Community First Village

We are filled with gratitude on this day of remembrance. Happy Memorial Day from Community First! Village.

On this episode of the Gospel Con Carne podcast, Alan sits down with our neighbor and friend, Brenda!

Born and raised in Midland and one of 14 siblings, Brenda’s life has been marked by both deep love and deep hardship. After losing her sense of identity and falling into addiction, Brenda spent more than a decade living on the streets of Austin. This experience humbled her in ways she never imagined. In the midst of it all, Brenda made the incredibly difficult decision to entrust her young daughter to her father, knowing she couldn’t raise her child on the streets. However, through every season, Brenda's daughter and family never stopped loving her.

Everything began to change when Brenda connected with a case worker through the Trinity Center, which ultimately led her to Community First! Village. Since moving into the Village in 2018, Brenda has rediscovered who she is—reclaiming her name, her purpose and her sense of self-worth. Today, she loves cooking, enjoys working onsite, and recently moved into a new PMRV on our expansion property. Most of all, she cherishes the friendships she’s built and the community she now calls home.

In this episode, Brenda reminds us to never say never, to discover who we truly are and to hold tightly to our self-worth. Listen to her full story “Becoming Whole Again, with my Neighbor Brenda” on Spotify, iTunes or at mlf.org/gospel-con-carne-podcast!

GOODNESS ALERT: Our Community Corps application is now live!

Are you searching for a service opportunity that is both challenging and deeply meaningful?

Amid a growing homelessness crisis, we believe there is a better way forward—one rooted in community, not isolation. Developed by Mobile Loaves & Fishes, Community Corps is a yearlong adventure with a focus on intentional work while living and serving among formerly homeless men and women in Austin’s most vibrant neighborhood, Community First! Village.

Through our Community Corps Program, you will root yourself in God’s goodness at the Village while building meaningful relationships with both your fellow participants and neighbors who call the Village home. It’s a journey that forms deep connection through shared rhythms of life and invites you into a beautifully complex, dignified community.

If you or someone you know are looking for a purposeful service opportunity, we would love for you to learn more and apply!

Explore our Community Corps program and apply at mlf.org/community-corps.

Elio (2025) - Community Cinema Mobile Loaves & Fishes invites you to a movie night at Community First! Village's Community Cinema & Amphitheater.

For almost three decades, Mobile Loaves & Fishes has been inviting people into a lifestyle of service with the homeless. Since 1998, that invitation has looked like food trucks, friendships, dignified work and a growing community at Community First! Village.

Our MLF Icon Tee carries that story wherever you go. Whether you’re spending a Saturday at the Village, grabbing coffee with friends or simply running errands around town, the Icon Tee is an easy way to spark conversations and inspire others into a lifestyle of service with the homeless.

And right now, it’s available for 20% off!

Purchase yours today and support the work we do together at Mobile Loaves & Fishes by visiting shop.mlf.org.

Our Art House in Community First! Village is in full swing this summer with many unique pieces being created by our neighbors and volunteers. This space provides a creative environment for the talented men and women living in the Village to create and sell their unique art! If you're interested in learning more about our Art House while getting to know our talented artist neighbors, volunteer with us! Visit serve.mlf.org/s/ for more info.

Our Burleson Road expansion of Community First! Village is moving along, and we are excited to start moving neighbors into these brand-new homes very soon! This expansion of the Village is an additional 76 acres with space for 650 more homes that will allow us to continue welcoming home our friends who are transitioning off the streets from a life of chronic homelessness in the years to come.

Our weekly farmer's market continues to be a favorite among our neighbors living in Community First! Village. Now hosted inside our Sanctuary, the farmer's market gives us more space to serve our neighbors on Saturday mornings. Free, fresh produce is harvested and served weekly to our neighbors by our Genesis Gardens team and dedicated volunteers. It’s a joy to see our farmer’s market bring the community together week after week!

Exciting news—we are officially launching our Mobile Loaves & Fishes Community Corps Program!

In the midst of a growing homelessness crisis, we believe there is a better way forward, one rooted in community, not isolation. Our Community Corps Program is a yearlong opportunity to step into that vision, living and serving alongside formerly homeless men and women at Community First! Village in Austin, Texas.

This isn’t just a program—it’s an invitation to build meaningful relationships, engage in purposeful work and experience life in a beautifully complex, dignified community.

If you or someone you know are looking for a next step that is both challenging and deeply meaningful, we would love for you to learn more and apply!

Explore the program and join our list for updates at mlf.org/community-corps.

There’s something about a good hat—it becomes part of your story.

From long, hot afternoons to road trips and quiet moments outside, our nylon snapback rope hats are made to go wherever you do. Lightweight, breathable, and built for Texas heat—with that easygoing, retro feel.

Even better, every purchase supports our neighbors at Community First! Village.

Throw one on. Take it with you. Visit shop.mlf.org and shop the sale before they’re gone!