What begins as a blueprint eventually becomes a home. But for the women who will walk through the doors of Compassion United’s newest transitional housing unit in Conroe, it will become something far more profound: a second chance.
HomeAid Houston has partnered with Highland Homes to construct a brand-new 16-bed women’s transitional housing unit as part of Compassion United’s ambitious Miracle City campus. Construction is well underway, with Builder Captain Matt McGhee, Senior Vice President of HHS Residential, leading the charge alongside a team deeply committed to the project’s mission. Project completion is expected in early June 2026.
A Vision Years in the Making
The road to Miracle City has been a long one. The seeds of this partnership were planted back in the fall of 2021, when HomeAid Houston first identified Compassion United as a project partner and tapped Highland Homes as its Builder Captain. Early 2022 saw the project take shape on paper, with pre-development work beginning and the homebuilding community rallying around the cause. Then, in 2024, the vision became reality when dozens of supporters gathered in Conroe for a much-anticipated groundbreaking ceremony.
The event drew community leaders including Conroe Mayor Jody Czajkoski, and leadership from the HomeAid and GHBA boards of directors. At the ceremony, McGhee made a surprise announcement that added even more weight to the occasion: thanks to a generous donation by a Compassion United supporter, funds for a second transition home had been fully secured, and Highland Homes and HHS Residential had agreed to captain both projects simultaneously.
A Mission That Goes Beyond Housing
Founded over a decade ago, Compassion United has grown into the most comprehensive support ministry in Montgomery County. The Conroe-based nonprofit provides food, clothing, housing, and resources for medical care, mental health support, and mentoring to those experiencing homelessness. Their Miracle City campus envisions five transition homes in total, with HomeAid sponsoring the first.
For Luke Redus, founder and executive director of Compassion United, the partnership with HomeAid and Highland Homes has meant as much as the project itself.
“In October of 2021, I received an email from Carole informing me that our first transition home on the Miracle City campus was selected by HomeAid Houston and that Highland Homes had offered to be our builder captain,” said Redus. “From that point on, we have forged a beautiful friendship with both of these amazing organizations that extends beyond the partner relationship.”
“This build has taken some time to get started, and throughout that whole process, both have been encouraging and supportive. I am truly grateful for this opportunity. Providing people with a safe place to live and grow is the first step to recovery. It is a privilege to work with organizations who share our passion for restoring hope,” he added.
The Homebuilding Industry at Its Best
For Matt McGhee and the team at Highland Homes, the Compassion United project reflects the kind of work that gives the industry its greatest sense of purpose.
“We are so grateful to HomeAid Houston for creating a pathway for the homebuilding industry to support such an important mission,” said McGhee. “The entire team at Compassion United is truly exceptional. They are deeply committed to changing lives. These homes will provide a safe and stable environment for men and women seeking a fresh start, but their impact goes far beyond housing. Compassion United is dedicated to offering comprehensive resources that address the whole person and foster lasting transformation. All of us at Highland Homes are honored to play even a small role in supporting their incredible work.”
HomeAid Houston Executive Director Carole Brady echoed that sentiment, noting the momentum building across the organization’s project roster.
“Projects like Miracle City are a testament to what this industry can accomplish when it comes together around a shared purpose,” said Brady. “Highland Homes and HHS Residential have shown extraordinary dedication to this mission, and Compassion United’s work on the ground in Montgomery County is truly life-changing. We are proud to be part of it.”
Construction Underway
With construction now well underway, the Miracle City campus is moving closer to fulfilling its promise. When complete this summer, the new women’s unit will add critical capacity to Compassion United’s residential programming, helping more individuals find the stability they need to rebuild their lives.
To learn more about HomeAid Houston and its construction projects across the Greater Houston area, visit homeaidhouston.org or call 281-664-1435.