A vacant pocket in Houston’s Greater Third Ward soon will be transformed into a residential enclave of new homes offering economically disadvantaged individuals, some with young children, a sense of stability and a pathway to transitioning to a long-term housing solution. 

Beginning in December 2024, HomeAid Houston, Agape Development, and Camillo Companies will construct eight new duplex homes in a Southside community at the corner of Ward Street and Dumble Street. The project will add rental housing to Houston’s underdeveloped affordable housing market, saving renters up to 60% off market rental rates. Construction is expected to be completed in spring 2025.

Officials with HomeAid Houston, Agape Development, and Camillo Companies recently celebrated the community’s groundbreaking with neighborhood leaders. This marked the beginning of a project that will bring much-needed housing and hope to families in the Greater Third Ward. 

“We’re honored to be part of this collaborative effort to create safe, functional homes for individuals and families in need,” says Margaret Potter, chief executive officer of Camillo Companies. “Working alongside Agape Development and HomeAid Houston allows us to combine our expertise with their vision, ensuring these homes provide both stability and comfort for the residents who will live here.” 

Agape Development, a grassroots organization dedicated to transforming Greater Third Ward, identified and acquired the property. The organization also will work with social workers and local nonprofits to identify and select future residents.

HomeAid Houston, which aims to help those experiencing or at risk of homelessness, contacted Houston-based Camillo Companies, to provide construction services for the new duplex homes. HomeAid’s mission will save Agape approximately 50% of construction costs through the in-kind construction management, labor, and materials of GHBA members. Camillo Companies will follow floorplans designed by Agape Development to ensure the homes offer both functionality and comfort for future residents. 

Working with its subcontractors, Camillo expects to build the homes with discounted materials, allowing tenants to secure housing at lower-than-market rental rates. 

About Camillo Companies 

Camillo Companies exists to open doors to greater opportunities for all people. For more than 30 years, the company has led the way in constructing premier communities featuring affordable homes and residences that maximize style, livability, and functional floorplan designs. It is one of Texas’s largest privately held real estate development and construction companies. 

Camillo Companies is a vertically integrated operation consisting of four primary entities, including Retail (Legend Homes and Princeton Classic Homes), Residences (SimplyHome), Land Development (Academy Development), and Maintenance (LCI Services). Through these operations, Camillo Companies has constructed more than 30,000 homes and residences in the Greater Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, San Antonio, and Bryan-College Station areas, establishing a standard of exceptional customer service and attainability. 

To learn more, visit camillocompanies.com.