Erin’s House Set to Open This Friday in Kansas City: Offering Support for Healing Families
A beacon of hope is set to shine brighter in Kansas City this week with the grand opening of Erin’s House; a residential living facility providing much-needed sanctuary for women and their children on the road to recovery. Named in honor of Erin Langhofer, a tireless advocate for victims of domestic violence who tragically lost her life during a 2019 event in Kansas City’s Crossroads Art District, the facility stands as a testament to her passion and dedication to the cause.
The Inspiration Behind Erin’s House
In the wake of Erin’s devastating death, her family established the Do Good For Erin Foundation to continue her work in helping victims of domestic abuse find comfort, hope, and recovery. The foundation then joined forces with Healing House to bring the Erin’s House project to completion. The vehement determination, goodwill, and commitment of everyone involved breathed life into Erin’s inspiring legacy, setting the stage for the important work to continue at Erin’s House.
A Historic Home Repurposed for Healing
The three-story Victorian-era house, idling vacant for over a decade, was given new purpose when purchased by Healing House in 2021. After a year of extensive renovations starting in Spring 2022, the home was momentarily plagued by an unfortunate vandalism incident in August 2023, resulting in over $55,000 worth of damage. Despite this setback, the Healing House and the wider community rallied together to ensure the project’s successful completion.
Erin’s House: A Safe Haven for Women and Children
Erin’s House extends the scope of Healing House’s work by catering to the unique needs of women on the road to recovery, while also allowing them to live with their children. This inspirational project honors Erin’s memory by fostering a supportive environment where these families can grow, heal, and build a better future. The total budget for the project, including acquisition and renovation expenses for the 4,000-square-foot house, surpassed $550,000.
The Big Reveal: Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Open House
Anticipation builds as the official ribbon-cutting ceremony and public open house draw near, scheduled for this Friday, March 22, at 1:00 pm. Erin’s House will provide precious homes to five women and their children, and will have an on-site house manager. Supporters of the project, members of the local community, and well-wishers from around the state are expected to gather to celebrate and to see firsthand the outcome of the steadfast belief in the power of hope and community.
Hope for the Future
With the opening of Erin’s House, victory is declared over the challenges faced along the way, an affirmation that the spirit of community and persistence can triumph over adversity. Erin’s legacy lives on, embodied in the bricks and mortar of the house, and in the lives of the women and children it will shelter. As Kansas City prepares to welcome Erin’s House, everyone involved looks forward to this beacon of hope extending its healing light far into the future.
