AUSTIN, Texas — Travis County on Tuesday approved a $35 million contract which will aid Mobile Loaves and Fishes in its mission to provide housing for Austin's homeless community.

The money will support the expansion of the nonprofit’s Community First! Village at its new property on Burleson Road, providing the resources for 640 supportive housing units.

“If the community is looking to heal and mitigate this pandemic of homelessness, the community is going to need to jump in and address it together. When we come together as a community and set the banquet table that is inclusive of every human being - miracles will be able to happen,” said Mobile Loaves and Fishes founder and CEO Alan Graham.

The contract is a part of the $110 million allocated by the county to address the county's homeless issue in September 2021 through the American Rescue Plan Act.

Travis County Judge Andy Brown said the contract ensures that Austin’s “at-need neighbors” receive dignified and respectful assistance.

“This investment reflects the belief that supportive, stable housing keeps our community healthy and safe. Austin has an affordability crisis, but it doesn’t have to have a moral one too,” said Judge Brown.”

Mobile Loaves and Fishes is a social outreach ministry that has been serving the homeless community in Austin since 1998. Its three main programs include: Truck ministry, where volunteers provide food, clothing and other essential items to those in need; Community First! Village, a 51-acre development that provides affordable and permanent housing for those coming out of chronic homelessness; and Community Works, an initiative to provide the residents of its village opportunities to earn income.