Letter from the Executive Director
Sometimes building momentum requires chipping away at a challenge. Just ask Renaissance artist Michelangelo, who completed his famous David statue over 500 years ago. The marble block he used to chisel the masterpiece had already been discarded by two previous sculptors due to imperfections; but somehow Michelangelo saw through the challenge. He famously said that, “Every block of stone has a
statue inside it, and it is the task of the sculptor to discover it.” Michelangelo discovered his masterpiece one chip at a time.
Our team and partners at Kansas Housing have similarly been building momentum one chip at a time. As we close out 2024, we reflect on the year’s successes and opportunities.
Just like David’s marble block, Kansas’ housing stock is imperfect. Our housing supply hasn’t kept up with the need, and like Michelangelo’s medium, the challenge seems so daunting, impenetrable, and just plain difficult. But like the Renaissance masters of old, Kansas Housing has worked with our stakeholders and partners to start chipping away at the challenge: first with the 2021 Kansas Statewide Housing Needs Assessment, then historic legislative funding, and now record-breaking investments across the state to fund housing solutions.
In this report, you’ll learn about KHRC’s recent successes, explore housing investments in communities rural and urban, and celebrate as we Unlock Home around the state for those we serve.
But we also remember that long-term challenges require sustained, long-term solutions. The underlying housing problem didn’t develop overnight. Similarly, we must keep the momentum going; we can’t stop now. We’re making real headway chipping away at the challenge. Let’s finish the sculpture together. There’s a masterpiece to discover: Home.
Ryan Vincent Executive Director
Look for links that chronicle the groundbreakings, ribbon
cuttings, and grand openings of new homes for Kansans.
Thanks to historic state investments, these developments have
helped us chip away at Unlocking Home, one home at a time.
Program Overview
Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC) is a self-supporting, nonprofit, public corporation committed to helping Kansans access the safe, affordable housing they need and the dignity they deserve. KHRC serves as the state’s housing finance agency, administering essential housing and community programs to serve Kansans Our core values guide our work, ensuring that we’re thorough, collaborative, nimble, transparent, and compassionate in all we do.
KHRC is a subsidiary corporation of the Kansas Development Finance Authority (KDFA). Governed by a Board of Directors, KHRC does not receive operational revenue from the state of Kansas but sustains itself through a State Housing Trust Fund (SHTF) funded through fees for services and grant administration cost reimbursement. The SHTF funds the state’s Moderate Income Housing program, among other initiatives. Audited financial statements are available online.
Abilene Court groundbreaking celebrates 32 affordable 2-bedroom homes for seniors.
Kansas Housing Conference
The Road Home, a portrait gallery, featured stories from former reStart shelter residents with lived experience of homelessness.
The Timbers offers newly renovated homes for adults with disabilities in Wichita.
Our 19th annual Kansas Housing Conference was held in Overland Park, attracting nearly 800 attendees, sponsors, and exhibitors. Attendees from across the state and region gathered to network, learn, and explore the latest trends and innovations in affordable housing.
Overland Park Mayor Curt Skoog welcomed attendees and emphasized the importance of housing in achieving economic growth and prosperity.
Ulysses “Deke” Clayborn, Regional Administrator of U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Region VII, shared HUD’s current housing priorities and presented an $8 million check for KHRC, in partnership with Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) and Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), to administer the state’s new Section 811 program to expand housing and supportive services for Kansans with disabilities.
Gregg Colburn, author of Homelessness is a Housing Problem, presented research and analysis of unhoused populations across major metropolitan areas, and found the root cause of homelessness to be lack of affordable housing and high rent costs. He explained the solution to
homelessness is achievable if public and private partners prioritize the
investment and development of more affordable housing.
Joshua Jefferson, Deputy Secretary of Business Development for the Kansas Department of Commerce, illustrated how recent business booms in Kansas have increased current and future job growth in the state. Job growth propels our momentum forward, creating increasing demand for homes for Kansans.
Our second annual Show off Your Service competition showcased the state’s most innovative housing-related service projects. Finalists presented their initiatives during a breakout session, and attendees voted for the favorite. The $2,000 grant, sponsored by Kansas Bankers Association, was awarded to Cross-Lines Community Outreach, Inc. The award will help fund Welcome Home Baskets, providing basic household items for clients settling into new homes after experiencing homelessness.
