Austin city, stands a beacon of hope and progress: a village of tiny homes that has been combating chronic homelessness for years. This haven, known as Community First! Village, is on the brink of a groundbreaking transformation. Thanks to a recent surge in philanthropic support, it is poised to evolve into one of the largest communities of its kind in the nation.
Established in 2019, Community First! Village emerged with a singular purpose: to provide sanctuary and support exclusively for formerly homeless individuals. Nestled on the outskirts of Austin, it offers a haven where individuals can find solace and stability, shedding the burdens of their past lives on the streets.
Within this innovative community, a tapestry of amenities awaits its residents. Among them are 100 RVs and 125 micro-houses, each offering a place to call home. But the village is more than just a collection of dwellings. It boasts a rich tapestry of communal spaces, including vibrant community gardens, buzzing bee hives, functional workspaces, playful playgrounds, serene recreational areas, inviting parks, communal kitchens, and a myriad of other shared facilities.
Remarkably, the cost of residency is within reach for many, with monthly fees ranging from $200 to $430. Residents often secure these funds through employment opportunities within the village, fostering a sense of self-sufficiency and empowerment.
The genesis of Community First! Village can be traced back to 2014, when the visionary minds behind Mobile Loaves & Fishes charity set out to create a transformative space for those in need. Since its inception, the village has provided refuge for 200 formerly homeless individuals. However, recognizing the persistent need, the organization embarked on expansion efforts last year. Upon completion, the village will have the capacity to shelter nearly 500 individuals, marking a significant stride towards addressing Austin’s chronic homelessness crisis.
The evolution of Community First! Village continues unabated. In the autumn of 2022, the architects of change behind both the charity and the village broke ground on an adjacent site. This new endeavor will see the construction of an additional 2,000 tiny homes, meticulously designed by architectural firms offering pro-bono services. These homes will not only provide shelter but also exemplify the pinnacle of energy efficiency, setting a new standard for sustainable housing initiatives.
“…No one’s ever done what they’re about to do,” Mark Hilbelink, the director of Austin’s largest homeless-services provider, said when speaking to the New York Times.
In an extensive feature for the Times, Lucy Tompkins delves into the narratives of hope and resilience experienced by residents who have transitioned to Community First! This community operates under the guiding principles of a Christian ethos termed “Neighborhoods of Knowingness.”
According to projections by the organization, all major construction endeavors were slated for completion by the close of 2023. This ambitious timeline was bolstered by two significant financial injections: a $35 million allocation from the American Rescue Plan and a generous contribution from the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation.
Tompkins’ report highlights a pivotal decision by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development: the approval of federal housing vouchers for occupants of the village’s compact homes. This endorsement substantially streamlines financial management processes, reducing uncertainty and offering residents the opportunity to cultivate skills conducive to sustainable career paths.
The ripple effect of Community First!’s model is evident in the emergence of approximately twelve analogous communities across the nation. These endeavors echo the ethos of camaraderie and ecological responsibility championed by the pioneering efforts of Community First!
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