Home for Women Battling Substance Abuse Opens in Kansas City
In a bid to combat the ever-increasing issue of substance abuse and the associated mental health problems among women, a new facility known as “Erin’s House” was officially opened this Friday situated at East 7th Street and Benton Boulevard in Kansas City, Missouri.
Healing House: Offering A Fresh Start
The successful inauguration of this place marked an important milestone on the movement towards providing a safe haven for women struggling with mental health issues and substance abuse. The facility houses a rehab center called the Healing House, designed with the intention to invoke the sense of home, warmth, and love.
Upon entering, one is greeted by vibrant colors, play areas for children, cozy bedrooms, and well-stocked dining areas. According to the Founding Director of Healing House, Bobbie Jo Reed, “People need a safe place to start a healing journey and you can feel, I think, God’s presence and Erin’s presence throughout the house.”
Erin’s House: A Legacy Remembered
Erin’s House is named in memory of Erin Langhofer, who was fatally struck at a public event in 2019. Erin, a 25-year-old promising social worker, was known for her voluntary services at the Healing House, and as a dedicated counselor for domestic violence victims at the Rose Brooks Center.
Her parents affirm that every corner of Erin’s House reflects the qualities their daughter embodied. “Erin had a beautiful smile. I’ve talked about that, but her insides were beautiful. Her soul, her spirit, her heart. I wanted this to be a reflection of who she was,” Reed said expressively.
Late Renovations Due to Vandalism
The renovation of Erin’s House faced some delay due to acts of vandalism. However, overcoming all obstacles, the house is now ready to provide refuge to women battling trauma, mental health issues, and substance abuse disorder.
Reminiscing about the former condition of the house, Marcy Langhofer, Erin’s mother stated, “To know we were here before the house was purchased and it was the roughest house you’ve ever seen.”
An Enduring Facility
Erin’s House offers an enduring facility, welcoming up to five women along with their children, at a time. The women will learn various skills including budgeting, cooking and parenting, all crucial in leading an independent life.
“This is for generations,” said Tom Langhofer, Erin’s father. “Generations of families are gonna live here and leave here with hope.”
From the outside, Erin’s House looks like any other residential building nestled amongst suburbia but it’s the transformative work happening inside that makes it truly remarkable.
Reed, with undeniable confidence and hope in the house’s purpose said, “Thousands of lives are gonna be changed here, I just know it.”
