Community Corps Program

Mobile Loaves & Fishes; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 15,233 - 18,246; Full time

Job summary

Mobile Loaves & Fishes is seeking participants for the Community Corps Program in Austin, Texas. This 11–12 month role involves living and serving alongside formerly homeless neighbors, contributing to community life, and supporting various initiatives at Community First! Village. Role responsibilities include engaging with the community, supporting volunteer efforts, and promoting hospitality. Ideal candidates should be highly adaptable and open to personal growth, along with having strong interpersonal skills. Stipend of $1,500 per month plus on-site housing is included.

Qualifications

• Commitment to serving those who have experienced homelessness.
• Willingness to learn about homelessness and community-based solutions.
• Ability to engage respectfully with diverse populations.
• Willingness to live and serve in an intentional community.

Responsibilities

• Engage in relational community living with formerly homeless neighbors.
• Contribute to daily operations and hospitality of Community First! Village.
• Build authentic relationships with staff and volunteers.
• Support event hosting and special projects as needed.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Effective communication

Problem-solving

Adaptability

Emotional maturity

Job description

Community Corps Program

Mobile Loaves & Fishes (MLF) is a social outreach ministry that has been empowering communities into a lifestyle of service with the homeless since 1998. Founded in Austin, Texas, the organization serves its homeless neighbors through three core programs: Truck Ministry, Community First! Village, and Community Works. As part of a new expansion, the Community First! Village will accommodate more than 1400 new neighbors over the next 5–10 years.

About the Program

The Community Corps program offers participants the opportunity to live and serve in proximity to the formerly homeless neighbors of Community First! Village, engaging in a relational, community‑first approach where transformation happens through belonging. Participants contribute to daily life and operations by living on‑site and serving alongside staff, volunteers and neighbors in areas such as Neighbor Care, Property Management, Site Operations, Community Empowerment, Relationships & Giving, and Replication.

Participant Expectations

• Participate fully in the life of the Community Corps program, including service, formation, and community living rhythms.
• Serve in assigned program areas across Community First! Village.
• Build authentic, respectful relationships with neighbors, volunteers, staff, and visitors.
• Contribute to the daily operations, upkeep, and hospitality of Community First! Village.
• Welcome and engage volunteers, guests, and visitors in a spirit of hospitality.
• Attend and actively engage in meetings, formation opportunities, and training opportunities.
• Collaborate with staff and fellow participants to address challenges and create solutions.
• Maintain flexibility and willingness to support events, special projects, and emerging organizational needs.
• Represent and uphold the mission, vision, and culture of MLF in all interactions.

Qualities of the Ideal Participant

• Commitment to serving those who have experienced homelessness and personal alignment with MLF's vision, mission, core values, and goals.
• Understanding or willingness to learn about homelessness, poverty, and community‑based solutions.
• Familiarity with or openness to relational ministry and community‑building practices.
• General awareness of nonprofit or mission‑driven organizational environments (preferred).
• Strong interpersonal and relational skills to connect across diverse populations.
• Effective communication and active listening skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in team‑oriented environments.
• Problem‑solving skills and adaptability in dynamic, hands‑on settings.
• Ability to engage others in a respectful, dignifying, and non‑judgmental manner.
• Willingness to live and serve in an intentional community environment.
• Emotional maturity and resilience in complex social environments.
• Ability to perform physical tasks as needed (e.g., outdoor work, lifting, event setup).
• Commitment to personal growth and openness to feedback.
• Must be 21+ to apply.

Learning Opportunities

• Hands‑on experience at a nationally‑renowned non‑profit organization.
• Formal training in the Community First! Model and MLF Culture.
• Training in techniques and best practices for navigating individuals struggling with behavioral disorders, mental disabilities, PTSD, and substance abuse.
• Mentorship and feedback from experienced staff.
• Book studies led by MLF staff and partners for professional development.

Program Information

• Length: 11–12 months, depending on participant availability and program placement, beginning August 2026.
• Includes on‑site housing in a microhome (single occupancy) and a stipend of $1,500 per month.

Application Requirements

As part of the application process, candidates are required to submit a short essay in PDF format along with their resume.

Essay Prompt: Mobile Loaves & Fishes exists to empower communities into a lifestyle of service with the homeless, prioritizing relationships over transactions. Why are you interested in participating in Community Corps, how does this opportunity connect to your own personal sense of purpose, and how do you hope this experience will shape you?

• Instructions:
  • Complete your essay in a document and upload as a PDF with your resume.
  • Length: 500–750 words.
  • Tone: Personal, reflective, and specific.
  • Guidance: We value honesty and self‑awareness over right answers.

Possible Program Placements

• Neighbor Care
  • Assist new neighbors with their transition and integration into CFV.
  • Assist neighbors with a wide range of possible resources and support.
• Community Empowerment
  • Support coordination, stewardship, and empowerment of volunteers.
  • Support tours, events, and other activities that engage the public in our vision.
• Property Management
  • Support neighbors in overall management of the home.
  • Support overall safety for staff and neighbors throughout the Village.
• Replication
  • Support service and stewardship of external guests and stakeholders exploring replication of the Community First model.
• Relationships & Giving
  • Support the R&G team through research, process improvement, donation processing, and more.
  • Support the cultivation and stewardship of potential and current donors through tours and events.
• Site Operations
  • Support dignity for neighbors through groundskeeping and beautification.
  • Support stewardship and hosting of volunteers and volunteer projects.

Environment & Physical Demands

• Ability to work outside in all weather conditions.
• Ability to frequently move, transport and position 50 lbs throughout the day.
• Ability to move about all phases of Community First! Village properties freely and comfortably.
• Ability to drive golf cart or ATV.