ELLIS COUNTY, Texas — There’s a new community coming to Ellis County, just outside of Ferris.
OurCalling, the faith-based nonprofit, is launching OurCommunity.
Wayne Walker, CEO of OurCalling, describes it as “a fully supported tiny home community for those who are experiencing homelessness that need long term care. Specifically, those who need supported independent living, assisted living care and even in home hospice care.”
This project is designed to be a solution for those in need of long-term care, from the elderly to those with disabilities or terminal conditions, as well as others living with significant cognitive and physical challenges.
On completion, OurCommunity will be made up of 500 tiny homes and dozens of services.
“Imagine a grocery store on site. A medical clinic on site. A cafeteria serving three meals a day, medical doctors, VA, mental health care providers, church, recovery services," Walker said. "All those services available on site for full-time residents to live out the remainder of their lives."
Phase one will feature the first 25 tiny homes, streets and infrastructure for the community. There are 280 acres, complete with ponds and mature trees all around.
“Listen to that sound," Walker said during the groundbreaking. "There’s no city streets. No sound of someone getting hurt or screaming down the street.”
OurCommunity will have one- and two-bedroom tiny homes. Funding of $15 million was secured by OurCalling to purchase the land. The entire project is estimated at more than $70 million and the nonprofit is seeking additional community support.
You can learn more or contribute here.
In 2024 alone, OurCalling says it has helped get more than 1,100 people off the streets. This community is its solution for those who they have not been able to help.
“We’ll have tons of people out here to provide not only the independence they need but the support they need and the safety they long for,” Walker said.