Homeless shelter breaks ground near Ferris

FERRIS – Last week, the OurCalling faith-based non-profit development broke ground in Ellis County for Phase 1 of a project that has been in the works for several years at 231 Wickliffe Road.

OurCalling currently operates a daytime outreach center for the “unsheltered homeless,” the Ellis County groundbreaking takes the organization outside Dallas with a master-planned neighborhood called “OurCommunity.”  

In addition to a homeless population to be housed at the community, a press release indicated this 280-acre property in Ellis County “will serve men and women in dire need of long-term care – including the elderly, those in wheelchairs or with terminal conditions, and others living with significant cognitive and physical challenges.” 

Phase 1 of the project will include 25 tiny homes that will serve men and women in need of long-term services. 

Once complete, the overall project will not only house 500 tiny home residents onsite, but will also include a chapel, medical clinic, cafe, mental-health clinic, counseling areas, and more – all designed to minister to the spiritual and physical needs of resident individuals while also providing 24-hour, on-site security. 

The $15 million raised for Phase 1 covers the land purchase, land improvements and master plans.

The overall infrastructure will include main roads into the property, parking lots, landscaping, and utilities (water, power, and septic).

Residents commented on the project as far back as 2022 concerned of what OurCalling’s plans were at the time. 

Ellis County Press writer Michael Seiber wrote an article headlining, “Planned Development will not be Homeless Community.”

“Plans are to develop 120 acres of the land... near a central facility for all the residents’ needs,” Seiber wrote. 

He indicated, “OurCommunity is designed for the elderly individuals looking to spend the remainder of life in dignity” adding it will be for individuals who are unable to find a place to live, people with long-term care needs and veterans of military service. 

“Everyone is intended to pay some rent and are considered to have ownership in OurCommunity. It is not intended to be a place for the homeless living on the streets from other cities” his article read.

That appears to have slightly changed since 2022 with the homeless aspect also included. 

Since the project is in Ellis County, questions as to how much authority the county has on this development were answered by Alberto Mares, Ellis County Development Director.

Mares said, “The OurCalling faith-based development was understood to be a shelter for the homeless from the very beginning. Although many of our residents expressed skepticism toward the development, Ellis County has no legal authority to prohibit the development. The county does not have any zoning ordinances – this is an authority that was relinquished in the 1980’s. Apart from minimal regulations for development and health and sanitation purposes, people and organizations may do what they wish with their property.”

Mares also added that based on conversation with the county’s Legal Department, 501(c)3 organizations can be exempt from Texas property taxes, but not by default. OurCalling will have to complete an exemption application with the county to be exempted from our property taxes so yes, the organization itself would be paying the taxes.

OurCalling is a nonprofit ministry, founded in 2009, dedicated to serving the homeless community in Dallas County. Learn more at ourcalling.org.