Michael Bushnell
Publisher

It may have been a cold, dreary Friday, March 22, but there was sunshine and warmth in the hearts of everyone in attendance at the Erin’s House ribbon cutting as Healing House opened its first family living facility on 7th Street just off Benton Blvd. The home is named for Erin Langhofer, a social worker and volunteer at Healing House who was tragically killed by a stray bullet at a First Friday event in 2019.

The Langhofer family was fully represented at the opening and Erin’s parents, Tom and Marcy both shared their thoughts about their journey, the Erin’s House project and the future of the families who will be residing at the newly renovated and remodeled space. 

“This house was put together with a lot of love and I think you’ll feel that when you walk through these doors,” said Bobbi Jo Reed, Healing House’s founder and Executive Director. “It was really important to us to create something beautiful and a space where women can heal and be equipped with everything they need to succeed.” 

The project is an outgrowth of the Do Good for Erin Foundation that was founded shortly after Lanhofer’s passing as a way to honor Erin and the family’s countless hours of work in the community. Fundraising began in 2019, the house was purchased, and work began in earnest to create a warm and inviting home where women can heal with their families. “She would have loved the bright colors and beachy theme that Bobbi Jo used to decorate the house,” Marcy Langhofer said prior to the ribbon cutting. “She has always been ours and now a piece of her is yours too.” 

The completely renovated, roughly 4,000 square foot home will house eight mothers and their children who are enrolled in the Healing House program. According to Garrison Galley, Healing House’s Marketing and Development Coordinator, the project crosses the finish line at just over $500,000 which includes the almost $55,000 worth of vandalism damage the project suffered in 2022. Finishing touches are being put on the house, including the construction of a children’s area and retaining wall in the back, Occupancy is slated to begin later this week. For more information on Healing House and their work in the Historic Northeast community, visit: https://www.healinghousekc.org/.