The Oak Harbor Cottages are emergency shelters providing a safe and secure place for families experiencing homelessness in McPherson County, Kansas. In addition, they create a positive environment for staff, clients, donors, and the community at large, while providing case management and wrap-around services.
Currently, six cottages have been completed and families are occupying them. The final four cottages will be completed by December, 2023.
Oak Harbor Cottages Project
Larry and Reva Purcell have been married for 45 years. They have two sons, Eddy, who is married to Angela, and Anthony, who has a partner, Nick.
Reva is retired and enjoys mentoring with the Omega women, through Live Free Ministries. Reva had a daycare in their home for 10 years when their boys were small. She also managed Tidy Laundry for 20 years and later, she drove part-time for Bluestem Pace.
Larry works full time for ICS, Inc., where he has been for 30 years. He’s on the Live Free Ministries board and mentors the men.
The Purcell’s are members of the Freedom Chapel Assembly of God, where they have served a variety of positions, including teaching Sunday school, volunteering in the nursery, and mentoring younger couples. Larry has served on the board of deacons and Reva has led the Women’s ministry.
“We’re both looking forward to moving into the cottages and helping the less fortunate. During our married life, with God’s help, we have been able to help the less fortunate. We have grown stronger through it all.”
What People are saying
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"My son, who is in recovery, suddenly ended up alone with his kids and he felt lost with know where to go. He was in a tough place and needed housing and support services. That is when McPherson Housing Coalition stepped in to help. During his stay, he realized that to keep and maintain a job, he needed my help. He asked if I would come to McPherson to help with the kids, but I needed resources and housing. With the help of MHC, I moved into a cottage next door to my son until we could find a place together. I am so grateful to Karolyn and the ministry for their kindness. We found a new home, my son has a new job and now has a way to get to work, and the kids feel safe and have childcare with someone who is devoted to them. I am so grateful for the MHC team, who have all gone above and beyond. But, most of all, I thank my heavenly father, who has guided us on this journey and provided everything we needed."
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"My children and I found ourselves homeless overnight and had nowhere to go. While I couch-surfed, my children stayed with their grandmothers. I was lost and at a loss for what to do. Then, I learned about the McPherson Housing Coalition. I am now in a cottage, reunited with my children, and working on getting back on my feet. I had lost all hope, and now, with support, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I have hope for the future and soon will be in a permanent home."
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"The McPherson Housing Coalition came to my aide in on of the most devastating times in my life. I had 2 surgeries on my stomach and a third on my head. Bills were piling up and I had 2 boys to take care of. We were sinking. Staying with family was only going to work so long. I reached out to the program. I had no idea how much that moment would change our future. They put us in this beautiful Cottage. Everything we needed was there. While we were there, I was able to save up for 3 months. During my stay, they also helped me with my legal issues like divorcing my oldest's father. The cottages gave us peace of mind and stability and a feeling of security. After leaving the cottages we were able to get an apartment and will soon have a family vehicle. I have an actual savings for emergencies for the 1st time in my life. I couldn't express in words how grateful we are for the new start on the life we are experiencing."
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"I am a 40-year-old single father. For the last year I have been very active in recovery and in the Oxford community both in Salina and McPherson as well. I have five children in total. Two with my ex-wife and three with my current wife. Unfortunately me and my current wife have been separated since July of 2022 and she is still in active addiction. Despite my role in Oxford as well as my participation in service work I had been dealing with extreme depression because although I was doing well and out of a very toxic relationship, my three children were constantly suffering. I prayed and prayed! I begged my wife to bring me my children so that they wouldn’t have to go through her addiction with her and I could give them a normal life. It never seemed to work! Until one day recently I received a phone call from her saying that she was going to bring me my two young sons. I was so happy! However since I was going to have my children I would have to move out of my Oxford House. That’s when I was referred to MHC. Simi and Karolyn are a blessing to me! I moved into the cottages and me and my sons have began to rebuild our bond! The cottage is wonderful and allows me to give my boys a safe place to sleep as well as develop a structured routine! I am very grateful for MHC as a whole and the city of McPherson period. Thank you for taking the time to read my brief testimony!"
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"I was lost and alone, spiritually and emotionally broken, with little hope. I had nowhere to go and no one to turn to when I found MHC and the Oak Harbor Cottages. Together, we worked on a plan to help me rebuild my life. They assisted me through my complex challenges and helped me see that someone genuinely loved me and wanted the best for me and my son. Although I had to make some hard choices, they assured me they would not let me fall and that I could become independent, move forward, and succeed. Today, I am independent, feel loved and supported, and I thank God every day for these faithful people who care so deeply for others."
Star Lumber
Union Pacific
Mennonite Church of McPherson
KAKE of Wichita
- Plumber – Gary Bosker, Matt Koehn
- Electrician – Royal Mellinger
- Heating & Air – Ian Hartley
- Roof Framer – Eldo Raber
- Foundations – Central Kansas Construction
- Certainteed – siding
- Star Lumber – rafters
- Grabers Ace Hardware – paint
- Re-Use It – misc. materials
- Precision Dirt work – Earth work