KSHB 41 reporter Ryan Gamboa covers Miami County in Kansas and Cass County in Missouri. Share your story idea with Ryan.

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My Father’s House in Paola, Kansas, is expanding affordable housing options through a $1 million grant.

For two decades, it’s provided transitional housing services for women and families. Friday’s groundbreaking ceremony was filled with emotions.

“1,089,” said Blake Heid, a board member at My Father’s House. “That’s the estimated population of rural homelessness in Kansas.”

Beth Waddle is the CEO — she founded the organization 19 years ago to value the underserved rural population.

“We take a relationship-based approach,” Waddle said. “We have to get to know people and what their needs are and earn the right to speak into their lives.”

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The Federal Home Loan Bank of Topeka is providing $17.7 million in affordable housing grants in 2023.

The city of Paola, Kansas, worked diligently to permit a tiny home project in the city limits.

My Father’s House grant dollars will benefit 14 tiny homes on a lot adjacent to its flagship location.

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“We have the money raised for 14 tiny homes,” Waddle said. “The goal is to have approximately 40 to 44 in total.”

The community has stepped up in numerous ways, volunteering to push the project to Phase 1, according to Waddle.

Her vision for the 14 Tiny Home Village is to create permanent home options with necessary hygeine and shelter services on the property.

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“As long as they need it, they can stay in the homes,” Waddle said.

My Father’s House has a waiting list for its current transitional housing program.

Michelle Sutti is the programs success story.

“I came here pregnant, 28 years old, just gotten out of jail,” Sutti said. “I didn’t have anywhere to call home.”

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For almost six years, she couch surfed, spent time with the crowd and described herself as “homeless.”

“They taught me how to be a productive member of society, they built a support system for me — everything I needed to do,” she said. “It opened the door for many opportunities; I never had anyone do that for me before.”

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Since her graudation in 2017, Waddle works full time with a certificate in accounting and lives with her husband and four children.

“It was my identity,” she said. “It’s not who I am at all anymore.”

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Miami County, Kansas, has added challenges for residents transitioning into society.

Kansas State University reports 37.42% of its rental housing units are considered “cost burdened,” meaning 30% of household incomes are spent on rent.

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“Miami County, Kansas, has the lowest vacancy rates of any southeast Kansas county in rental homes. We also have some of the highest median rental rates. When people are graduating from our program and transitioning out, it’s kind of a non-starter for them,” Waddle said. “The houses that are available are not within their price range. We saw a need for this tiny home project to increase available affordable housing options.”

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My Father’s House will begin construction almost immediately.

“What they’re doing will allow people to be reintegrated into society instead of being kicked right back out the door,” Sutti said.

The largest portion of the project is to build necessary water, sewer and electric services on the plot of land. It’s expected to be completed near the end of 2025.

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Taylor Swift has made a surprise stop at a Kansas City children’s hospital, shocking parents and patients alike as she laughed with them, posed for photos and exchanged gifts.

All parent Cassie Thomas was told beforehand was that she might want to brush her hair and teeth because there was going to be a special visitor. But she was stunned when Swift, fresh off her Eras Tour and one day before her 35th birthday, walked into her son’s son Beckett Thomas’ room on Thursday at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City.

“No rumors. Like, we literally had absolutely no idea this was happening,” Thomas recalled.

Her 13-year-old son, Beckett Thomas, is a cancer patient and a fan of Swift’s Kansas City Chiefs tight-end boyfriend, Travis Kelce. Beckett uses a 3D printer to make earrings bearing his and Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ names, walking around the hospital unit selling them to nurses.

Now, Swift has a pair as well.

“She was amazing,” Beckett’s mom said. “So down to earth.”

Another patient told Swift that her favorite song was “Love Story” and had some questions about San Francisco quarterback Brock Purdy, whose team played the Chiefs in the Super Bowl earlier this year.

Surprised, Swift, muttered: “Brock Purdy, What? I mean, I don’t mind Brock Purdy.” She then continued: “He put me through a lot last February.”

Asked before the Super Bowl whether he was prepared to disappoint Swift, Purdy responded: “Yes.”

The game ended with Mahomes rallying the Chiefs to their second straight Super Bowl title, 25-22 over the 49ers in overtime.

“I was very stressed for a second but it all ended up fine,” Swift told the girl, their recorded conversation posted online.

The girl then chimed in: “I like Travis now.” Swift responded with: “Me too. That’s an absolute yes on that one.”

There is no word on whether Swift will be in the stands when the Chiefs play the Browns on Sunday in Kelce’s hometown of Cleveland.

Kansas State star offensive lineman Carver Willis committed to the Washington Huskies Thursday.

Willis is rated by 247 as the fourth-best tackle in the portal.

He spent five seasons with the Wildcats, playing in 11 games in 2024. Willis was on a line that helped create the third-best rushing attack in the Big 12 last season.

K-STATE TARGET JAMES DUNNIGAN JR. WILL ANNOUNCE COMMITMENT AT UNDER ARMOUR ALL-AMERICAN JAN. 2

Manhattan High defensive back James “JJ” Dunnigan Jr. tweeted he will announce his collegiate commitment at the Under Armour All-America game on Jan. 2.

K-State fans will be amongst those tuning in for his announcement, as they are the frontrunner to acquire the Manhattan product. His father, James, played cornerback at Kansas State from 2001-02.

Dunnigan played cornerback and wide receiver positions this season. He recorded three interceptions, 70 tackles, two forced fumbles, and 10 pass deflections in the secondary. He logged 28 receptions for 557 yards and five touchdowns as a receiver. Dunnigan received offers from schools like Illinois, Nebraska, and Stanford, but the Wildcats remain the favorite for his next destination.

K-STATE LOSES ANOTHER TO PORTAL

Another Kansas State linebacker hit the transfer portal Thursday. Redshirt freshman linebacker Gabe Roland entered after playing just one game for the Wildcats, where he recorded two tackles in the blowout victory over UT Martin.

“First and foremost, I want to thank God for allowing me to play the sport I love,” Roland tweeted. “Secondly, I want to thank Coach Klieman for taking a chance and giving me an opportunity. I am extremely grateful for the relationships I’ve made here at Kansas State. With that being said, I’ve decided to enter the transfer portal with three years of eligibility remaining.”

Jayden Armant is a graduate of the Howard University School of Communications and a contributor to Kansas State Wildcats on SI. He can be reached at jaydenshome14@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter @jaydenarmant.