Faith in Action: Texas EPIC Masjid Announces Historic Community Services Center
This ambitious 25,000-square-foot facility, located in the heart of downtown Plano, Texas aims to provide a comprehensive safety net for the region’s most vulnerable residents, regardless of their faith, race, or background.
In a historic move that signals a new chapter for community service in North Texas, the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC) has announced the launch of the EPIC Community Services Center.
This ambitious 25,000-square-foot facility, located in the heart of downtown Plano, Texas aims to provide a comprehensive safety net for the region’s most vulnerable residents, regardless of their faith, race, or background.
The announcement, made during a special gathering at the masjid on December 11th, brought together a diverse coalition of interfaith partners, city officials, and non-profit leaders.
The project represents a significant expansion of EPIC’s long-standing commitment to social justice and community well-being.
A Sanctuary of Service
The new center is designed to be a "one-stop shop" for those facing housing instability and poverty.
By consolidating various essential services under one roof, the initiative seeks to restore dignity to the unhoused and underserved populations of Plano.
Key features of the EPIC Community Services Center include:
- Transitional Housing Services: Providing stability and support for individuals working toward independence.
- Free Medical Clinic: Offering general health checkups, dental care, mental health support, and wound care—all provided without cost or judgment.
- Soup Kitchen and Food Pantry: Serving hot, freshly prepared meals and providing essential groceries and culturally appropriate foods for families in need.
- Hygiene and Basic Needs: Featuring clean, private shower facilities and a clothing closet to provide weather-appropriate attire and professional clothing for job seekers.
- Warming and Cooling Shelter: Serving as a critical lifeline during North Texas’s extreme weather events.
Bridging Faiths Through Compassion
While the initiative is led by the Muslim community, its strength lies in its interfaith partnership.
Representatives from the Plano Overnight Warming Shelter (POWS), the Collin County Homeless Coalition, and Hope Restored Mission stood alongside EPIC leadership to celebrate the announcement.
"We represent different beliefs but one love," said Diana, a representative from the POWS team, during the event.
Her sentiment was echoed by other partners who noted that EPIC has been a critical partner in housing the homeless during cold winter nights for years.
The new downtown facility will allow these services to operate year-round, addressing a long-standing gap in the city’s infrastructure.
A Mandate of Faith
Dr. Yasir Qadhi, the resident scholar at EPIC, framed the project not just as a civic duty, but as a core requirement of the Islamic faith.
He referenced the prophetic example of caring for the marginalized and cited the Qur'an’s emphasis on selfless giving.
Reflecting on the spirit of the project, Dr. Qadhi referenced the values found in Surah Al-Insan:
"They give food to the poor, the orphan, and the captive, though they love it themselves, [saying], ‘We feed you only for the sake of God: we seek neither recompense nor thanks from you.’" (Qur'an 76:8-9).
Dr. Qadhi noted that the announcement was particularly poignant given current social tensions surrounding the EPIC Centre.
He described the project as a way to "fight hatred with love" and to demonstrate the true essence of Islam through tangible action rather than mere words.
The Road Ahead
While the vision for the center is clear, the work is just beginning.
EPIC leadership revealed that while they have secured the building in downtown Plano, they are launching a major fundraising campaign to finalize the purchase and begin operations.
A significant community fundraiser was held on December 20th.
Beyond financial contributions, the center is calling for a "volunteer army."
Organizers are encouraging doctors, medical students, and everyday community members to pledge their time.
"This is more than a project; it is a promise from all of us to all of Plano," the center’s introductory video declared.
For a city that has seen its unhoused population grow in recent years, this promise of a permanent, 25,000-square-foot sanctuary of hope couldn't come at a more critical time.