Wichita Habitat for Humanity announces “Pope Leo Village” to transform northeast Wichita

WICHITA, KS (April 13, 2026)— Wichita Habitat for Humanity is proud to announce the launch of Pope Leo Village, a transformative building endeavor dedicated to honoring the vision and service of Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pope. Made possible by a generous anonymous donor, this initiative will mobilize new volunteers and youth across the community to transform eight formerly boarded-up public housing properties into a thriving, unified neighborhood.

Moved and inspired by Pope Leo’s deep commitment to serving others, the anonymous sponsor has issued a heartfelt challenge to the community: step forward, volunteer, raise funds, and actively serve the neighborhoods in which you live. Pope Leo Village aims to build unity and community by calling on God’s people to serve as beacons of hope. By seeking to put God’s love into action, we are bringing people together to build homes, communities, and hope, ensuring that these properties will no longer be afflicted by blight, but rather filled with volunteerism and faith in action.

The development is a proud continuation of Wichita Habitat’s ongoing revitalization efforts in northeast Wichita through the Rock the Block #219 initiative.

Once the eight homes of Pope Leo Village are completed, eight local families who successfully complete Habitat’s Homeownership program will move in, making a lasting generational difference in their lives. These future Habitat homebuyers will work side-by-side with volunteers to build their homes and will ultimately purchase them with a zero percent (0%) interest, affordable mortgage.

We warmly invite faith organizations, community groups, businesses, and passionate individuals to join in this remarkable building endeavor. Construction is slated to begin this July. We strongly encourage youth ages 16 and up, neighbors, future homebuyers, and the wider Sedgwick County community to join us in building this incredible opportunity for affordable homeownership.

Wichita Habitat for Humanity is proud to join other affiliates across the nation taking part in Pope Leo Villages inspired by the Pope’s message of unity and service. We welcome anyone moved by the new American-born pope to serve others through the Pope Leo Village campaign. Please donate, fundraise, and volunteer today!

To learn more about the project, sign up to volunteer, or make a donation, please visit: wichitahabitat.org/popeleovillage.