Sister Amy Willcott provided an update on DePaul Leavenworth Attainable Housing during her recent presentation. For those who could not attend, here are the key developments in this ministry that began with the work of the Leavenworth Interfaith Community of Hope in 2021.
Current Operations
The program has grown from one donated house to 19 houses, mostly located in North Leavenworth above Spruce Street. They currently serve residents ranging from one month old to 75 years, including 18 children across 16 houses and six single mothers with children. Only one house still requires renovation, with two recently completed homes ready for new families.
What sets their approach apart is the weekly home visits by Chris Leach, their housing support specialist. These meetings focus on goal setting, progress review, and connecting residents with available resources. Chris brings lived experience to his role, having navigated homelessness, addiction, and mental health challenges before finding stability through veteran services.
Program Structure
Residents must have a minimum monthly income of $900 and contribute 30% toward rent, with utilities included. The program eliminates security deposits and utility deposits—barriers that often prevent people from accessing housing. This structure ensures individuals on SSI can qualify, as their benefits exceed the minimum requirement.
Sister Amy emphasized something meaningful that Chris shared: many residents are doing the right things, working, staying clean, keeping appointments, but cannot access housing because they don’t score highest on traditional waiting lists. The program serves as a safety net for these individuals.
Growth and Development
DePaul Leavenworth has received a million-dollar federal grant to build four duplexes, adding eight housing units. One will be constructed next to their existing duplex on Potawatomi. Sister Amy requested our prayers that this funding comes through as promised, though they are committed to purchasing the four lots regardless of final grant approval.
The program is also relocating from the Lutheran Church (where it has operated rent-free) to the former Storms Pharmacy building at 7th and Ottawa. They will lease this space from the Lutheran Church for $1 per year over a five-year period. The space will serve as both office and community gathering area, complete with the original soda fountain counter and plans for seating areas and kitchen facilities.
Outcomes and Impact
Over the course of four years, the program has required eviction in only two of 19 housing placements, achieving a 90% retention rate that reflects its approach of providing support alongside housing, rather than housing alone.
Sister Amy shared data that Chris uses in advocacy work: homelessness costs taxpayers approximately $35,000 per person annually when factoring in police services, emergency healthcare, and other interventions. Housing and supporting someone costs roughly $12,000 per year.
Organizational Connections
As part of DePaul USA, Sister Amy reports monthly to the chief operating officer and participates in calls with directors from 12 cities nationwide. She appreciates the administrative support, particularly having back-office financial work handled in St. Louis and Chicago.
There are also connections to our broader SCL family: the Sisters of Charity of New York partner with DePaul’s college program, housing homeless students in unused sections of their mother house on the Hudson.
Philosophy and Approach
Chris’s presentation, which we viewed during the meeting, emphasized that homelessness stems primarily from a lack of affordable housing rather than personal choice. The program serves both individuals transitioning from shelter and those at risk of homelessness who need intervention before reaching crisis.
His words capture the heart of their work: “It takes a community, and it takes a circle of support. Nobody wants to live in homelessness. We all want a way out.”
Advocacy and Prevention
Beyond direct service, the program engages in advocacy through the Kansas Housing Advocacy Network, sharing data with state and federal legislators. They also focus on prevention, helping people who are “one disaster away” from homelessness before they reach crisis.
The weekly home visits allow for both practical support—budgeting assistance, connection to resources—and relationship building. Some residents have successfully transitioned to independent living, while others contribute to community services through their employment.
Moving Forward
Sister Amy concluded by asking for continued prayers, particularly for Chris’s health and longevity in this work, given his central role in the program’s success. The new community space is set to open next week, and construction on additional housing is contingent upon final grant confirmation.
This ministry continues to embody our charism, demonstrating that with appropriate support, stable housing transforms lives. The work proceeds one house, one relationship, one life at a time.
Sisters interested in visiting the new location or learning more about volunteer opportunities may contact Sister Amy directly.
