Lance Cochran and the Community Housing Development Organization
While many developers in Salina focus on constructing new homes and apartments, the Community Housing Development Corporation (CHDO) of Central Kansas is taking a different approach. Kennedy Berkley Partner, Lance Cochran, is the founder of CHDO, a nonprofit dedicated to restoring homes already in the community, bringing them back to life, and making them available to families who need affordable housing options.
A native of Salina, Lance cares deeply about giving back to the area where he lives and works. Lance has been at Kennedy Berkley since his admission to the bar in 1999. Outside his law practice, he strives to improve the community by developing real estate. Using his talents, Lance founded CHDO in 2005, and has been making an impact on the housing crisis ever since.
For over 18 years, CHDO has been at the forefront of addressing the region's housing challenges. Their mission is clear: to provide quality housing at affordable prices for low- to moderate-income families. Through this vision, they have made a profound impact by rehabilitating older homes and offering them at reasonable prices, ensuring that families have access to homes that are not only affordable but also high-quality.
Rehabilitating Homes, Changing Lives
CHDO's rehabilitation program stands out as a beacon of hope for those looking to enter the housing market. As Cochran explains, the organization buys homes in poor condition, renovates them, and sells them at a minimal profit—or sometimes even at a loss. The aim is not to make money, but to provide affordable, quality homes for families who might otherwise struggle to find suitable housing in their price range.
So far, CHDO has completed nine homes through this program, ensuring that families not only move into homes they can afford but ones that have been improved to a high standard. "We’ve improved them such that they don’t have to be renovated for five years, and hopefully longer," says Cochran.
This work is about more than just housing—it’s about creating stepping stones for individuals and families. For many, these homes represent a first step toward long-term homeownership and financial stability. "Some of them are on housing assistance programs, and we’re trying to get them to the point where they can own their own home," Cochran explains.
Rental Housing and Winterization Initiatives
In addition to rehabilitating homes for purchase, CHDO also owns and manages 44 rental units for low- to moderate-income families. These units are held to high standards, ensuring that families can live in safe, comfortable environments. This emphasis on quality helps renters transition from renting to eventually owning their own homes.
CHDO is also making strides with their winterization program, which helps homeowners improve the energy efficiency of their homes. Thanks to American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, they’ve been able to assist over 60 families in Saline County, Kansas. The program focuses on installing new windows, doors, and heating and cooling units, along with insulation in crawl spaces, attics, and exterior walls. These improvements have already shown significant benefits, such as lower utility bills, helping families reduce their monthly expenses while living in more comfortable homes.
The Road Ahead: New Projects and Continued Impact
CHDO’s work is far from over. As they continue to buy, renovate, and offer affordable homes, they’re always on the lookout for more opportunities to expand their mission. Currently, they just finished rehabbing a home they relocated to newly acquired lots, further demonstrating their commitment to finding innovative solutions to new housing challenges. If they had not moved the home, it would have been demolished - but now it has new life!
Looking ahead, Lance Cochran and his team are preparing for more growth and impact, especially with the possibility of new funding sources, such as Department of Commerce grants. They are driven by the mission to stretch their resources as far as possible, maximizing the number of families they can help.
Get Involved and Support CHDO
As housing challenges continue to affect Central Kansas, the Community Housing Development Corporation of Central Kansas remains a crucial force for good. Through their dedication to rehabilitating homes, supporting low- to moderate-income families, and creating stepping stones toward homeownership, CHDO is changing lives one home at a time.
Here are a few more of CHDO’s achievements:
-9 renovation project houses
-44 rental properties within Salina
-Greater Salina Community Foundation Endowed Fund
-Partnered with local developers such as Overland Properties and Flint Hills Holding
-Currently completing a Saline County Weatherization Grant Program benefitting over 80 families in Saline County
-Helped over 90 tenants as the local relocation agent
If you’d like to learn more about how you can support CHDO or get involved in their mission, visit www.kschdo.com or follow them on Facebook.
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