Community First! Village in East Austin is redefining how cities address homelessness with a sustainable and compassionate model that prioritizes both housing and community support.
"I love this place. It's the first place I really called home," said resident Blair Racine, who moved to the village in 2018 after years of homelessness. "My home life when I was younger wasn't good. After bouncing around from Minnesota to Florida, I finally ended up in Austin in 2013 and was living on the streets. I found my way to the village by the grace of God."
Dubbed the "mayor" of Community First! Village, the 70-year-old with his long white beard, is known for his warm greetings and positive spirit.
"I like to call the village a petri dish of people," Racine said. "There are all kinds of people who make up the community. It's here that we're given a chance to help our neighbors and lift each other up."
The village is operated by the nonprofit Mobile Loaves & Fishes, which Alan Graham founded in 1998, and emphasizes the importance of community in addressing homelessness.
"The vision behind the village is rooted in the belief that housing alone is not enough, Graham said, echoing Racine’s sentiments. “Having a community is essential to healing and growth."
Established in 2015, the 51-acre development offers affordable, permanent housing in the form of tiny homes, RVs and canvas cottages. Today, the village is home to approximately 450 formerly homeless individuals, supported by a network of volunteers and staff. With phase one almost at capacity, the village is expanding into phase two to accommodate up to 1,500 residents.
The village helps residents rebuild their lives with amenities such as a medical clinic, an organic garden, a market, art studios and a theater. Many of these facilities hire residents, helping them establish a job history and providing a steady source of income to cover rent, food and clothing.
"Alan created an opportunity for residents to earn what he calls dignified income," Racine said. "We can give tours or work in the gardens, and we're paid at least $15 an hour. But if something happens and you wake up and you just don't have it in you to go to work that day, the staff always understands. There is no judgment from them."
Graham now lives in the village full-time with his wife, Tricia, so they can devote all their energy to building the organization. He explained the economic impact, noting that homelessness costs Austin around $50,000 annually per individual in public resources. By offering housing and services, the nonprofit alleviates the strain on emergency services, hospitals, and the justice system.
The project's success has garnered national attention, with 46 cities replicating the model. Urban leaders and organizations from across the U.S. have visited the village to learn from its approach. Other Texas cities, including San Antonio and Dallas, are exploring similar tiny-home developments inspired by the initiative.
"We say that homelessness exists at the intersection of many broken systems and layers of trauma," Graham said. "The community is transforming lives by restoring relationships and creating a sense of belonging."
For more information, visit Community First! Village’s website: mlf.org/community-first/
"It's here that we're given a chance to help our neighbors and lift each other up."