280-Acre Community Redefines North Texas Homelessness Support

Dallas nonprofit builds small-home neighborhood for elderly and disabled experiencing homelessness

Mar. 26, 2026 at 11:05pm

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A new 280-acre development called Our Community in Ferris, Texas is the latest effort by the Dallas-based nonprofit Our Calling to provide long-term stability and support for people who are elderly or disabled and experiencing homelessness. The project features small homes, shared green spaces, and "missional" families who live on-site to provide friendship and assistance. The first phase includes 25 homes, with plans to eventually expand to up to 500 homes along with medical facilities, a grocery store, and other services.

Why it matters

Our Community aims to address the specific needs of elderly and disabled individuals experiencing homelessness, a group that Pastor Wayne Walker of Our Calling says is often overlooked. The project is designed to foster a sense of community and provide permanent, stable housing paired with on-site support services.

The details

The 280-acre Our Community development in Ferris, Texas was initiated by the Dallas-based nonprofit Our Calling. The project features small homes facing each other with shared green spaces to encourage gathering and community. In addition to the homes, the long-term plan includes medical facilities, a grocery store, a coffee shop, and other services to create a fully functioning neighborhood. The first phase includes 25 homes, with plans to eventually expand to up to 500 homes.

  • Our Calling began the Our Community project in 2023.
  • The first 25 homes were completed in early 2026.

The players

Our Calling

A Dallas-based nonprofit that provides support and services for people experiencing homelessness, with a focus on elderly and disabled individuals.

Wayne Walker

The CEO of Our Calling and the driving force behind the Our Community project.

Anita and Kenneth Johnson

A couple who arrived at an Our Calling inclement-weather shelter three years ago after a dispute with a landlord left them without a home, and are now residents of the Our Community development.

Abraham and Anna Jenkins

A family who are "missionals" in the Our Community development, living on-site to provide consistent support and friendship to the residents.

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What they’re saying

“We've recognized that there is one group that no one will take, and that's people who are elderly and disabled. These are someone's aging parents who need a safe place to go. To create that space – and not just talk about it, but now open it – is a beautiful thing to see.”

— Wayne Walker, CEO, Our Calling

“Thank you, Lord. This is ours. We just don't know how blessed we have been.”

— Kenneth Johnson

“We spent years talking about how important community was. Then this was dropped in our laps – like, 'Are you ready to live out what you've been talking about?' And we said yes.”

— Anna Jenkins

What’s next

Our Calling plans to continue expanding the Our Community development, with the goal of eventually building up to 500 homes and additional support services.

The takeaway

The Our Community project in Ferris, Texas represents a innovative approach to addressing homelessness, particularly for vulnerable populations like the elderly and disabled. By providing permanent, stable housing coupled with on-site support and a strong sense of community, the development aims to redefine how North Texas can support its most vulnerable residents.