Joined by Austin Mayor Steve Adler, Mobile Loaves & Fishes founder and CEO Alan Graham on Wednesday announced a 10-year plan to mitigate homelessness in Austin, along with the nonprofit group’s $60 million capital campaign to fund expansion of its innovative Community First! Village, which has successfully brought together a community of volunteers, entrepreneurs, designers, and city leaders to create a permanent housing model for the chronically homeless.
The announcement was made at the village’s dedication of Unity Hall, a central gathering place for neighbors, staff, volunteers, and other visitors. Money from the campaign will go toward the expansion of the 27-acre, master-planned development that provides affordable, permanent housing and a supportive community for chronically homeless men and women.
Graham’s presentation highlights included plans for the following:
- Launching a $60 million capital campaign that will allow MLF to expand the Community First! Village, resulting in more than 1,000 new micro-homes and RVs designed specifically for people emerging from chronic homelessness.
- Implementing a plan that realistically extends the time and funding for transitioning individuals from chronic homelessness and enabling them to re-engage in the economy.
- Establishing a downtown food commissary and providing vending gear with which homeless men and women who panhandle can earn money through activities such as selling ice cream or drinks.
“Mobile Loaves & Fishes is setting a new standard for addressing homelessness in an impactful way,” Adler said at the event, “not only in Central Texas, but in communities across the country. As a result of its efforts, a growing number of our homeless neighbors are getting the support they need to rebuild their lives and to thrive within our community.”
The newly dedicated Unity Hall at Community First! Village, which was supported by St. David’s Foundation, is a 13,000 square foot facility that will provide office space and conference rooms as well as a commercial kitchen to support MLF’s food-truck operation and catered events.
Groundbreaking for the expansion of the Community First! Village is scheduled for 2018.