A huge groundbreaking in Paola recently. My Father’s House is expanding affordable housing options, thanks to a $1 million grant. For over 20 years, My Father’s House has provided transitional housing services for women and families. The grant comes from the Federal Home Bank of Topeka. The City of Paola, Kansas, worked hard to permit a tiny home project in the city limits. My Father’s House grant dollars will benefit 14 tiny homes on a lot adjacent to its original location. Their goal is to build up to 44 tiny homes.
Kansas State University reports over 37% of its rental housing units are considered “cost burdened,” meaning 30% of household incomes are spent on rent. Also, Miami County has the lowest vacancy rates of any southeast Kansas county in rental homes and some of the highest median rental rates. My Father’s House CEO, Beth Waddle, says when people graduate from their program, the houses that are available are not within their price range. She says they saw a need for the tiny home project to increase available affordable housing options. Construction will begin immediately and is expected to be complete near the end of 2025.
