More than 300 residents and community members gathered on Thursday, June 25, to mark the official grand opening of Jericho Village in Wylie. The event celebrated the completion of a development years in the making, which city leaders and organizers describe as a source of hope and long-term support for residents.
Jericho Village is located at 511 W. Brown St. and stands as Wylie’s first income-based urban housing village. The 38-unit complex is a project of the Agape Resource & Assistance Center, a Plano-based organization founded by CEO Janet Collinsworth. The center was established to assist women and families in transitioning out of homelessness, domestic violence, and human trafficking.
The community provides studio through three-bedroom apartments, including units accessible to individuals with disabilities, alongside on-site counseling, education, and other wraparound services aimed at promoting lasting stability.
The celebration included a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by the Wylie Area Chamber of Commerce, along with food trucks and face painting. Hope for the Cities Executive Director Jon Bailey served as the master of ceremonies, praising Collinsworth’s perseverance in turning the project from an idea into reality. Bailey noted that many attendees had witnessed the vision evolve over time.
Wylie Mayor Matthew Porter shared that the name Agape resonated with him due to a family heirloom bearing the same Greek word for unconditional love. He stated that the community is called to care for all residents, not just specific groups.
Porter emphasized that the village offers more than affordable apartments; the included services are designed to help residents build lasting stability rather than providing a temporary solution.
During the ceremony, a congressional recognition from U.S. Representative Keith Self was presented to Collinsworth, Agape Resources staff, and community partners. The inscription described Jericho Village as an example of compassion in action, noting that the opportunities created will strengthen families and foster independence.