Argentine is a longstanding neighborhood in Kansas City, Kansas, with a stable population. From 2000 to 2004, there were many indicators that a local community development corporation could enhance the quality of life in Argentine. Among these indicators were the number of people interested in buying the relatively few newer houses in Argentine that came up for sale; the fact that many of these potential buyers had grown up in this neighborhood; and several discussions about Argentine issues organized around a study sponsored by El Centro, Inc. in 2001.

     These discussions included large community meetings as well as gatherings in neighborhood homes. The need for new housing and rehabilitated housing was repeatedly mentioned in the context of neighborhood deterioration. Community leaders sought out existing organizations to address this need. In each case, the existing organization had other priorities ahead of the concern for development in Argentine or was contractually limited in its ability to work in Argentine.

     On March 30, 2004, ANDA’s founders held a pre-incorporation meeting including business, Unified Government, congressional and banking leaders to discuss the possibility of forming a new organization to focus on the revitalization concerns voiced by residents over the preceding years. With encouragement from this group, ANDA was incorporated as a Kansas not-for-profit on June 1, 2004.

2004 - 2005

    During the first two years of its existence, ANDA operated as an all-volunteer organization depending heavily on the time volunteered by its corporate board members. In that time, ANDA expanded its board, developed and sold two new affordable houses, brought federal affordable housing funding to one of those, brought a third piece of property back onto the tax rolls, initiated inquiries into the development of several potential sites, and vigorously pursued recognition as a tax-exempt organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

2006

     During 2006, ANDA continued research into development opportunities, solidified its organization, further expanded its board, and initiated a formal strategy development process. By letter dated April 7, 2006, the Internal Revenue Service recognized ANDA as a tax-exempt organization. 

2007

     In 2007, ANDA hired paid staff to realize the goals adopted at its strategic planning. We explored and identified the areas in Argentine to begin the revitalization plans. ANDA started building another affordable home.

2008

    In 2008, the affordable home started in the previous year was finished and leased as the first home in the ANEF program. ANDA assisted home owners with needed repairs in the Adopt a Home Owner program. ANDA started a multiyear program called the Curb and Sidewalk Project which allows for the repair and replacement of the curbs and sidewalks in the third district of Kansas City, Kansas.

    ANDA was able to acquire eight parcels, three of which had dilapidated problem houses. These houses were demolished with the plan to build new affordable housing on the lots. ANDA purchased a house and, after some improvements, rented it to a large young family at an affordable rate.

    ANDA partnered with businesses in the Third District to have a survey of the Third District administered by the ETC Institute. This survey gathered resident and business owner’s opinions and feedback on city programs and services. Its results were very valuable for future development.

2009

    In 2009, the family that rented the house in 2008 enrolled in the ANEF program. ANDA constructed three new affordable, energy efficient homes on the lots acquired and prepared in 2008. The homes were leased in the ANEF program to young families. The homes were equipped with solar hot water systems, solar air heating systems, solar attic fans and solar tubes for natural lighting to reduce the utility costs. ANDA developed new plans for constructing new affordable energy efficient homes in 2010. The ANDA staff continues to investigate products to build highly energy efficient homes that require little maintenance in an affordable home. ANDA continued the multiyear program started in 2008 called the Curb and Sidewalk Project.

    2010

This was the year for new partnerships and new programs as well as the continuation and improvement of existing programs.   

ANDA was certified by the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation as a Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO).  This certification will assist ANDA in providing decent, affordable housing.

     A new energy efficient 4 bedroom home was completed in September 2010 and leased to a family in the ANEF program.  Solar equipment and upgraded insulation was built into the home to increase the energy efficiency and affordability.  ANDA prepared to build 2 Energy Star certified 4 bedroom homes in partnership with Brotherhood Bank and Trust.  The houses will be completed in 2011 and leased in the ANEF program.   In addition, ANDA’s staff worked diligently on the preparation and acquisition of properties to begin construction on the Energy Star homes to be built with the million dollar appropriation the President signed in December 2009.

     Plans for a small affordable senior housing development were initiated.  Sites were identified and partnerships negotiated.  This project is expected to see the construction start in 2011.

    ANDA partnered with the University of Kansas Medical Center and received a substantial grant from the Health Care Foundation to enhance healthy lifestyles and a survey was conducted to determine the food needs of the residents.  This survey is being used to prepare a business plan to make healthy foods available to the residents of Argentine.  ANDA’s Executive Director, Ann Murguia, met with representatives of a national grocery chain and began negotiations for a new grocery store in Argentine. 

     ANDA partnered with UMKC and received a grant for capacity growth.  ANDA’s Board of Directors and staff worked with UMKC and the CSI Network in the development of a five year Strategic Plan and a Business Plan.

     In 2010 ANDA’s Executive Director continued to work in partnership with USD500 on a new $6 million dollar library.  Funds were raised, the land acquired and demolition started on the existing building.

    The curb and sidewalk program continued in 2010 with the replacement of curb and sidewalk on the south side of Ruby between 12th and 18th.  There was also preparation work conducted for continued replacement of curb and sidewalk at another location.

    ANDA’s Community Help Program operator, Evelyn, researched and gathered information on existing assistance programs and met with the neighborhood groups to inform them.  She helped many of the Argentine residents with the application process.  As a result many residents learned about the programs that were available and received assistance.  New energy efficient furnaces, new windows, and insulation were installed, houses were painted, food was received, energy efficient appliances were received, ……. All for no cost or very low cost.

     During the summer of 2010 ANDA provided a youth program called the Argentine Ambassadors.  The program was offered to the Argentine youth giving them the opportunity to earn a paycheck while they learned life skills.  They worked on financial responsibility, business etiquette, relationship building and entrepreneurial training.  A showcase at the end of the summer displayed their work which included writings, photography and paintings

Current Situation

    ANDA is focused on continuing to promote the revitalization of the Argentine community and the successful established programs. ANDA is committed to a creative approach to community development that encourages communities to work in collaboration to develop a comprehensive vision for action to achieve community objectives, including decent affordable housing, suitable living environment and economic opportunities. We are providing organizational tools and opportunities for the neighborhood associations and the local NBR. We continue to build ANDA as a sustainable organization. We are reaching out to the business community and local government to stimulate investment in ANDA’s service area.