Housing for Good

In this episode of Housing for Good, we sit down with Marci Penner, co-founder of the Kansas Sampler Foundation, to explore what truly allows rural communities to thrive.
Marci shares the difference between communities that actively choose to live and grow versus those that slowly fade, and the intentional effort required to help struggling towns regain momentum. We talk about the creative ways small communities draw visitors, foster pride, and build local identity - and why housing is a foundational piece of that work.
From grassroots creativity to long-term sustainability, this conversation highlights how community spirit, leadership, and housing all intersect in shaping the future of rural Kansas.

In this episode of Housing for Good, we’re joined by Rod Huxman from Kansas Secured Title to unpack the often confusing world of real estate abstracts and titles. Rod explains the historical role of abstracts, how title insurance works today, and why the industry has largely shifted away from abstracts in modern transactions.
Whether you’re buying a home, working in real estate, or just curious about how property ownership is verified, this conversation offers a clear and practical overview of what happens behind the scenes before a sale is finalized.

When small repairs start to pile up, a home can quickly slip out of reach — and with it, a family’s sense of stability. This week, we sit down with Ron Hjertstedt, who recently stepped into his new role with McPherson Housing Coalition to support homeowners through minor maintenance projects.
Ron shares how the heart of this work isn't just about tightening hinges or fixing steps — it’s about building trust, offering encouragement, and restoring confidence in the place people call home. Together, we explore how personal connection can have a profound impact on long-term housing stability, and what Ron has learned so far through these early experiences.
Whether you're passionate about housing, curious about the behind-the-scenes work that keeps families safely housed, or simply love hearing meaningful stories from your community, this episode offers a warm and insightful look at the human side of home repair.

This week on Housing for Good, Chris and Karolyn sit down with Tom to explore the story behind the McPherson County Food Bank and the vital role it plays in supporting families across the region. Tom shares how he first got involved with the food bank, how its mission has grown over the years, and where donations typically come from.Together, they discuss the challenges of meeting rising demand and the uncertainty of how the food bank would respond if a major influx of people suddenly needed food assistance. It’s an open, practical look at community support, local resilience, and the ongoing work of helping neighbors thrive.

This week on Housing for Good, Chris and Karolyn welcome Kayla Knier, Director of Regional Coordination at the Kansas Statewide Homeless Coalition. Kayla shares how regional collaboration, funding structures, and cross-community partnerships work together to strengthen Kansas’ homelessness response system.
We explore how the Kansas Balance of State Continuum of Care brings communities together, coordinates resources across 101 counties, and strengthens the support available to individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
Kayla also discusses how data, community relationships, and shared goals shape long-term solutions that make homelessness rare, brief, and non-recurring.
A quick note — our guest joined us remotely for this conversation.

This week on Housing for Good, Chris and Karolyn sit down with Dr. Shiloh Vincent, Superintendent of McPherson Public Schools, for a thoughtful conversation about how strong schools and stable housing support one another.Dr. Vincent discusses the importance of quality learning environments, the role of community partnerships, the connection between student success and family stability, and why safe, well-designed school facilities matter for the future of McPherson. We also explore how collaboration across sectors can strengthen public education and create healthier, more resilient communities.

This week on Housing for Good, Chris and Karolyn talk with Yamir Lozada, Director of Education and Workforce Development at Goodwill Industries of Kansas and Director at NexStep Alliance, about how education and workforce training open doors to opportunity and transform lives. He shares how connecting learning to employment and fostering community partnerships empowers individuals and families to build stronger, more self-sufficient futures.

This week on Housing for Good, Chris and Karolyn sit down with Edgar Gates as he shares his story of perseverance and hope. Through the support of the McPherson Housing Coalition, Edgar found stability during a difficult chapter in his life. His journey highlights the power of community, compassion, and housing support in helping people move forward.

On this week’s Housing for Good, Chris and Karolyn talk with Kris Erickson, CEO of Bethany Village in Lindsborg, Kansas. Bethany Village offers more than traditional senior care — it’s a thriving community that provides independent living, assisted living, and long-term care services.Kris shares how Bethany Village helps residents maintain independence, stay connected, and find comfort at every stage of aging.
Tune in to learn how this organization blends compassionate care with a strong sense of community, right here in central Kansas.

On this week’s Housing for Good, Chris and Karolyn talk with Ron and Swati about their journey from India back to the United States and how the McPherson Housing Coalition is helping them settle back in. Their story is one of resilience, community, and hope — a reminder of the power of support when starting over.