Welcome Homeless: One Man’s Journey of Discovering the Meaning of Home

Nov 21

In Welcome Homeless, Alan Graham shares a deeply moving and transformative perspective on homelessness and the power of community. As the founder of Mobile Loaves & Fishes in Austin, Texas, Graham has dedicated his life to serving those experiencing homelessness, and this book captures the stories, insights, and lessons learned along the way. Co-written with Lauren Hall, Welcome Homeless is both an inspiring memoir and a thought-provoking call to rethink what it means to create "home."

At the heart of the book is Community First! Village, is a groundbreaking housing development in Austin that provides permanent supportive housing for individuals who have experienced chronic homelessness. But this is no ordinary housing project, Community First! Village is designed to foster dignity, belonging, and purpose. Graham shows how addressing homelessness requires not just roofs and walls but the cultivation of relationships and community.

This vision aligns perfectly with HomeAid’s mission to build new lives for individuals and families experiencing homelessness through housing and support services. HomeAid Austin has been a proud partner of Mobile Loaves & Fishes, contributing to the construction of housing at Community First! Village. In addition, it has inspired the work of other affiliates including HomeAid Hawaii and their kauhale villages. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to providing not only shelter but also a sense of home and hope for those in need.

Welcome Homeless challenges readers to move beyond stereotypes and to see the humanity in everyone. Through heartfelt stories of the people Graham has encountered, the book underscores that home is more than just a physical space—it’s a place where individuals can heal, find connection, and rebuild their lives.

We encourage everyone in the HomeAid family to read Welcome Homeless for its powerful reminder of why our work matters. Alan Graham’s journey is a testament to the transformative impact of compassion, community, and creative solutions in the fight against homelessness. Together, we can continue to create spaces where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.