Wichita Takes Novel Approach to Community Clean up
It is a program unique in the United States.
"The city wanted to add a code enforcement inspector. My supervisor at the time said, 'That's not really what I want. I want someone who can assist residents with accessing resources to resolve their violations," said Boese.
Prior to this program Wichita dealt with violations like many other cities: a violation, followed by the owner being given a deadline to resolve, a court appearance if not resolved and possible penalties.
"When you have individuals that could not make repairs on their homes (due to financial, health, or age limitations), we were just adding a stressor to this beyond missing work for court and finding ways to get work done," said Boese.
Her supervisor wanted a social worker who could work with these families, find grants, and organize volunteers. For two years, her position was grant-funded. Then, she was put on the regular budget.
"The city had recognized that these services were valuable. We were resolving code violations sooner with less expense to the homeowner and the resident," said Boese.
Boese now provides services to all of Cedric County, not just Wichita. In 2021, she assisted 691 families in one year.
Some families apply for assistance to address problems proactively, while others wait until they are ticketed. Sometimes, her help involves getting grants or financial assistance from local agencies or churches so families can address problems.
"At first, I did a lot of outreach to get people on board, and now they're coming to me asking to help and bringing volunteers," said Boese.
Finding grants and resources to pay for dumpsters for cleanup, repairs, or purchase equipment for volunteer groups to use is a secret to the program's success.
"When we can help people resolve the problem, that is a kinder way to help people, and so now I work with a lot of people who have no violations on record, but they would probably have violations if an inspector were to go out and inspect and start a case. Many times, we are now helping people before they get violations."
Wichita also continues to fund cleanup dumpsters in partnership with neighborhood associations.
"This program keeps evolving and changing and growing, but so does the support for the program as they see the difference it makes," said Boese.
Unfortunately, in some cases, the homeowner has no desire to resolve the violations.
In the case of repeat offenders who aren't willing to work with Boese, the city will do the work and bill the homeowner. If the bill is not paid in a timely manner, the cost is assessed to the homeowner's property taxes.
"For chronic violators and problem properties, we are starting to move away from the court process for those particular cases because we can resolve them faster than if we take him to court repeatedly," said Boese.
Boese maintains a database of those who receive assistance to prevent double-dipping and prioritize needs. She also manages the donors and volunteers.
"We have so many success stories where people get help and turn things around," said Boese. "Where the help puts them in a position to recover and take better care of their property and restore some pride in home ownership. That makes the city better for everyone."
Video recording of my interview with Suzenne Boese.
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Contact the blog author, David L. Burton at dburton541@yahoo.com.
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