Mission Waco Completed Creekside Community Village
The village offers permanent affordable housing to individuals exiting chronic homelessness.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Philanthropy
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Mission Waco finished construction of the Creekside Community Village in March 2026. The new development currently houses 38 residents in an effort to address housing instability.
Why it matters
The project aims to provide permanent stability for those transitioning out of chronic homelessness through a relationship-based model. It serves as a localized response to a significant regional housing shortage.
The Creekside Community Village project secured over $16 million in total funding, with $2 million contributed by the city of Waco. Monthly rents for residents are set between $275 and $550.
The players
Mission Waco
This organization operates the Creekside Community Village and manages various outreach programs for the homeless.
The details
Applicants at the village must meet five qualifications, including a health assessment and at least one year of prior residency in McLennan County. Residents choose from three home types based on their individual budget and needs.
Timeline
1991: Dorrell opened the My Brothers Keeper homeless shelter.
2023-2024: Waco saw a 53% increase in high-income earners.
June 2025: MeridianLink released a report on Waco housing prices.
March 2026: Creekside Community Village finished construction.
Market Landscape
The construction of the Creekside Community Village follows the precedent established by the 1991 opening of My Brothers Keeper as a central pillar of Mission Waco's strategy. This development marks a shift toward long-term, permanent housing solutions compared to the organization's historic focus on temporary shelter.
The project offers a housing option for individuals facing the local shortage of 5,000 affordable homes. With monthly rents as low as $275, the village provides a significant cost-of-living reduction for qualifying residents in a region where the poverty rate stands at 23.1%.
The takeaway
The village model relies on strong relationships between volunteers and residents to maintain long-term occupancy for those previously experiencing homelessness. Residents must meet specific health and residency requirements to qualify for these affordable housing units.
What happens next
Mission Waco has announced plans to open the Welcome Home Center and intends to expand the housing development to 346 units across 68 acres.
Further reading
For additional context, see Philanthropy coverage of housing initiatives in Waco.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Baylor Lariat - The official student news source.
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