McCook Housing Agency Celebrates a New Chapter of Growth and Community

McCOOK, Neb. — The McCook Housing Agency, under the leadership of Executive Director Carma Earl, celebrated a milestone moment with a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking its official welcome into the McCook Area Chamber of Commerce. The event highlighted both the agency’s recent updates and its broader vision of providing safe, affordable, and dignified housing for local residents.

Community leaders, chamber members, and residents attended the ceremony, which also showcased the agency’s newly remodeled community room — a space designed to bring neighbors together and strengthen connections within the housing community.

A Mission Rooted in Opportunity and Stability

In her remarks, Earl emphasized that the agency’s mission extends beyond property management.

“This isn’t just about buildings,” she shared. “It’s about creating opportunities for stability — a foundation where people can build their lives.”

The McCook Housing Agency oversees 113 housing units across several programs, including public housing, market-rate units, and developments such as Eastward Village. Earl also recognized her dedicated team and board members — including Chairman Terry Peterson, Vice Chair Barb Ostrum, Amanda Engell, Doug Skiles, Justin Easter, and resident board member Darius Bolli — for their shared commitment to quality housing and responsive service.

Revitalized Community Space and Resident Engagement

The ceremony also celebrated the transformation of the agency’s community room, which was recently remodeled by the MHA maintenance crew. The bright, welcoming space is available for the public to rent for a small refundable deposit and cleaning fee, while tenants can use it free of charge for family gatherings and celebrations.

The agency hopes this space will become a hub for activities and social connection. In October, the team will host a chili cook-off to mark Housing America Month, with employees preparing the chili and residents serving as judges. Future events — such as a pumpkin-carving contest and craft nights — are also being planned to encourage engagement and community pride among residents.

Professional Growth and Forward Vision

Earl, who joined the McCook Housing Agency in August 2023, brings both administrative experience and a community-centered approach to her leadership. She is currently participating in a national six-month leadership program and pursuing her Certified Managerial Executive (CME) certification through NAHRO.

Her long-term vision includes exploring the development of transitional housing, which would provide short-term housing paired with resources such as budgeting and job-readiness support. This model, she said, could help residents gain independence while remaining rooted in the McCook community.

Community Education and Collaboration

Throughout her tenure, Earl has emphasized the importance of public understanding about local and federal housing programs. She encourages residents and landlords alike to learn more about opportunities such as public housing, the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program, and other forms of assistance that help stabilize families and strengthen the local economy.

By highlighting success stories and maintaining transparency, Earl and her team hope to foster greater appreciation for the role housing plays in community well-being.

The McCook Housing Agency continues to grow its outreach, now sharing updates and resources through its Facebook page, with a new website launching soon.

For more information, contact the McCook Housing Agency at 502 Missouri Avenue Circle, McCook, or call 308-345-3605.