Country View Estates

We pulled into Country View Estates to find a community that is as clean and well-maintained as any pioneer could have hoped for. But more importantly, we found a community that truly knows the meaning of the word "neighbor."

Breaking Barriers and Breaking Bread

Impact Cares exists for a simple but powerful purpose: Impacting lives and improving homes in manufactured home communities across the country. Heading into this project, we knew Country View was a predominantly Hispanic community. We wondered for a moment if a language barrier might make it hard to connect.

Those worries vanished the moment the community dinner started.

With fried chicken, BBQ beans, and potato salad from the local Hy-Vee (who were absolute stars to work with!), the atmosphere was electric. We served between 50 and 60 residents and saw kids’ faces light up as we handed out over 20 basketballs, soccer balls, and frisbees. But the best part? When it was time to clean up, every single person there jumped in to help haul tables and chairs.

One young boy summed it up perfectly when he gave one of our team members a giant hug and whispered, “Thank you for throwing us such a great party!” That’s the kind of fuel that keeps us going through the long workdays.

The Faces of Country View

One of the most beautiful things about Columbus is its deep roots. Back in 1910, this town was already a bustling hub of 5,000 people. That sense of "staying power" is still alive in residents like one father we met.

This man is soft-spoken, kind, and the definition of a family man. He raised his daughters in this community, and now he’s watching his grandkids grow up on these same streets. After a long project day, his family even brought dinner to our team. It’s hard to call it "work" when you're being treated like family.

We also got to see our friend Zach, the Maintenance Tech, in a whole new light. Zach is a man of few words, but his actions speak volumes. Watching him beam with pride as he learned to build a deck and master skirting tricks was a highlight for us all. And then there’s Nikki, the Community Manager. Her home is a bustling, joyful whirlwind of kids and family, including two adult daughters who have homes of their own in the community. It’s a true family affair!

Perseverance and Public Power

Columbus is known as the "Birthplace of Public Power" in Nebraska. During the Great Depression, local leaders had the foresight to build a power canal to create jobs and electricity. That same grit was on full display during our "big build."

We tackled a massive project: a new deck with a roof for an elderly neighbor who had lost his wife just a year ago. His old porch was literally falling away from the house, and his neighbors were deeply concerned for him. This build started before the official project day and lasted until after we were "supposed" to be done. It took the whole team, a lot of sweat, and a ton of perseverance, but seeing him come out to chat with us every day made every hammer swing worth it.

By the Numbers: Our Columbus Impact

By the time the local Fire Department rolled up in their truck and ambulance to celebrate lunch with us, we realized just how much we had accomplished together:

47 Volunteers giving their all.

30 Improvements completed, ranging from simple steps to full-size decks, power washing, painting, and yard clean-ups.

120 Meals served to neighbors and friends.

Looking Ahead

Every community has a different "vibe," but Columbus felt like a homecoming. This project was about more than just skirting and paint; it was about the connections we made as a team. The way the community rallied around our team leader, Tory, when his back was giving him trouble, is something we won’t soon forget.

As we wrap up our final project of the year, we are filled with gratitude. We’ve improved homes, but this community certainly improved our spirits. We can’t wait to see what 2026 holds for the Impact Cares team!