In recognition of Giving Tuesday, the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation has donated $38 million to the fight against homelessness across the Austin area.
The contribution comes as the latest by the foundation in its ongoing quest to reshape the area of Central Texas. Of the latest commitment, $36.6 million is set to be allocated to Multiplying Goodness, a capital campaign for Mobile Loaves & Fishes' Community First! Village development, which will fund an additional 1,400 homes for Central Texans coming out of chronic homelessness.
In addition, the foundation is now soliciting donations from the community in hopes of reaching its overall goal for Mobile Loaves & Fishes of $150 million. According to PRNewswire, another $1 million of matching funds will go to Foundation Communities for the construction of 100 units on the Burleson property at Community First Village and $400,000 is pegged for LifeWorks to provide permanent housing for youth exiting homelessness, which aligns with the housing goals of both Mobile Loaves & Fishes and Foundation Communities.
"As Austin grows, it's more important than ever that we care for those most vulnerable in our communities," board Chairman Susan Dell said in a press release. "By coming together as a community, we can provide those experiencing homelessness in Central Texas with the dignity they deserve through stable housing and the opportunity to experience community again.”
Over the last six years, Community First! Village has become a leading institution for addressing chronic homelessness. A development of Mobile Loaves & Fishes, Community First! Village provides low-cost permanent housing, robust support services and a strong community where people can begin to settle, heal and transform their lives.
"The foundation remains committed to its core mission of creating opportunity for children and families living in urban poverty through education, health and family economic stability," said Michael Dell, chairman and chief executive officer. "We believe everyone deserves opportunity. But it isn't easy to chart the path to a stronger future without a secure place to live. With stable housing and a supportive community, people can create a better future.”
Data shows of the roughly 3,000 individuals across the Austin area that are now experiencing homelessness, more than half (51%) are chronically homeless compared to the national average for chronic homelessness of 25%.
After Austin leaders made ending homelessness a top priority in 2018 and allocated more resources to the issue, the impact of the COVID crisis has since added to the problem.
The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation touts itself as dedicated to improving the lives of children in urban poverty across the globe. Headquartered in Austin, the foundation contributes to programs committed to high-quality public education and childhood wellness and improving the economic stability of families living in poverty. To date, the foundation has committed more than $2 billion to global children's issues and community initiatives.
Founded just over two decades ago in 2018, Mobile Loaves & Fishes is a social outreach ministry that empowers communities into a lifestyle of service with the homeless.