August 7, 2024
Building Bridges: Wichita Habitat’s Legislative Build
August is a critical month for organizations like Wichita Habitat for Humanity to connect with elected officials with elected officials and foster a deeper understanding of the affordable housing crisis. With lawmakers, elected officials and representatives returning to their homes, it’s an opportune time to highlight the challenges faced by our community, but also showcase the opportunities and successful impacts that Habitat affiliates contributed as well. In addition, it is important for Wichita Habitat for Humanity to engage and advocate for policies that support affordable homeownership.
Wichita Habitat’s Legislative Build offers a unique opportunity for elected officials and representatives to experience firsthand the impact of affordable housing on families. By participating in home construction and engaging in discussions with future homeowners, they gain valuable insights into the challenges and rewards of homeownership.
“The Legislative Build is one of the highlights of my Habitat year,” shared Ann Patterson, a board member and advocacy committee member. “Not only do we get to build a house, but we also get to meet our future homeowners and interact with our legislators who are so important to furthering the cause of affordable housing in Kansas.”
Patterson emphasizes the critical need for increased funding and land availability to address the growing demand for affordable housing. “Habitat’s waiting lists are long, and the decisions we must make on who is able to join our homeownership program are difficult,” she explained.
Valerie White, chair of Wichita Habitat’s advocacy committee, echoed Patterson’s sentiments about the importance of the Legislative Build. “I like participating in the Legislative Build because I know how important homeownership is to families, but there are so many barriers to homeownership that anything I can do to increase awareness among policymakers, I will do!”
Both Patterson and White agree that the biggest challenges facing affordable housing in Wichita include limited access to down payment assistance, credit improvement resources, and insufficient public-private partnerships.
“The participants in the Legislative Build are able to see the impact that affordable housing has on a family,” Patterson noted. “Our families rave about the homebuyer education they receive, especially about the financial component. The legislators are able to see that generational change happens with our homeowners by setting a goal of working towards the house and managing their money to successfully own it.”
By providing opportunities for lawmakers, elected officials, and representatives to engage directly with habitat families and witness the transformative power of homeownership, Wichita Habitat aims to inspire greater support for affordable housing solutions. As White suggests, “If communities collectively spoke and advocated about wanting homeownership opportunities, I think it would make a tremendous impact.”
The Legislative Build is more than just a construction event; it’s a catalyst for change. By bringing together elected officials, community leaders, volunteers, and future homeowners, Wichita Habitat is building a stronger foundation for a more equitable and affordable future.
We are committed to working with all stakeholders to find solutions to the affordable housing crisis and the time for action is now. We encourage everyone to engage with 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.