Gospel Con Carne

A Life Restored, with my Neighbor Ruvi

On our season finale of the Gospel Con Carne podcast, Alan sits down with our neighbor and friend, Ruvi. Born and raised in Cuba, Ruvi grew up amid political and economic hardship. After graduating, he traveled the world while working for the Cuban government before coming to Austin nine years ago to seek asylum, leaving behind his family in Cuba.  Life in the United States brought new challenges—learning English, starting over and eventually losing his job as a medical assistant in 2020. The pandemic led to homelessness and deep emotional struggle, but it was during that time Ruvi found God and began rebuilding his faith.  While homeless, Ruvi worked as a swim instructor for the YMCA until a co-worker told him about Community First! Village. In February 2023, he moved into his new home in the Village surrounded by a supportive and loving community. Today, Ruvi gives all glory to God for restoring his life and reminds us that no matter where we are, God is always present—even when we don't see Him right away. 

Freedom in Faith, with my Neighbor Deirdre

On this episode of the Gospel Con Carne podcast, Alan sits down with our neighbor and friend, Deirdre. Born in California, Deirdre's early life was marked by loss and instability. Even after her father died from addiction, she turned to alcohol and drugs at a young age, leading to years of struggle, incarceration, homelessness and heartbreak. After entering a long-term therapy program, Deirdre rebuilt her life, got married and stayed sober for 15 years. When her marriage ended, her addictions and path toward homelessness returned. Healing came by way of a women's home in Fort Worth and also a supportive church in Georgetown. In March of 2025, Deirdre moved home to Community First! Village, where she has continued her journey of restoration. Today, Deirdre shares her story with honesty and hope, reminding us that addiction is often a symptom of deeper pain and that healing begins when we learn to see our own worth.

Home in Christ and Home at the Village, with my Neighbor Jeff

On this episode of the Gospel Con Carne podcast, Alan sits down with our neighbor and friend, Jeff. Raised in a strict military household and serving in the Navy himself, Jeff's life was marked by both discipline and deep loss, including the passing of his parents and two siblings. For 30 years he battled addiction, but it was during a season of homelessness in Austin while living under a bridge that he encountered God in a life-changing way.   With the support of many who believed in him, Jeff eventually moved to Community First! Village in June of 2020. He now serves as a neighbor leader, a role selected by staff to help welcome and encourage his fellow neighbors. He also plays drums with Home Street Music and finds joy in reading faith-based books. For Jeff, life is no longer about survival—rather, it's about surrender. He says he has learned he can't take a single breath without God and regularly clings to the truth that through Christ, everyone can be made new.

From Bridges to Building Dreams, with my Neighbor Jim

Join Alan on this episode of the Gospel Con Carne podcast as he sits down with our friend and neighbor, Jim. Life for Jim has been marked by its share of highs and lows. He has experienced the joy of being a father, and has also experienced deep loss after losing his wife to cancer. In 2017, Jim faced another battle when a life-threatening illness left doctors uncertain if he would make it. Miraculously, he survived and ended up moving to Austin from Kansas in search of a fresh start.    Unfortunately, a plumbing job that Jim had lined up fell through and he found himself homeless, living under a bridge for four years. Even then, Jim says he avoided the traps of addiction and leaned on his faith, finding hope through Mosaic Church and later moving to Community First! Village in December of 2022.    Today, Jim treasures the dignity of having his own front door and the stability of home. Close with several of his neighbors, he uses the Village as a foundation to keep moving forward. His next dream? Starting a construction business with his son. Through it all, Jim has held onto one belief: something better is always around the corner and having a goal is the key to finding your way.

A Place to Begin Again, with My Neighbor Kim

On this episode of the Gospel Con Carne podcast, Alan sits down with our neighbor and friend, Kim! From losing homes in natural disasters to living out of her car during the pandemic, Kim's journey hasn't been easy—but it's been marked by grit, love and unshakable determination. Originally from western Kansas, Kim made her way to Austin in 2017 after years of navigating life's twists and turns alongside her son, Jordan. In October of 2023, after reaching out to the Charlie Center, Kim and Jordan moved into Community First! Village, where they now live just around the corner from one another. Since then, life has taken a hopeful turn. Jordan works in our Genesis Gardens operation and also receives support from Integral Care, while Kim has found steady ground and a renewed sense of peace within the Village, especially through her involvement in our Art House program.    Known for her quiet strength and deep compassion, Kim believes everyone has a story and that every person deserves dignity. For her, the Village isn't just a place to live—it's a place to heal, grow and be surrounded by a community that truly cares.