The data behind the mission: New 2026 advocacy resources available

As members of Wichita Habitat for Humanity prepare to travel to Washington, D.C. for Habitat on the Hill 2026, we are reminded that our mission extends beyond the construction site. We build homes, but we also build bridges between our communities and the policies that shape them.

The reality of housing in Kansas

To support these efforts, we are pleased to share that our 2026 Advocacy One-Pagers are now available. These documents outline the critical state of housing affordability in Kansas and detail the federal and local investments needed to ensure everyone has a decent place to live.

Our State of Home Affordability report highlights the widening gap between income and housing costs. In Kansas, the income required to purchase a median-priced home has risen to $89,000 per year, while the median renter earns only $47,500.

The shortage of inventory is stark: for every single home for sale that is affordable to low-to-moderate-income buyers, there are 11 low-to-moderate-income renters competing for it. Additionally, cost burdens remain high, with 52% of homeowners earning less than $50,000 paying more than 30% of their income on housing costs.

» View the 2026 State of Home Affordability Sheet

Our federal priorities

At Habitat on the Hill, our delegation will advocate for robust funding for federal programs that make our work possible. Our Federal Priorities sheet outlines key requests for the upcoming Transportation-HUD Appropriations Bill, including:

• $1.5 billion for the HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME): Since 2014, we have leveraged $1.47 million in HOME funds to help build homes that cost over $9.5 million to construct.
• $20 million for the Self-Help Homeownership Opportunity Program (SHOP): These grants have funded infrastructure for neighborhoods like Cottonwood Corner and Edgebrook Village, keeping monthly payments affordable for families.
• $1.25 billion for the USDA Section 502 Direct Loan Program: Critical for rural development and affordability.

» View the Federal Priorities Sheet

Our local impact with Rock the Block

Our advocacy also highlights the success of place-based strategies like Rock the Block. This year, we are focused on the 67219 zip code. This time, we have been able to expand our initiative beyond new construction to include critical repairs and rehabilitation projects.

In 2026, we are targeting 17 new partner families and the rehabilitation of 13 additional homes in northeast Wichita. By concentrating our efforts near educational anchors like Gordon Parks Academy and Wichita State University, we are creating a neighborhood ecosystem where stable housing supports educational outcomes.

» View Wichita Habitat’s Impact Sheet

These one-pagers are more than just statistics. They are tools for change. Whether you are meeting with legislators or simply spreading the word, we invite you to review these documents to understand the challenges and solutions facing our community.

As we head to the Hill next week, we carry the voices of families like Bijoux’s, for whom a stable home means “stability and a future for my kids.” Together, we can ensure that opportunity remains within reach for all our neighbors.