News - Our Stories

After seven years of street homelessness, and some time spent living in a tent in a friend’s backyard, the team at Kim Wilson Housing was able to help Maria* get into an apartment of her own. Maria's housing situation has also paved the way for another memorable moment - having her mother come over to visit for the first time in seven years, which made Maria feel extremely grateful for where she is at in life.

Maria has received many compliments from her landlord on the cleanliness of her apartment. She sends updates to the Kim Wilson Housing team from time to time, including letting them know that her mom now visits every few weeks. Maria says she is grateful to have a place to call home again.

*Name has been changed

Kim Wilson Housing recently received $1.5 million from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to support housing programs in Wyandotte County. Rachel Erpelding, Executive Director for Kim Wilson Housing, says these funds will have a significant impact in Wyandotte County.

“So many people are one paycheck away from homelessness. COVID-19 has increased that.”

That trend has come to light during the past two Point-in-Time Count surveys, according to Tracy Lockett, Homeless Outreach Supervisor at Kim Wilson Housing.

Kim Wilson Housing’s newest congregate housing site, Kim’s Place, is making a difference for individuals seeking affordable housing. For Teresa*, Kim’s Place was the difference between safety and homelessness.