In this episode of Housing for Good, we sit down with Ty Rhodes of McPherson USD 418 to explore how schools identify and support students experiencing homelessness through the McKinney-Vento Act.

What does student homelessness actually look like? As Ty explains, it often doesn’t match the stereotypes people expect. Many students are attending class, participating in school, and doing their best to blend in while facing instability at home.

This conversation highlights the hidden realities behind student homelessness, the challenges schools face in identifying those in need, and the critical supports that help remove barriers to education, including transportation, meals, and waived fees.

It also raises an important question for communities: how many students are struggling quietly without anyone realizing it?

🎧 In this episode of Housing for Good, we’re joined by Dalton Black and Amanda Lowe from United Way of Harvey and Marion Counties.

From housing and childcare to food access and advocacy, this conversation explores what it really takes to support communities in meaningful, lasting ways. Dalton and Amanda share how their team is working across multiple initiatives - including housing alliances, early childhood programs, and community health efforts - to address complex, interconnected challenges.

We also dive into the realities behind poverty, the importance of meeting people where they are, and why collaboration across organizations is critical to creating real change. One powerful takeaway - it’s not just about helping people downstream, it’s about going upstream and fixing the systems that cause the problem in the first place.

If you’ve ever wondered how community impact actually happens on the ground, this episode offers a thoughtful and honest look behind the scenes.

🎧 This week on Housing for Good, we sit down with City of McPherson Public Works Director Eric Duerksen to explore how the systems behind the scenes shape housing, development, and everyday life in our community.

From streets and wastewater to planning, zoning, and long-term growth, Eric shares what Public Works actually does - and why it plays such a critical role in making housing possible.

Along the way, Chris reflects on a recent travel experience that highlights just how difficult it can be to navigate complex systems without rest, clarity, or support - offering a powerful reminder of what many families face when dealing with housing instability.

This episode connects infrastructure, process, and lived experience to show how communities function - and how they can improve.