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A home is fundamental to our daily existence. Yet, for many it's not a "given." The shortage of quality, affordable housing for working families in urban neighborhoods across the country is well documented. It's no different in Wyandotte County in Kansas City, Kansas. Too many families lack access to a healthy, safe house to call home.
For example, a home mattered to the Toscano family in the Chelsea neighborhood. Humble and hard-working with an unwavering trust in God, their plan was simple. "We prayed to find an affordable home in a safe neighborhood where our son could grow, play and learn. We knew our prayers would be answered at the ‘given' time," recalls Magdana Toscano.
One Sunday morning in 2012, their "given" time arrived. A volunteer from Community Housing of Wyandotte County (CHWC) visited the family's church to promote the county's Neighborhood Stabilization Program. This was the opening chapter of their story as homeowners.
Through the Neighborhood Stabilization Program, CHWC works with eligible families to purchase foreclosed and abandoned homes in targeted low- and moderate-income census tracts. Families accepted into the program can purchase affordable homes while helping to stabilize neighborhoods and stem the decline of housing values. The Chelsea neighborhood and the life of the Toscanos were transformed! A win-win.
One of CHWC's volunteer leaders likes to say "it takes a village" to turn blighted neighborhoods into beautiful and safe places where families can live, work and play. She's right! The Toscano family's story is an example of how CHWC's mission and its keen strategic sense for strategic partnerships can increase property values and generate long-term, sustainable impact.
CHWC's partnership with the Unified Government of Wyandotte County's Neighborhood Stabilization Program was the catalyst and the answer to the Toscanos' prayers. Magdana Toscano says, "Our home is a true blessing! It is the perfect house for us. We were at the right place at the right time."
