Mobile Loaves and Fishes is marking 10 years of developing its Community First! Village.

AUSTIN, Texas — An Austin nonprofit helping people transition out of chronic homelessness just marked a major milestone.

Mobile Loaves and Fishes is celebrating 10 years of its developed neighborhood, Community First! Village, which is made up of tiny homes, family homes and RVs. Currently, the neighborhood has over 470 residents. 

On Wednesday, the village welcomed city and county leaders to present data they’ve collected over the 10-year period. 

Mayor Kirk Watson, Travis County Judge Andy Brown and Austin’s Homeless Strategy officer were in attendance.

“People that have experienced extraordinary trauma in their life, 90% of which have a traumatic brain injury, alcohol, drug addiction and mental health issues that are unbelievable, and we’re moving them into permanent homes and a supportive community,” said Mobile Loaves & Fishes CEO & Founder Alan Graham.

In the data, the nonprofit said the average death for people living in the village improved upward to 61-years-old, whereas for an average person living on the street, their life expectancy is 48-years-old. 

Furthermore, eight out of 10 residents choose to stay in the community, according to the data.

Surveys issued also reported neighbors living at the village reported a 42% decrease in alcohol use and a 47% decrease in drug use.

“There is no single way or single right answer; we’re not the answer; nobody else is – but when we all come together collaboratively – we are going to be able to create the answer to mitigate this [homeless] pandemic,” said Graham.

The village is also in the process of expanding. 51 acres will be added to the property on Hog Eye Road and 76 acres will be added to Burleson Road.

In total, there will be roughly 1,900 homes spread across 178 acres once fully developed. This will also include homes made up of different styles, and include new family homes for missional families who live on-site. 

New neighbors for the Hog Eye Road expansion are set to move in by the end of the year.

For current residents, it’s a joy to see more people come out on the other side.

“The biggest problem is self-esteem, we build their self-esteem, they feel good about,” said Blair Racine. “I’ve watched people change their lives – happy people – I’m part of that process and it makes me very happy.”

This celebration comes a day after Gov. Greg Abbott directed Texas DPS troops to clear out homeless encampments across Austin and make arrests. 

Graham called the situation “extraordinary complex,” and the only way out is to build communities and developments.

“We stay out of that and stay in to this,” said Graham. “This is our situation, and we love the politicians to come out here and see what’s possible.”