WHEATLAND – After 50 years, it was time for a celebration at Platte County Housing Authority, who provides access to low-income housing for seniors in the community. Last week, there was a 50th anniversary party open to residents, their families, present and past board members, local officials, and past employees. Everyone was treated to home-made dinner and deserts by Sybille Creek Livestock 4H Club and music by My Buddy Holly.
There’ve been ups and downs at the non-profit entity since the housing authority’s five-member board was established by county commissioners in 1974, but the fact the self-sufficient organization that survives strictly on direct donations and the small monthly rent checks set by Housing and Urban Development could be considered a miracle, or at the very least, creative frugality.
Original board members Mildred Twiford, Bill Addison, Dorothy bridger, Dave Lock and Glen Gorman purchased the property and oversaw construction of the housing on 16th street. They also signed a 50-year contract with the USDA to fund the project ($613,400 at nine percent interest), and a 40-year contract with HUD to support and help fund the low-income occupants. “They were even able to have funds left over to help the Services for Seniors organization (an un-related entity, financially speaking) with their building fund so that they needed help with,” director Deanna Brant of Platte County Housing Authority, said.

Construction was complete on the 28-apartment complex in 1978. Due to large donations in its early days of operation, the loan was paid off in December 2005. The original buildings have been upgraded with new brick siding, windows, patio and screen doors, new roofs on some of the buildings, a new office and laundry room.
“As with most businesses today, we have been hit with some major renovation costs due to the age of the building. We are just hanging on by a thread, but we are still here. There is a need for low-income housing, and we are able to provide that,” Brant said. “Most of the reason we are still here is because we have had a lot of good help and direction from many dedicated people.”
There have been only four directors in 50 years. The first director was Dorothy Bridger (three years), Hazel Chapin (22 years), John Goodell (one year), and Deanna Brant (24 years). Brant recognized three board members at the celebration who served together for 20 years were Hugo Lenz, Jim Bohl, and Mark Hanneman; and the original maintenance man, Rick Robbins was present with current maintenance man, Anthony Hernandez.
“At any rate, thank you all for coming and helping us celebrate 50 years! It is an amazing accomplishment made by a lot of helping hands,” Brant said.

Platte County Housing Authority board is a five-member board that was formed to oversee the management of housing projects owned by Platte County. The members of this board are appointed by the Board of County Commissioners and serve five-year terms. Currently, Platte County owns a single housing complex that provides retirement living for senior citizens.The housing complex is HUD (Housing and Urban Development) assisted to those who are 62 years of age or older. Those who qualify, pay no more than 30% of their adjusted annual income for rent and utilities with the exception of telephone and cable TV. The Housing Board meets on the second Tuesday of every month at the Housing Authority Office, 1605 #4E 16th St., Wheatland, at 1:15 p.m.