By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
Stafford County Economic Development continues to provide housing opportunities for area residents. On May 1, Eco Devo broke ground on the first of nine new homes that will eventually be for sale in the county. Over the past decade, Eco Devo, in conjunction with New Positive Studio at Kansas State University, built or remodeled 10 homes for low-to-moderate-income rentals. Eco Devo Director Ryan Russell said Sturdi-Bilt sheds have been added to each of those homes for additional storage space.
"A lot of the low-income housing is stuff like small apartments so it's not very spacious," he said. "Our low-income houses are all 3-bedroom, 2-bath. They're pretty nice houses. All of them have yards for people to enjoy.
All 10 homes have remained largely occupied since their construction. Potential renters must qualify based on income or age. The homes, located in Macksville, Stafford, St. John, and Hudson, are a good starting point for families working or moving into the county.
"Each of our houses rents from $500-550," Russell said. "If they do get into better situations for themselves financially, they can move out into something else after that. But most people who are in the houses are pretty happy with the houses in general."
Russell expects construction on all nine of the new homes for sale to be completed within the next 18 months. All nine of the new homes also feature three bedrooms and two bathrooms. There is one house currently available to rent in Macksville. For more information, contact Morgan at Housing Opportunities Inc. at (620) 792-3299.