How Janet Collinsworth is Transforming Attainable Housing at Jericho Village

For more than a decade, Janet Collinsworth has been on the frontlines of supporting women and children experiencing homelessness in Collin County, Texas. As the founder of Agape Resource & Assistance Center, she has helped hundreds of families take steps toward stability. But in recent years, one challenge became impossible to ignore: even after completing Agape’s programs, many families still couldn’t find housing they could afford. 

That reality became the driving force behind Jericho Village, a 38-unit, ground-up development supported in part by the National Strategic Impact Investment Fund (NSIIF), a fund managed by LISC Fund Management (LFM). Located in Wylie, Texas, Jericho Village is designed not just to house families—but to help them thrive. 

Set on 2.47 acres, Jericho Village brings together income-based rental homes, a community center, and a playground in a thoughtfully designed, village-style layout. The site includes nine quadplex buildings with shared entrances that naturally foster connection among neighbors, along with community-centered spaces like a kitchen, children’s room, exercise area, and outdoor gathering spaces. 

“We’re not just building homes—we’re creating a community where families can grow together.” 

But what sets Jericho Village apart is its holistic approach. In addition to providing deeply needed attainable housing for families across multiple income tiers, the development integrates on-site empowerment services—ranging from financial coaching and childcare to education, workforce development, and transportation. 

“We’re ensuring residents have the resources they need—financial coaching, childcare, education, and transportation—to maintain long-term stability.” 

The urgency of that mission is clear. In surveying the local community, more than 120 families expressed interest in just 38 available units—underscoring the overwhelming demand for safe, attainable housing in the region. While Jericho Village will provide life-changing opportunities for those who secure a home there, it also represents something larger: a replicable model for addressing housing instability at scale. 

“I’m overjoyed for those we can serve—and deeply moved by those we cannot yet reach.” 

For Collinsworth, Jericho Village is deeply personal. After 12 years leading Agape, she saw firsthand how the post-pandemic housing crisis created new barriers for families who had already done the hard work to rebuild their lives. This development is her response—a way to ensure that progress doesn’t stall due to a lack of attainable options. 

Her journey into development wasn’t traditional. Before entering the housing space, Collinsworth built a successful forensic accounting firm in a traditionally male-dominated industry. That experience shaped her approach, preparing her to navigate the similarly complex and often male-dominated world of real estate development. Her philosophy is rooted in preparation and partnership: mastering the details while surrounding herself with trusted experts who share a commitment to the mission. 

Today, Jericho Village stands as more than a housing development—it is a community designed for healing, growth, and opportunity. It reflects a broader belief that stable housing is foundational to strong neighborhoods, a resilient workforce, and a thriving regional economy. 

By creating a place where families can find both security and support, Collinsworth and her team are not only changing individual lives—they are helping build a stronger future for Wylie and beyond. 

To learn more about Agape Resource & Assistance Center and Jericho Village, visit them at www.hope4agape.org.  

To learn more about LISC Fund Management and the National Strategic Investment Fund, visit www.liscfundmanagement.org/national-strategic-investments-impact-fund-nsiif. 

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References made to endorsements by any third-party to invest with LFM are not indicative of future performance and does not imply any guaranteed level of service, skill, or training. Investors should not rely on endorsements for any purpose and should conduct their own review prior to investing. Janet Collinsworth is not a “promoter” or investor in LFM, but is a third-party who is not compensated for this statement.  

The investments discussed do not represent all investments made by National Strategic Investment Fund (NSIIF). It should not be assumed that any of the investments discussed were or will be profitable, or that investments made in the future will be profitable or will equal the performance of the investments discussed herein. In addition, there can be no assurance that future funds will be able to make investments similar to the historic investments presented herein (because of economic conditions, the availability of investment opportunities and otherwise). No discussion with respect to specific companies should be considered a recommendation to purchase or sell any particular investment.