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.

Current Situation

    ANDA enters the new year with our first national grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and a substantial grant from the Health Care Foundation to enhance healthy lifestyles. We have found a grocery store operator interested in leasing and operating a grocery store in Argentine. We are partners with USD500 on a new $6 million dollar library. We are also in partnership with the Kansas Department of Transportation and the University of Kansas Medical Center. UMKC is also a recent partner. Lastly, the President signed our million dollar appropriation in December. We plan to build 8-12 new affordable, energy efficient homes in 2010.

    ANDA is focused on promoting the revitalization of the Argentine community. 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.