Ryan Vincent, KHRC’s Executive Director, shared a personal story of resilience, reminding us of three keys to success as we face affordable housing challenges together: Step outside your comfort zone, use dogged persistence, and remember your mission–Home!
Building Momentum
KHRC’s 2021 statewide housing needs assessment revealed an annual demand of 3,800-4,800 homes in rural areas alone.
Thanks to historic state housing investments since 2022, we’ve begun chipping away at our decades-long housing shortage, one home at a time.
As of 2024, these investments have created nearly 6,500 homes across the state of Kansas.
Nine new single-family homes are under construction in Stafford County.
Watch the Building Momentum webinar to learn more about the homes we’re building across the state, and the next steps in our efforts to expand quality, affordable housing for all Kansans.
512 Spruce is a former Wamego hospital
rehabilitated into 10 new homes.
Kansas Homeowner Assistance Fund
The Kansas Homeowner Assistance Fund (KHAF), a federally funded, temporary emergency program to support homeowners experiencing hardship during the COVID pandemic, launched in April 2022 and closed on Dec. 15, 2023, just after last year’s annual report went to print. KHAF was funded with American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to help
qualifying Kansas homeowners get current on their mortgages and avoid foreclosure, providing payment assistance for past due:
• Mortgages
• Property taxes
• Homeowner’s Insurance
• Utility, internet, and broadband fees
KHAF provided nearly $49 million in assistance, preventing foreclosure for more than 4,351 homeowners.
Kansas Homeowner Assistance Fund closes, leading nation in disbursements and prevention of foreclosures.
Community Solutions
KHRC’s Community Solutions programs support housing stability, encourage financial independence, and expand homeownership opportunities to Kansans.
Emergency Solutions Grant program assists Kansans experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
Tenant Based Rental Assistance provides rent, security deposit, and utility deposit assistance to Kansans.
Biden-Harris administration awards $3.16 billion in homelessness assistance to communities nationwide, including $9.5 million to Kansas.
Hear KHRC’s CSBG and Single Family Program Manager, Marilyn Stanley, discuss the First Time Homebuyer program on Kansas City RealTalk, a local real estate podcast.
First Time Homebuyer
In March of 2024, KHRC launched an interactive webform which helps Kansans navigate eligibility and take steps to apply for down payment and closing cost assistance through KHRC’s First Time Homebuyer program. Since the form launched, KHRC has received nearly 4,000
submissions from prospective homeowners.
“I always wanted a bit of earth, like the little girl asks for in The Secret Garden… But every time I tried to get my own bit of earth, something in life happened, and it just went poof! Now that I have my bit of earth, I take a sigh of relief.”
-Sarah, First Time Homebuyer
Read more about how Sarah’s family benefitted from the First Time Homebuyer program.
Kansas Housing and Habitat for Humanity of the Northern Flint Hills partner to expand affordable housing
solutions.
Community Services Block Grant (CSBG)
In 2024, we celebrated 60 years of Community Action! Our eight Community Action Agency partners, funded through federal CSBG funds, help Kansans access community-based services to fight poverty, encouraging financial stability and self-sufficiency. Each year, KHRC awards two rounds of discretionary CSBG funds to organizations across the state.
CSBG funds helped establish a comprehensive Family Resource Center including a trauma-informed pediatric occupational therapy space, a client-centered food pantry, and a wellness screening and treatment area. This investment supported 37 clients and delivered more than 240 individual counseling, case management, or group sessions, helping individuals improve their mental health and well-being.
“Being part of this group passed on a great gift, I am not alone, I can be who I hope and want to be now that I have seen others step up for themselves and saw the good behind it.”
– Family Resources Center Client
Get to know our Community Action Partners!
Manufactured Housing
KHRC oversees the licensing of manufactured housing installers under the Manufactured Housing Act (KSA 58-4218(c)). Currently, 65 licensed installers guarantee the installation of manufactured homes for one year following completed installations. KHRC recognizes training from the Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI), which enforces federal and state standards. Installers must provide proof of the completion of a MHI training class, along with an application and a licensing fee. Each application is reviewed by KHRC staff to ensure compliance with federal and
state mandates that provide safe and comfortable homes. If residents have issues with the installation of their manufactured homes, they have one year from the time of installation completion to file an appeal. More information about the appeal process can be found online.
