A project to house the homeless in Collin County was put on pause due to rising construction costs, but officials with Jericho Village say their plan is back on track and they’ll break ground in April.
And while the $9.6 million project drew some opposition in the small Wylie community when it was first announced, neighbors are now saying they welcome Agape Resource & Assistance Center Inc.’s efforts to house the unsheltered.
That may be due to a change in marketing.
The multifamily rental housing complex is now being promoted as “transitional housing” rather than “homeless housing.”
In addition to providing affordable homes, Jericho Village will offer an onsite social worker and support services to tenants, according to its website.
“I’m happy Wylie is stepping up to provide resources to women in ‘difficult-to-leave’ situations,” one social media user commented on a post about the project.
The development is planned for 2.6 acres at 511 West Brown St. near Winding Oaks Drive.
Housing Mix for Jericho Village
Kathy Beazley, a spokeswoman for the nonprofit Agape Resource & Assistance Center, said much of the financing has come from private donors. Jericho Village is not government-subsidized Section 8 housing, Beazley explained.
The development will feature nine fourplex multifamily units, a community center, a garden, a playground, and an outdoor gathering area.
The plan calls for studio apartments and one-, two-, and three-bedroom units. A maximum of 60 percent of the units will be designated for tenants at or below 50 percent of the Area Median Income.
The majority of the units will be available to those already living in the Wylie area.
The need is great in the North Dallas community, Beazley said.
“The facts are astounding,” she said. “Sadly, extended-stay hotels have become temporary housing for some and are now frequent stops along the school bus routes.”
Housing The Homeless
About 61,000 Collin County residents live at or below the poverty line, according to information provided by Jericho Village representatives. More than 16,000 Plano ISD students rely on free or reduced lunch programs.
There are only 300 beds available to shelter the homeless in Collin County, resulting in 4,000 homeless people being turned away each year. Most of those who are turned away are women and children, Beazley said.
“Jericho Village is an innovative approach to creating life empowerment by aiding people with transitional housing, support services, sustainable income-stream development, and other resources to function in the greater community by helping to stabilize their lives, with the intent of them becoming self-sustaining adults,” she said.
