Twenty-eight TLLC members and friends toured Community First! Village, a 51-acre planned community in East Austin providing affordable, permanent housing and a supportive community for men and women coming out of chronic homelessness.
Our tour guide, Ed, explained that Phase 1 opened in 2015, and Phase 2 is over half-way complete.
He also said that another 51-acre parcel has just been secured for further expansion. We learned that 350 people currently live in the community. On average, they are 58 and were previously homeless for 10 years. Many services (mental health, medical clinic, counseling, job search assistance, etc.) are provided on-site. Residents are expected to pay rent and can live there permanently if they want.
We toured several tiny homes
and admired their 3D-printed homes.
TLLC groups had volunteered before the pandemic, and another group date will be scheduled for the fall. Individuals or families are always welcome to sign up on their website.