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.

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.

This week on Housing for Good, Chris welcomes Juven Nava, Director of Community Outreach and Communications at Grace Med Wichita. They talk about the vital role Grace Med plays in improving community health across Kansas — from its network of clinics to the outreach programs that ensure care reaches those who need it most. Tune in to learn how healthcare access and community partnerships can build stronger, healthier neighborhoods.

In this episode of Housing for Good, Chris and Karolyn reflect on the recent McPherson County Housing Conference, sharing key takeaways, highlights, and insights from the event. Tune in to hear what stood out, what inspired them, and how the discussions will help shape local housing efforts moving forward.

When families face tough times, even small essentials can make a big impact. On this episode of Housing for Good, Kristi Fowler from St. Anne’s Episcopal Church shares how their “Clean Closet” is filling an important need in the community.