Thursday’s Great Bend Chamber of Commerce Coffee was hosted by Housing Opportunities Inc. (HOI) at the Bedford Place community building, 2406 31st St. HOI director Callie Miller talked about the non-profit agency’s properties.

HOI started in 1996 and now has over 300 rental units, spread across 11 communities in five different counties.

“And we’re always looking to expand,” Miller said. “Russell is our newest community in our new county.”

She said the Russell senior housing community, known as Flintwood, should be completed in the next few months. 

An HOI social media page has drone footage provided by a community member. The development will feature 24 duplex units designed for residents 55 years of age and older.

The Bedford Place duplexes, located in the 2400 and 2500 blocks of 31st St., were built in 2014 and include the community building that can be reserved by any HOI resident.

Most HOI properties, like the Bedford Place duplexes in Great Bend, are for senior citizens, although some do not have an age requirement.

“All of our projects have income restrictions,” Miller said. However, HOI rents are not subsidized, so there is one set rate for those who qualify. HOI will accept the HUD vouchers that can be applied for through the Great Bend Housing Authority. Applications are available at the High Rise apartments.

“Everything we build is handicapped-accessible,” Miller said. “There are no stairs, and wider doorways and hallways.”

HOI has eight full-time employees and one part-time employee, which include a general contractor, bookkeeper, property managers and maintenance staff. All of the HOI locations have a waiting list for occupancy although there are a few openings at this time.

Contact the HOI office, 620-792-3299, for information about the organization or to be added to a waiting list.