Meet Sheila Barnett: The Heart Behind the Goodland Housing Authority
- Kristina Hemel
- Mar 26
- 3 min read
If you’ve driven through Goodland, Kansas, you’ve likely passed Sparks Tower or Handy Tower without realizing the vital role they play in the community. Behind the scenes of these buildings—and 84 apartments throughout Goodland—is Sheila Barnett, Executive Director of the Goodland Housing Authority, and a tireless advocate for affordable housing across the region and nation.
From Great Bend to Goodland: A Career in Housing
Sheila grew up in Great Bend, Kansas, and began her journey in housing in 1990 with the Salina Housing Authority. Since then, she’s dedicated over 35 years to the field, working across public housing, tax credit programs, and private housing management. For the past several years, she’s made Goodland her home and her mission.
The Work in Goodland
The Goodland Housing Authority provides public housing options to low-income families, seniors, individuals with disabilities, and even a few college students. Sparks Tower and Handy Tower—both built in the 1970s and 80s—house mostly one-bedroom units, while the family housing units across town offer two and three-bedroom apartments.
There are currently 84 apartments in total under the Goodland Housing Authority. With occupancy rates near capacity, the demand remains high. “We’re pretty full right now,” Sheila notes, “but we maintain a waitlist and work through applications as units become available.”
The Authority is also in the midst of a major renovation project, replacing 30-year-old cabinets, appliances, and flooring to modernize the apartments. “We're trying to upgrade and transfer tenants from older units while still filling vacancies,” Sheila explains.
Who Lives There?
Goodland’s public housing serves a diverse group—from a 19-year-old college student to a 99-year-old World War II veteran. Sheila emphasizes the unique joy and challenge of serving people from all walks of life. “You learn a lot working with such a wide range of people,” she says.
Advocacy Beyond Goodland
Sheila’s passion for housing extends far beyond Sherman County. She’s deeply involved with NAHRO—the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials—serving in leadership roles at the state, regional, and national levels. She is the immediate past president of the Kansas chapter, a member of several national committees, and an advocate for small rural housing agencies.
Her advocacy takes her across the country—from Arkansas and Chicago to New York City and Washington, D.C.—where she meets with legislators and housing leaders to fight for continued funding and support of affordable housing. “We can't afford to lose our housing in small towns,” she says. “When you lose housing, you risk losing your schools, your hospital, your entire community.”
Supporting Neighboring Communities
Sheila also supports other area towns like Sharon Springs, St. Francis, Colby, and Atwood, often serving as a consultant to smaller housing authorities. “We all help each other out here,” she says. These agencies operate independently, with their own directors and local boards, but rely on each other for guidance and support. Sheila attends quarterly meetings and stays in constant contact with fellow directors across western Kansas.
Funding and Affordability
Rent at the Goodland Housing Authority is income-based, with tenants typically paying 30% of their income. The remaining cost is covered by federal subsidies through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). “It’s crucial we keep our units full,” Sheila explains, “because our funding each year is based on our occupancy rates and rent collected from the year before.”
A Voice of Experience
Sheila’s long tenure in the industry makes her a go-to resource, especially when challenges arise. She’s often called in to assist other agencies—like a recent case in Southeast Kansas where she helped stabilize operations after a financial issue led to leadership changes.
“We jump in to protect these housing authorities because we simply can’t afford to lose them,” she says. “Affordable housing is foundational to a community’s survival.”
A Familiar Face with a Passion
When she’s not traveling across the country or mentoring housing directors, Sheila is biking through Goodland (when the weather’s right), cooking up her signature deviled eggs for church potlucks, or answering early-morning texts from her husband, Tim, checking the rain gauge.
As much as Sheila travels, her heart stays close to home. “Anytime I can talk about housing,” she laughs, “even if it’s early in the morning, I’m happy to do it.”
Want to Learn More? The Goodland Housing Authority office is located in Sparks Tower on 5th Street. If you or someone you know is in need of affordable housing, stop by, say hello to Sheila, and get an application. Just be ready to go on the waitlist—demand is high, and for good reason.
Information taken from interview with Rollie Hall9igan on the Good Neighbor Hour on KLOE 730
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