Austinite of the Year
Newly named Austinite of the Year leads the fight to change homelessness
The Austin Chamber of Commerce regularly honors local movers and shakers through its annual Austinite of the Year awards. This year, the prestigious title will be bestowed to Alan Graham for his dedication to help Austin's homeless through nonprofit Mobile Loaves & Fishes.
"Alan Graham is an amazing individual whose story is truly inspirational," said Austin Chamber chairman Gene Austin in a press release. "After a career in real estate in Austin, he followed a calling and has devoted his life to helping our city's homeless population. In doing so, Alan has become a nationally recognized leader in the fight to change homelessness."
Graham is both the co-founder and CEO of Mobile Loaves & Fishes, which has provided free meals and services to the homeless for nearly two decades. Graham has also been a driving force behind the Community First! Village, the much talked about affordable housing community in East Austin for the chronically homeless.
The native Texan has made a difference in not only those he's served, but in the lives of those who work and volunteer with his organization.
"[Graham] shares his time and treasure to help our friends on the street to make our city a better place to live for all of us. He leads by example," said chairman and founding Mobile Loaves & Fishes member Bruce Agness in the release.
Graham will join a cavalcade of previous Austinite of the Year recipients, which includes Ann Richards, James Pickle, Susan and Michael Dell, Lee Leffingwell, Darrell K Royal, Kirk Watson, and Louis Black. He will be honored by the Austin Chamber on February 3, 2016.