In the heart of East Austin, Texas, Nixta Taquería, owned by Edgar Rico and Sara Mardanbigi, has become a beacon of hope for the community, addressing the issue of food deserts through their participation in the Austin Free Fridge Program. The husband-and-wife duo tirelessly restocked an industrial fridge up to 20 times a day with fresh meals and groceries, extending their support to the vulnerable members of their community. Their generosity did not go unnoticed, and the community reciprocated in a time of need. Facing a challenging situation in August 2023 when the majority of their building had its power disconnected, Rico and Mardanbigi turned to social media to share their struggles. The community, grateful for the taquería’s contributions, rallied together and raised over $100,000 through a GoFundMe campaign to help the owners weather the storm. The success of the fundraiser showcased the resilience of Nixta Taquería and demonstrated the power of community support in overcoming adversities.

While the process of rebuilding the taquería continues, the owners express gratitude for the overwhelming support received during their time of crisis. The community’s generosity allowed them to keep their pantry stocked with non-perishables and paved the way for the restaurant’s eventual reopening. After three months of navigating bureaucratic hurdles, the city accepted the couple’s plan review, signaling a positive turn in their journey toward full recovery. As they embark on the next steps, including the reopening of their Free Fridge and the commencement of construction, the community eagerly anticipates the return of Nixta Taquería, celebrating the resilience of a business that has not only fed the community but also united it in times of need.

In Travis County, just beyond the zoning laws of Austin city, the Community First! Village has emerged as a beacon of hope and compassion in the fight against chronic homelessness. Initially opening its doors to renters in 2019, this tiny home community, operated by the Mobile Loaves & Fishes charity, has been providing a secure haven for formerly homeless individuals. With 100 RVs, 125 micro-houses, and an array of communal facilities, including gardens, workspaces, and recreational areas, the village fosters a sense of community and stability. Residents contribute between $200 to $430 per month, often through employment opportunities within the village, allowing them to rebuild their lives. Since its inception in 2014, the village has housed 200 people, but recent philanthropic efforts and fundraising initiatives have set the stage for expansion to accommodate nearly 500 residents, a significant step in addressing Austin’s chronically homeless population.

In a ground-breaking move, the organization has embarked on an ambitious plan to build an adjacent site, aiming to increase the number of tiny homes to 2,000. Pro-bono contributions from architectural firms have facilitated the design of energy-efficient homes, ensuring sustainability for the long term. The construction efforts received substantial support from the American Rescue Plan and a generous gift from the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, propelling the project forward. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s approval of federal housing vouchers for the tiny homes further solidifies the financial foundation of the village, offering a clear path to success and sustainability. As a testament to its impact, similar communities have sprouted across the nation, inspired by the neighbourly and sustainable approach pioneered by Community First! Village.

ICON is a groundbreaking construction technologies company, that is revolutionizing the way homes are built. The company uses 3D printers, software, and robotics to provide shelters for the homeless and create safe spaces for them to live comfortably. In their mission of helping the less fortunate, they joined forces with Mobile Loaves & Fishes, which is a non-profit based in Austin.

They have been working work a long time with the local homeless community and know very well the struggles they are facing each day and how their lives could be improved. ICON’s most recent project is a “Welcome Center” which was commissioned by Cielo Property Group and they managed to build a 3D printed 500 square feet house in less than 27 hours.

The neighborhood they created is called Community First! Village and offers affordable housing for vulnerable homeless persons.

The plan is to further expand the village with an additional 24 acres so it can welcome 480 homeless persons. The great advantage of making 3D printed houses is that it increases the building speed and reduces costs, by making sure at the same time the constructions are also highly resilient.