OurCommunity is a ministry of OurCalling, a nonprofit organization that has been serving the homeless since 2009. At OurCalling, we help our homeless neighbors walk with Jesus and get off the streets. Our vision is to create a community of integrity where people are cared for with dignity and intentionally connected to the body of Christ.
Solutions for the Most Vulnerable
OurCommunity arises from decades of helping people escape homelessness and build sustainable lives through more than 700 different exit strategies. In 2022, OurCalling helped people exit homelessness 1,599 times. But there are some people that we cannot help because there are no solutions. Often, these individuals are elderly, disabled, and have complex medical needs. These individuals are not able to transition from life on the streets to independent living without on-site support services.
More than Housing
OurCommunity offers a transformative solution through a pioneering tiny home community. Set on a 280-acre property just outside of Ferris, TX, OurCommunity will serve these vulnerable neighbors from Dallas and Ellis Counties. OurCommunity has already developed partnerships with local churches and the Ellis County Homeless Coalition to ensure we can serve our local neighbors well. When fully developed, 500 tiny homes nestled in “neighborhoods” will cater to diverse needs. The neighborhoods will offer 1br/1b or 3br/2b homes, accommodating single adults, hospice care, and families/couples serving as missionals. At its heart will be a support service building featuring a chapel, medical clinic, and a three-meal cafe, complemented by wraparound services. OurCommunity will be a fully-inclusive community that will serve as the final earthly home for its residents.
For questions about OurCommunity, please email us at ourcommunity@ourcalling.org
FAQ
1Where is OurCommunity located?
OurCommunity is located on unincorporated land near Ferris, Texas.
2How big is the land and what does it look like?
The community will sit on 280 acres of land. All buildings will be on 120 acres of land. The remaining land will not be built on- it will be filled with trees, deer, cows, long horns, and three large ponds prime for fishing.
3Why is OurCommunity being built?
OurCommunity’s goal is to provide housing and a wealth of wrap-around services to allow our most vulnerable, formerly homeless individuals to age with dignity.
Modeled after an assisted-living center, the community will have full food service, medical and mental health treatment, counseling, discipleship and activities to give residents purpose.
4What will OurCommunity look like?
Much like a retirement village, OurCommunity will have a centralized service building featuring a chapel, medical clinic, and a three-meal cafe, complemented by wraparound services. Dozens of tiny home neighborhoods will surround the service building. Home sizes will vary between one and three-bedroom homes. 20% of those living in the community will be Missionals. These residents have not experienced homelessness themselves but have been called to serve the men and women in this community and be good neighbors.
5How large will OurCommunity be and how many individuals will live there?
When fully developed, 500 tiny homes nestled in “neighborhoods” will cater to diverse needs. The neighborhoods will offer 1br/1b or 3br/2b homes, accommodating single adults, hospice care, and families/couples serving as missionals. The project will be developed in phases, initially with one neighborhood of 25 homes.
6Who will be eligible to live at OurCommunity?
Residents of OurCommunity will be formerly homeless individuals from Dallas and Ferris, Texas. More specifically, this neighborhood is geared towards the most vulnerable, disabled, and elderly individuals who require on-site services and assisted living.
7Is OurCommunity considered transitional housing?
No, this will be permanent housing for the formerly homeless, specifically those who are disabled and elderly, where they can age with dignity. Residents will not “graduate” or transition out of the program.
8Will residents be able to come and go from the community?
Because of the vulnerability of the residents, all services will be provided onsite, and residents are unlikely to come and go from the community.
9Since you are a faith-based organization, will residents be required to participate in religious activities?
It’s our faith that inspires us to love our neighbor as ourselves. Although we are a religious nonprofit, there will be no requirement to participate in any of our religious activities. Residents and volunteers of all faiths are welcome in our community.
10Will it be free to live at OurCommunity?
OurCommunity is not free, however the cost of rent will remain very low. Individuals will be able to use their benefits to pay for their rent. Those who do not receive benefits will still be eligible to reside in the community. Residents will be able to give back to the community in a number of ways.
11When will OurCommunity be complete?
OurCommunity operates debt-free, so construction times vary based on funds raised. Please check back for updates on when Phase I will be complete.
12How much does this project cost?
This project is being done in phases. OurCalling is raising $10 million for the current phase. It is important to note that OurCommunity, along with OurCalling operates 100% debt free. We do not start a building phase until all funds are raised.
13Who is funding the build of OurCommunity?
Individuals, foundations, corporations, and churches are funding the build of OurCommunity. OurCalling does not receive government funding, and no government funds are expected to be given towards this project.
14I have a company or organization that would like to partner with OurCommunity.
There are dozens of ways that individuals and corporations can partner with OurCommunity. To learn more, please fill out this form.
15I am interested in supporting OurCommunity via donation.
To inquire about giving to OurCommunity, please email us at ourcommunity@ourcalling.org.