A: Qualified applicants are individual adults who have experienced homelessness in McLennan County for at least one year prior to applying to live at Creekside. “Homelessness” includes those who have lived outside, in a shelter, in their vehicle, in a low-budget motel, or other space not intended for permanent human habitation. Creekside is unable to welcome registered sex offenders, and we do have criminal look back periods for violent crimes as well as crimes related to destruction of property. All Neighbors submit to background checks and a multi-step vetting process prior to being invited to live in the village. Neighbors must have an income, typically with a minimum monthly amount of $700/month and not more than $18,700 per year. 

A: The application process for Creekside begins at Mission Waco’s Meyer Center 

A: Creekside operates on three basic rules: 1) Pay your rent 2) Obey the law 3) Be a good Neighbor. Everyone who lives at Creekside pays rent to live within our community. Around 60% of our Neighbors receive SSDI or other benefits as their primary source of income, with an average monthly income of around $900/month. Approximately 40% of our Neighbors are employed in marketplace jobs and/or in dignified income programs within the village. Presently, rents range from $294-$575/month depending on unit style and size. 

A: Creekside is a gated neighborhood with perimeter fencing, access-controlled gates and commercial spaces, and on-site security personnel. We are also supported by an array of cameras and other technology to keep our Neighbors as safe as possible. Visitors may be asked to use our secure check-in system including providing photo ID. 

A: Mission Waco programs have consistently been designed to serve people in need who already live in McLennan County, and Creekside Community Village is no different. Applicants at Creekside must have been experiencing homelessness in McLennan County for at least 1 year prior to submitting an application to live at Creekside. Many of our Neighbors have lived in McLennan County for 10 or more years. Around half of our Neighbors attended high school in McLennan County.  

A: Homes at Creekside range from 100-600 sq ft. Neighborhood One features eight different home styles, all professionally designed. Many homes are comparable in size to the primary bedroom in a standard home or apartment. Our Neighbors consistently share how much they love our home designs, and their cozy layouts. One Neighbor recently reflected that a home right over 200 sq ft almost felt like too much space!  

A: As a truly master planned community, we value high-quality construction and have engaged an experienced and professional construction team in the building of homes and other buildings at Creekside. Homes are built of the same type of materials many new construction homes are built with today. Home is what we do—so we are making sure we do it right! Many visitors to the village say, “I wish I could live here!”.  

A: Yes! Groups and volunteers are the engine that keeps Creekside running. To begin the process to serve at Creekside please use the “Get Involved” section of the Mission Waco website. We love to host visitors to learn about Creekside. We ask that you reach out to Jonah, our Chief Village Officer, to schedule a visit by emailing: [email protected].  

Note, unannounced/unscheduled visitors may be turned away due to staff availability or village activities.  

A: We welcome your gift of any size! You can give online here: https://missionwaco.org/creekside-community-development/?give=KJDZ6JD2 or contact Bailie Rouse, Director of Advancement at 254-753-4900