City of Temple Names New Director of Housing and Community Services
    City of Temple Names New Director of Housing and Community Services
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    City of Temple Names New Director of Housing and Community Services

    TEMPLE, TX (April 22, 2026) – The City of Temple is pleased to announce the appointment of Rucker Preston as the new Director of Housing and Community Services. With more than 18 years of experience serving Central Texas, Rucker brings a strong background in nonprofit leadership, community engagement, and housing stability initiatives.
    Rucker most recently served as Executive Director of Family Promise of Bell County, a role he has held since 2020. In this position, he led efforts to support families experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity, working collaboratively with community partners to provide sustainable solutions including the construction of a new family shelter, the Promise House, as well as nine new transitional houses, the Promise Homes.
    Prior to that, Rucker served as Executive Director of the Texas Christian Community Development Network from 2017 to 2020 and led Helping Hands Ministry of Belton from 2011 to 2017. Under his leadership, Helping Hands Ministry was recognized with the Texas Homeless Network’s highest honor, Outstanding Organization in the State of Texas, in 2014.
    Rucker Preston

    Rucker Preston

    “Rucker’s experience and deep commitment to serving others make him an excellent fit for this role. His leadership and passion for strengthening communities will be instrumental as we continue to expand housing opportunities and support programs for Temple residents.”

    Erin Smith, Assistant City Manager - City of Temple

    Rucker’s career also includes experience in education. He taught public school in Temple ISD and served as an adjunct instructor at Baylor University for eight years, teaching graduate-level students. He currently serves as a Trustee for Belton ISD.
    He holds a bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies from Dallas Baptist University and a Master of Social Work from Baylor University.
    Before moving to Temple in 2006 with his wife, Kim, Rucker served as an overseas missionary in Mali for two years. Today, he and his family remain active members of the Central Texas community. He and Kim have two sons who attend Belton High School.

    "I am deeply honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve as Director of Housing and Community Services for the City of Temple. Throughout my career, my commitment to helping people and strengthening communities has been guided by my faith. I look forward to working tirelessly alongside residents and community partners to expand opportunities, address housing needs, and enhance the quality of life for everyone who calls Temple home."

    Rucker Preston, Director of Housing & Community Services

    Rucker will begin his role on May 18, 2026.
    For more information on Housing & Community Services, visit templetx.gov/HCD.