That’s Our Girl

In the Kansas City metro area, everyone has heard about the young woman who was fatally shot at a Crossroads First Friday event on August 2, 2019. But what many might not realize is how much of an impact Erin Langhofer made in her brief 25 years of life. A social worker at Rose Brooks, a domestic abuse shelter, Erin was a welcome respite for anyone who needed a bright smile, an infectious laugh, and a positive spin on life’s challenges. She was as real as you could get. 

From infancy, Erin was a vivacious, fun-loving girl, always able to find humor in any situation. She was both insanely silly and utterly caring, both outgoing and humble. Erin was unabashed, thinking unflattering photos of her were hilarious. She could converse with anyone and they would feel heard and important — and usually amused. Her connections to her family and her friends from childhood, high school, college and beyond were among the most important relationships in her life.

“How has Erin’s House helped me? The supportive, structured environment gave me the stability I needed during a vulnerable time. Surrounded by others who are committed to sobriety, I found a sense of community and accountability that keeps me focused on my goals. The routines, shared experiences, and guidance offered helped me rebuild my confidence. I am developing healthier habits and have truly begun to heal.”

– Ami & Nova

Our Backstory

Do Good for Erin started as an unassuming comfy clothing drive to honor Erin’s birthday in December 2019. Because Erin’s first priority upon arriving home was always to don the coziest ensemble she could find, it was a natural to collect her kind of style to donate to Rose Brooks, where Erin was a social worker. The first Comfy Clothing Drive was held in a friend’s dining room, and the next year in their driveway where cars dropping off their donations blocked the street for hours.

In the years following, the drive grew into a major event. Erin’s family and thousands of friends, coworkers and former clients were so successful in honoring her memory that truckloads of comfy clothes were collected. In 2022, Do Good for Erin was able to sponsor the renovation and furnishing of Erin’s House under the umbrella of Healing House in Kansas City, Missouri. At Erin's House, mothers in substance abuse recovery who are also domestic violence survivors are housed with their children with the goal of rebuilding their lives together. Last year, we donated to Friends of Yates, a Kansas City, Kansas, center for domestic abuse survivors and their families.

Starting in 2023, the Do Good for Erin Foundation also began funding two annual $5,000 scholarships at the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare for students who wish to continue their education at the master’s level. Finally, our grant committee reviews decisions and funding requests from other 501(c)(3) organizations that are aligned with Erin’s passions and interests.

Our Organization

Do Good for Erin is organized and operated exclusively for charitable purposes, as a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Our tax-exempt status means that we are dedicated to supporting the community's most vulnerable and are held to a high standard of public trust.