Can the formerly homeless live large in a tiny home? Dallas-based nonprofit OurCalling may have the answer—and it lies in creating a whole, enriching community that gives vulnerable individuals a supportive, long-term fresh start.

The faith-based nonprofit broke ground today on phase 1 of OurCommunity, a “first-of-its-kind” 280-acre residential development near Ferris, 20 miles south of downtown Dallas.

OurCommunity is believed to be “the largest capital project for housing the homeless in North Texas history and a model for the nation,” OurCalling said.

Studio tiny home at left and 1-bedroom tiny home at right in the OurCommunity development for the unsheltered homeless near Ferris, south of Dallas. [Photo: OurCalling]

When completed, it will feature 500 tiny-home units and a wide range of onsite wrap-around services. With the 500 homes nestled into cozy neighborhoods, a support service building will feature dozens of on-site services, including a three-meal cafe, a medical clinic, mental healthcare, counseling, mentoring, clothing distribution, laundry services, a library, a coffee shop, a church, and spaces for Bible studies and addiction recovery classes.

The community aims to serve people “in dire need of long-term care,” OurCalling said, including the elderly, those with disabilities or terminal conditions, and others living with significant cognitive and physical challenges.

Aerial rendering of OurCalling’s OurCommunity tiny-home development near Ferris, south of Dallas. [Image: W+P Architecture]

OurCalling notes that living in OurCommunity will not be free. “However, the cost of rent will remain very low,” the organization says. “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.”

‘The beginning of a transformative journey’

Rendering of OurCalling’s OurCommunity tiny-home development for the unsheltered homeless. [Image: W+P Architecture]

“This groundbreaking marks the beginning of a transformative journey for some of the most vulnerable individuals experiencing homelessness in the community. OurCommunity is a beacon of hope for the elderly and those with significant long-term needs—and our desire is for them to find stability through on-site wrap-around support and services,” OurCalling Pastor and CEO Wayne Walker said in a statement. “We’re grateful for the incredible partnerships and generosity that have made this project possible.”

OurCalling operates a homeless outreach center on Cesar Chavez Blvd. just south of downtown Dallas, providing support services to over 300 men, women, and children daily, offering meals, laundry, showers, clothing, recovery classes, Bible studies, and “opportunities to get off the streets.”

$15M raised for phase 1 of $70M-plus project

Rendering of OurCalling’s OurCommunity tiny-home development [Image: W+P Architecture]

The $15 million already raised for Phase I of the project will help build OurCommunity’s first neighborhood with 25 homes, a clubhouse, and site infrastructure including main roads into the property, parking lots, landscaping, and utilities. Phase 1 is slated to be completed by late Spring 2025. Individuals, foundations, corporations, and churches dedicated to helping end homelessness are funding the project, OurCalling said.

The initial $15 million in funding also covered the land purchase, land improvements, and master plans, the nonprofit noted. 

Full-time staff will be employed by the community to manage operations and resident care and provide 24-hour on-site security. Additional support will be provided by specially trained “missional residents,” who will live within the community.

Studio tiny home at left and 1-bedroom tiny home at right in the OurCommunity development, with a 3-BR “missionals” home at center. [Photo: OurCalling]

Church activities are ‘voluntary’ 

OurCalling noted that while it is a Christian nonprofit, participation in Bible studies or church activities is “voluntary,” with residents and volunteers of all faiths welcome at OurCommunity. On an FAQ page on the OurCommunity website, the organization also addressed residents’ freedom to “come and go.”

“Because of the vulnerability of the residents, all services will be provided onsite, and residents are unlikely to come and go from the community,” the organization says.

The entire project is estimated at more than $70 million, OurCalling noted, adding that both it and  OurCommunity operate “100% debt-free.”

Construction  on subsequent phases will begin once funds are raised, the nonprofit added.

Interior of a tiny home in the OurCommunity development near Ferris, south of Dallas. [Photo: OurCalling]

Nonprofit was founded in 2009

The nonprofit ministry OurCalling was founded in 2009, and is dedicated to serving the unsheltered homeless community in Dallas County. Its facility near downtown Dallas also brings in services provided by community partners including Parkland, the North Texas Food Bank, and the Veterans Association. OurCalling says its street outreach teams visit homeless people “where they are—under bridges, in the woods, behind abandoned buildings—building relationships and ministering to their tangible needs.” Last year, OurCalling facilitated 1,359 placements that led to people exiting homelessness, the nonprofit said.

More info about OurCommunity is available on its website.

Kitchen area of a tiny home in the OurCommunity development near Ferris, south of Dallas. [Photo: OurCalling]

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