Wichita Habitat for Humanity celebrates 40 years of building affordable housing in Sedgwick County

WICHITA, KS (April 27, 2026)— This October, Wichita Habitat for Humanity officially marks 40 years of service to the Wichita community. Since its founding in October 1986, the organization has transformed from a grassroots local experiment into a cornerstone of affordable housing, having empowered more than 1,200 neighbors to achieve the life-changing opportunity of homeownership.

The 40^th anniversary, or “Ruby Anniversary,” serves as a milestone to reflect on four decades of community partnership. What began with a simple goal of providing decent housing has grown into a multi-faceted mission that includes new and gut-rehab home construction, the successful ReStore Wichita retail operation (established in 2003), and a critical Home Repair Program that has served over 135 households since 2021.

“As we celebrate 40 years of building alongside families in Wichita, we are inviting the entire community to be part of something bigger,” said Danielle Johnson, executive director of Wichita Habitat for Humanity. “We cannot simply build our way out of the housing crisis; we need continued partnerships from our community members—individuals, businesses, nonprofits, and governmental bodies—to tackle this challenge together. Whether you shop at the ReStore, volunteer on a build site, or donate, you are helping us open the door to brighter futures.”

Highlighting 40 Years of Impact:

• A Legacy of Partnership: Founded in 1986 based on Habitat for Humanity International’s foundation of “partnership housing” model, where our goal was simple: “simple, decent housing.”
• Community Revitalization: From new developments, such as Edgebrook Village, Stewart Village, and Cottonwood Corner, to community revitalization efforts like “Rock the Block,” we have worked hard to ensure everyone has a decent place to call home.
• Sustainable Support: The ReStore Wichita continues to turn donated goods into funding for local homes, ensuring our mission remains sustainable for the next 40 years.

To commemorate this milestone, Wichita Habitat for Humanity will host its signature “Raise the Roof” fundraiser this fall. The event will celebrate the donors, volunteers, and homeowners who have built the foundation of the organization’s success. It will be a night of inspiring stories, reflecting on the 65 million people impacted by Habitat globally and the hundreds of local families whose lives have been stabilized through safe, affordable housing in Sedgwick County.

Wichita Habitat for Humanity invites all former volunteers, donors, and partners to share their stories and join the celebration. For more information on 40^th-anniversary events, or to learn how to support the next decade of building, please visit wichitahabitat.org/40years.