Locals concerned over planned tiny home village in Ellis County

ELLIS COUNY – Recently some residents have shown concern about a possible homeless community being built in northeast Ellis County by a group called OurCalling.

Patrick Palmer, chief advancement officer for OurCalling, said the project is an assisted living development and not a homeless shelter.

“This community will be a tiny home village, modeled after an assisted-living center with a wealth of wrap-around services available to its residents,” Palmer explained.

He said the assistance provided includes full food service, medical and mental health treatment, counseling, job training, discipleship, and a community planner to “ensure a fun and engaging environment for our previously homeless residents to enjoy.

The Ellis County tiny home vision spearheaded by OurCalling has been a project the non-profit organization has felt strongly about for some time.

“We have been dreaming and planning this housing plan for many years,” Palmer said.

“It has been in the heart and vision of our Founder, Pastor Wayne Walker.

“This housing plan is designed to give its residents more than just a space to live.

“It is a place to become healthy, and to grow in community.

“It is a place to relax and to play, to connect with vital physical health resources, and a place to experience and grow in faith.”

While plans are still in the works and the organization is still receiving final quotes from architects and builders, Palmer concluded, “When we turn the first key, and our first resident walks through the door, we envision that we will hear a deep exhale of relief as they enter into their forever home.”