Texas Tiny House Community Nears 2,000 Neighbors: Helping Austin's Homeless

Refreshing By Taylor / March, 14, 2024

Get ready to be wowed by a tiny revolution with a huge heart on the outskirts of Austin! In a place where city zoning laws don't tread an incredible village of tiny homes has been quietly changing the game in the fight against chronic homelessness.

And guess what? With a fresh wave of philanthropic magic this humble village is gearing up to become one of the largest havens of its kind in the entire country!

This isn't just a cluster of miniature houses; it's a colossal leap toward hope and dignity for those who've been longing for a place to call home. Picture this: a community where every tiny home isn't just a structure but a sanctuary a stepping stone to a new life for the homeless in Austin.

But how does this tiny home village work its wonders? It's all about giving a big dose of compassion mixed with innovative thinking and a commitment to turning lives around. From providing shelter to weaving a web of support services this village is more than just a place to stay; it's a place to thrive.

So buckle up and get ready to dive into the heartwarming story of how this Texas tiny home community is not just building houses but rebuilding lives one tiny mighty home at a time. This is more than just a housing solution; it's a blueprint for a future where everyone has a place to call home!

A Place to Call Home

In 2019 Community First! Village opened its doors to renters on the outskirts of Austin with a mission to provide housing and support exclusively to formerly homeless individuals. The aim is to offer them the opportunity to heal and regain a sense of security after years spent on the streets.

This unique community not only offers 100 RVs and 125 micro-houses but also features community gardens bee hives workspaces playgrounds recreational areas parks kitchens and various other group facilities.

Affordable and Sustainable Living

Residents of the village are only required to pay a monthly fee ranging from $200 to $430 which many can afford through jobs they secure within the community. The village was established by the Mobile Loaves & Fishes charity in 2014 and currently houses 200 formerly homeless residents.

However the organization is taking steps to meet the growing demand by constructing additional facilities. Once completed the village will be able to accommodate nearly 500 people which is approximately 40% of Austin's chronically homeless population as of 2019.

Expanding the Vision

Big news is unfolding in the heart of Texas and it's all about a tiny home revolution that's about to get a whole lot bigger! In the fall of 2022 the visionary force behind the Community First! Village set the wheels in motion for an epic expansion. Hold onto your hats because this isn't just any growth spurt – we're talking about adding a whopping 2000 more tiny homes to this compassionate community!

But wait there's more! These aren't just any homes; they're masterpieces of design and sustainability crafted by top-notch architectural firms who've rolled up their sleeves to work pro bono. Their mission? To create energy-efficient homes that are as kind to the planet as they are to the people living in them.

This expansion is set to skyrocket the village's population to an impressive 2000 residents catapulting it into the spotlight as one of the largest homeless communities in the nation. But it's not just about the numbers; it's about the stories the dreams and the fresh starts that each of these tiny homes represents.

Hope and Recovery

The impact of Community First! Village goes beyond providing a place to live. It offers hope and the opportunity for recovery. The village follows a Christian ethic of "Neighborhoods of Knowingness" which creates an environment where residents can heal and rebuild their lives. In a feature for the New York Times Lucy Tompkins shares stories of hope and transformation from some of the village's residents.

Supporting the Vision

To bring their vision to life the organization behind the community embarked on an ambitious fundraising campaign. Two windfalls of $35 million each one from the American Rescue Plan and another from the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation propelled the building projects forward.

Additionally the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development approved the use of federal housing vouchers to subsidize the rent for the tiny homes in the village. This has helped create stable financial footing for the project and allows residents to focus on building skills that can lead to more sustainable career paths.

Inspiring Others

Community First! Village isn't just a success story; it's a blueprint for a brighter future sparking a wave of copycat communities from coast to coast. These imitation villages aren't just about building homes; they're about building hope neighborliness and sustainability.

A village is a place where the spirit of community thrives and individuals are empowered to take the reins of their lives. This isn't just about providing shelter; it's about weaving a safety net of support understanding and opportunity.

But the magic doesn't stop there! The ripple effect of this initiative is transforming lives and landscapes proving that when we come together we can turn the tide against homelessness and create a tapestry of communities that embody the true essence of unity and empowerment.

Spread the Word

The tiny house community in Austin isn't just building homes; they're constructing hope and changing lives. This incredible initiative is known as Community First! Village is making waves by tackling homelessness with creativity compassion and a whole lot of love.



Imagine a place where the forgotten are remembered where the homeless find not just shelter but a community that embraces them with open arms. This isn't just a neighborhood; it's a movement a beacon of light in the fight against homelessness proving that when we come together miracles are possible.

But why keep this inspiring story to ourselves? Let's shout it from the rooftops and spread the word far and wide! Community First! Village is more than just a project; it's a testament to the power of community-driven solutions and the incredible impact of a little kindness and a lot of hard work.

So join the buzz share the love and be part of a movement that's not just building houses but also rebuilding lives. Let's celebrate the Texas tiny house community and their remarkable efforts and inspire others to create ripples of compassion in their corners of the world. Together we can make a difference one tiny house at a time!