Weatherization Assistance Program
Governor Laura Kelly joined KHRC staff and community partners in proclaiming October Energy Action Month and October 30 Weatherization Day in Kansas. Energy Action Month is an annual campaign to raise awareness of the statewide Weatherization Assistance Program and encourage Kansans to reduce energy usage and save on utility bills as cold weather approaches.
Kansas Housing awards more than 155,000 in vital services for low-income families and communities.
KHRC Weatherization staff met with Rep. Pam Curtis and weatherization assistance recipient, Armon, at his home in Kansas City this summer. Armon was appreciative of the work East Central Kansas Community Action Network (ECKAN) did to make his home more comfortable and lower his bills.
Housing Development
Thanks to an infusion of state funding in 2022, we have seen a record number of homes developed, rehabilitated, and preserved across the state.
The Moderate Income Housing (MIH) program, established by the Kansas Legislature in 2012, serves middle income households in rural and small communities.
Kansas Housing Investor Tax Credits (KHITC) support investors who make cash investments in qualified housing developments in counties with fewer than 75,000 residents.
Kansas Affordable Housing Tax Credits provide state tax incentives as an equal match to federal LIHTCs for the acquisition, rehabilitation, or new construction of rental housing serving lower-income households.
The Moderate Income Housing Revolving Loan Fund supports the development of moderate income housing and infrastructure,
complementing other resources by increasing borrowing capacity and
closing funding gaps.
Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) provide federal tax incentives to developers for the acquisition, rehabilitation, or new construction of rental housing serving lower-income households.
The National Housing Trust Fund provides federal grants to produce and preserve affordable housing for extremely low- and very low-income households.
HOME funds provide federal grants to state and local governments to create affordable housing for low-income households.
Officials broke ground on Willow Estates, nine new duplexes in Colby.
Concordia groundbreaking celebrates new homes for moderate-income families.
Ribbon cutting celebrates 10 new homes in Ellinwood.
Contract Administration & Housing Compliance
KHRC takes its role as a steward of public funds seriously. Our Contract Administration and Housing Compliance divisions ensure that housing providers follow guidelines and maintain quality homes for Kansans.
Contract Administration
Administers the state’s Project Based Rental Assistance contract to ensure that the 11,120 units in 229 properties throughout the state are kept in safe, decent, and sanitary condition.
Shawnee celebrated the opening of Hedge Lane, a 144-unit apartment complex.
Housing Compliance
Provides monitoring and oversight of properties across the state, ensuring that housing providers adhere to program guidelines and meet our standards.
Twelve new duplexes at Southern Hills Senior Homes were completed with a ribbon cutting in Topeka.
Central Landing opens 16 new homes in Wichita.
Keeping The Momentum Going
Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, we’ll build on our current progress through continued investment and will offer new initiatives to support vulnerable Kansans.
KHRC will administer the Section 811 Program to expand housing and supportive services for Kansans with disabilities, in partnership with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS). The $8 million program is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development.
KHRC received $22.5 million in federal HOME-American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds to support Kansans experiencing or at risk of housing instability. KHRC announced awards to 14 applicants, providing a combined $19 million to support vulnerable Kansans in 91 counties. Combined with the amount leveraged by each community to support the proposed initiatives, the awards represent a total investment of $38 million in housing development and supportive services, and a net gain of 85 homes.
Ulysses “Deke” Clayborn, Regional Administrator of U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Region VII, presented an $8 million check to KHRC staff to fund the forthcoming Section 811 program.
Southern Hills Senior Homes completes 12 duplexes for seniors in Topeka.
A ribbon cutting at Lee Lofts celebrates 50 new homes in Salina.
The Verandas at Crestview offer 94 new one-bedroom units in Wichita.
The Timbers offers newly renovated homes for adults with disabilities in Wichita.
“We must keep the momentum going; we can’t stop now. We’re making real headway chipping away at the challenge. Let’s finish the sculpture together. There’s a masterpiece to discover: Home.”
-Ryan Vincent, Executive Director
