JMF Giving Back: Community First!
A Season of Gratitude and Giving
As Thanksgiving approaches, we are reminded of the incredible community that surrounds us here in Austin — a city filled with creativity, compassion, and connection. At Jean-Marc Fray Antiques, we understand the power of beauty — how art, design, and the spaces we inhabit shape our sense of belonging, comfort, and joy. As a family business with deep French roots, we value the art of living well — gathering around food, creating homes filled with meaning, and surrounding ourselves with pieces that tell a story. These same values guide our love for Austin and our support of the organizations that nurture its people — those who provide safety, shelter, nourishment, and inspiration for our community to thrive.
A Focus on Community
This season, we want to take a moment to highlight some of the organizations making a profound impact in our community. These nonprofits embody values we hold dear and we are honored to support their work. For our first spotlight on an Austin organization we at Jean-Marc Fray Antiques support, we are highlighting the Community First! Village.
Community First! Village provides affordable, permanent housing and supportive community for people transitioning out of chronic homelessness. Their efforts offer not just shelter, but a renewed sense of purpose and belonging. We deeply admire their holistic approach to home — a reminder that the concept of “home” extends far beyond four walls; it’s about stability, dignity, and connection.
Community First! Village is located on Hog Eye Road and is currently home to more than 470 formerly homeless people, yet has the capacity when complete to house 1900 people. The village is planned specifically to cultivate community, with communal spaces and front porches on each home. In addition to homes, the village also includes a community amphitheater, market, dog park, chapel, garden, health clinic, and much more.
In addition to housing, Community Works provides opportunity for dignified income. Including gardens, art studios, and markets, many channels for work are established.
With such a dynamic plan built on kindness, many city officials from across the country are looking to Community First! as an example of how best to support the unhoused people of their cities.
Why This Cause Matters to Us
Our work with fine antiques and vintage design is centered around storytelling — bringing history, artistry, and humanity into modern spaces. Likewise, this organization helps write new stories for individuals in our community — stories of hope, transformation, and resilience.
We believe that homes should not only be beautiful, but meaningful. Supporting those who make homes possible, and who create safety and belonging, aligns naturally with our purpose.
Join Us in Giving Back
This Thanksgiving season, we invite you to join us in supporting this incredible organization. Whether through a donation, volunteering, or simply spreading the word, every effort helps build a stronger, more compassionate Austin. Please find opportunities to volunteer with and tour the village on their website, here. For those in Austin and beyond, Community First! is currently running a capital campaign to expand their work through 3D printing homes, and more.
With Gratitude
As we enter the season of giving, we extend heartfelt gratitude to our clients, partners, and friends who make it possible for us to support these meaningful causes. Together, we can continue to nurture creativity, foster compassion, and make Austin a more beautiful place — inside and out.
