On Friday, Friends of Yates celebrated the opening of Erin’s House 2, a newly renovated six‑bedroom safe house in Kansas City, Kansas. The home will accommodate five single women at a time, offering stays ranging from 90 days to a full year, and is the latest effort to address the growing need for domestic‑violence resources in Wyandotte County.
Community support fuels the project
The house is named for Erin Langhofer, a beloved domestic‑violence counselor who was tragically killed in 2019. Her parents, Tom and Marcy Langhofer, founded the Do Good for Erin nonprofit in her memory. Their supporters raised more than $400,000, and at the ribbon‑cutting ceremony they presented Friends of Yates with a $30,000 endowment to help cover future maintenance.
“We wanted to let them know that we are behind them with this house and that they have funds for repairs or other needs,” Marcy Langhofer explained.
Friends of Yates expands its reach
Friends of Yates is the only domestic‑violence shelter serving Wyandotte County. Executive Director Dr. Desmond Lamb described the opening as a “day of hope” and a milestone for the entire community. He noted that the shelter often fields 24‑hour calls and can house up to 30 women and children at any given time.
“Domestic‑violence numbers are trending upward in Wyandotte County, and we need every resource we can get,” Lamb said. “Erin’s House 2 gives survivors a close‑to‑home option for safety and the chance to transition to a new life without traveling far.”
Building on a legacy of service
Erin’s House 2 is the fourth major project Do Good for Erin has completed with Friends of Yates, the largest to date. Earlier projects included a playground for survivors and their children, a commercial‑kitchen renovation, and vehicle donations.
Tom Langhofer recalled the early days of the first Erin’s House, opened in 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri, which has helped 42 families. He reflected on the challenges of renovating the new home, noting termite damage and unstable floors, but praised the perseverance of all involved.
“I don’t believe what happened to Erin was God’s will, but I do believe God led us to turn something bad into good,” Tom said. “Erin’s legacy will continue, and that brings us peace.”
Looking ahead
The new shelter not only provides immediate safety but also offers a pathway to rebuilding lives. As the only dedicated domestic‑violence shelter in the county, Friends of Yates hopes Erin’s House 2 will reduce the burden on emergency services and give women a stable environment to heal.
“I hope and pray that when they leave, they have hope again,” Tom Langhofer added, underscoring the faith‑based motivation behind the project.
Original reporting: KSHB 41 Kansas City (local) — read the source article.
