Austin creates miracle community

Fresno needs a miracle such as the 27-plus acre Community First! Village serving the chronically homeless in Austin, Texas. Profound and catastrophic loss of family is the primary cause of homelessness. The Austin Community First guiding principle is to provide a house, along with “community” where relationship and connection with neighbors is fostered.

Here is a partial description of what I saw when I visited the Community First Village:

▪ 27 acres under development (23 additional acres being acquired)

▪ 100 reconditioned, donated mobile homes

▪  150 micro/tiny homes (nominal rent)

▪  micro-industry job training facility

▪  community garden

▪ community store

▪  two beautiful bathroom/shower/laundry facilities

▪  two community kitchens

▪  fine arts building

▪  library

▪  outdoor movie screen/amphitheater (Austin’s Alamo Draft House donation)

▪  Topfer medical center providing onsite comprehensive care

▪ Bed/breakfast housing for visitors

▪  hourly bus service between the village and the city of Austin.

This village is a beautiful, safe neighborhood where Austin’s homeless are proud to live in safety, peace and dignity. One of the street signs in the village is at the corner of “Goodness Way” and “Grace and Mercy Trail.” Fresno is ready for a miracle community that will serve our chronically homeless. Online tour: Community First! Village, Austin, Texas.

This story was originally published November 20, 2016 at 2:39 PM with the headline "Austin creates miracle community."