Launching the Pope Leo Village

Today marks a monumental step forward for our community. The hammers are swinging and the table saws are humming. The campaign is officially underway at Pope Leo Village! While a formal kickoff is to be held later in the coming months, the true kickoff happened on the ground today, with incredible volunteers putting their faith into action right here in our northeast Wichita neighborhood.

Pope Leo Village is part of an inspiring national interfaith movement made possible by an anonymous donor. Inspired by the legacy of Pope Leo XIV and his commitment to justice, service, and unity, this initiative is transforming communities across the country. Here in Sedgwick County, Wichita Habitat for Humanity is breathing new life into our city by rehabilitating eight formerly boarded-up public housing properties. This effort continues our revitalization work and turns these properties into safe, affordable homes for local families in Habitat’s Homeownership program.

At its core, Pope Leo Village symbolizes what we can achieve when a community unites with a shared vision of stability and compassion. The need for affordable housing is more critical than ever. Safe and stable housing is the foundation for a family’s health, education, and financial well-being. By turning these dilapidated properties into eight beautiful houses, we are opening doors to new possibilities and generational wealth.

“In that service to others we may find that coming together in friendship, building up community, we too can find true meaning in our lives.”

— Pope Leo XIV

One of the most profound aspects of Pope Leo Village is the opportunity it provides for connection. When you volunteer on a Habitat build, you are not simply performing a task. You are working side-by-side with future homeowners themselves.

Families in Habitat’s Homeownership program invest hundreds of hours of “sweat equity” into building their own homes and the homes of their neighbors before purchasing them with an affordable, zero percent (0%) interest mortgage. Volunteering alongside these resilient families offers a unique window into their homeownership journey. It transforms a construction site into a place of mutual learning and deep connection, bringing profound meaning to every nail driven and every wall raised.

“We are not just building walls; we are opening doors to new possibilities and generational wealth.” — Danielle Johnson, executive director

The future of our community rests in the hands of the next generation. A major pillar of the Pope Leo Village initiative is its focus on engaging youth. We are calling on young people, schools, and faith groups to step out of their everyday routines and enact their social responsibility through tangible work.

Volunteering on a build site provides young adults aged sixteen and older with a hands-on understanding of the affordable housing crisis. It teaches leadership, teamwork, and the inherent dignity of service. When youth roll up their sleeves to help build a home (or help at ReStore Wichita), they are building their own character and forging a lifelong commitment to civic engagement.

So, put your #FaithIntoAction! The transformation of Pope Leo Village relies on the presence and generosity of our community. Your chance to make a lasting impact is just a click away, with plenty of volunteer opportunities available throughout the rest of the year. Whether you are a student, a corporate team, or a neighbor wanting to give back, we provide all the necessary training and tools to ensure you succeed. No prior construction experience is required.