In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, Chris and Karolyn discuss what has proven effective in developing permanent supportive housing. Drawing from direct experience, they share the approaches, priorities, and practical considerations that shaped their work and continue to guide how they operate today.

This episode is for anyone interested in permanent supportive housing who wants a clearer sense of what works in practice - from the perspective of people who have done the work and seen the results.

Part 2 continues the conversation with additional context and broader takeaways.

In this episode of Housing for Good, we talk with Olivia Fetsch, a familiar and trusted presence in the McPherson community. Known for her ability to bring people together, Olivia shares what drives her passion for volunteering, how service creates stronger connections, and why simply showing up can have a lasting impact.

This conversation is a reminder that community change doesn’t always start with a title or an organization - it often starts with one person willing to help and invite others along.

In Episode 79 of Housing for Good, we’re joined by Chad Young from the Salina Rescue Mission. Chad discusses how the mission supports individuals experiencing homelessness through structure, accountability, and dignity-centered care.

He also explains why collaboration with mental health providers and other community organizations is essential to supporting recovery and long-term stability.

In this best-practices episode, Chris and Karolyn reflect on key lessons learned from conversations with past Housing for Good podcast guests. Drawing from real-world experience in housing development, finance, and community services, they discuss what works, what does not, and what other communities can learn.

The conversation focuses on practical takeaways and big-picture thinking for anyone interested in housing solutions that actually work.

In this year-end episode, Chris and Karolyn reflect on the major moments and milestones of McPherson Housing Coalition’s work in 2025. They discuss the McPherson County Housing Conference and its speakers, Brush Up Mac, and highlight several favorite guests from the Housing for Good podcast - sharing why those conversations were especially meaningful to them.

They also talk about the number of individuals and families served through Oak Harbor Cottages and Sutherland Estates, and discuss the importance of community within both facilities, emphasizing how connection, stability, and shared support help residents move forward.

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.