WICHITA, KS (Feb. 7, 2024)— Nationwide, housing costs are skyrocketing as more families lack access to a safe, affordable, and decent place to call home. Here in Kansas, every one in nine households pay half or more of their income on housing.

Alongside hundreds of local Habitat organizations and affordable housing advocates, this week in Washington, D.C., Wichita Habitat for Humanity will meet with Rep. Ron Estes (R-KS-04), Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), and Rep. Sharice Davids (D-KS-03) to urge action and prioritization of policies that will increase the number of affordable homes, especially for homeownership.

Congress can respond to this need by supporting vital housing and community development programs in 2025 and through the passage of the bipartisan Neighborhood Homes Investment Act.

There are a number of federal solutions that can help increase the number of affordable homes across the country. We are addressing the growing need for safe, affordable housing in the A. Price Woodard Neighborhood. Now called Rock the Block, more Habitat homes are being constructed and creating sustainable change. These homes would not be possible without the investment of government funding in affordable housing, such as the Home Investment Partnership Program (HOME) and Self-Help Homeownership Opportunity Program (SHOP).

Wichita Habitat for Humanity is committed to working with all stakeholders to find solutions to the affordable housing crisis. However, the time for action is now. We encourage everyone to contact your local elected officials and urge them to prioritize policies that increase the number of affordable homes, especially for homeownership. Together, we can build a future where everyone has a decent place to live.

Naomi, the 100th homeowner in our Rock the Block neighborhood, exemplifies the impact of affordable housing. Thanks to Habitat, she has created a safe, spacious home for her four children. “Having a home to call my own would give me a sense of peace and reassurance knowing that my children are safe,” Naomi shared. Your voice can help ensure more families like Naomi’s have access to this basic human right.