Gridmates' CEO George Koutitas visits Community First Village
On April 2nd, Gridmates' CEO and Co-founder
Dr. George Koutitas visited Community First! Village for its first showcase to
the public. For those of you who aren't familiar with Mobile Loaves & Fishes one of its kind pilot
community, Community First Village is a 27-acre master-planned development that is providing
affordable, sustainable, and permanent housing and a supportive community for
the chronically homeless in Central Texas.
George toured the grounds, met residents, spoke with Jeff
Hahn, a representative of energy sponsor Itron, and interviewed Mobile Loaves
& Fishes CEO Alan Graham and Development Director Donna Emery. Along the
way, George saw the eclectic mix of affordable housing options and got a
firsthand look at the newly completed memorial garden, community garden, places
of study and worship, Alamo Drafthouse outdoor theater, and the on-site bed
& breakfast facilities.
From left to right: Itron representative Jeff Hahn,
George Koutitas, and Mobile Loaves & Fishes Development Director Donna
Emery.
“We're here to bring our brothers and sisters home.”
Donna Emery, Development Director at Mobile Loaves and Fishes, explained that the primary cause of homelessness is a catastrophic loss of family, so at Community First! Village, community really does come first. Donna told the story of her friend Aaron, who has been living in the alone and isolated in the woods, weathering tough storms, the rain, and the heat. Community First is giving people like him a new foundation and new sense of dignity.
In order to create and sustain an environment of mutual respect, all residents must observe three covenants: 1) everyone must pay rent on time, 2) everyone must abide by civil law, and 3) everyone must follow the additional rules of the community, similar to a homeowners' association.
Ellis, the first resident at Community First! Village,
who is responsible for tending the garden, which features vegetables as well as
fruit- and nut-bearing trees.
“It's just all about goodness, period.”
CEO, President, and Co-founder of Mobile Loaves and
Fishes Alan Graham alongside George Koutitas
Alan Graham is one of the first people that George met
when he came to Austin, TX and a person that helped Gridmates make their first steps.
“It's just all about goodness, period. And it's the goodness that's flowed from our city. The many, many, many different people that have come together to make this happen, including Gridmates, is what's got us excited and happy.”
Everyone at Mobile Loaves & Fishes and Gridmates hopes that Community First! Village will become an example nationwide for other metropolitan areas hoping to give their chronically homeless population a new beginning and sense of community.
Watch the full story at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tlAfY-V6D0
Make the difference by donating for heating/cooling, lighting, cooking and hot water at
