KCHBA Charitable Foundation funding strengthens pathways for local families
By Jeanene Dunn
The path to homeownership isn’t always straightforward. For many Wyandotte County families, it begins with questions about affordability and where to start.
At Build WyCo, staff meet those questions with guidance, structure and opportunity. The organization’s work goes beyond building homes. It prepares families for ownership, strengthens neighborhoods and supports long-term stability.
Build WyCo also expands access to affordable housing in Wyandotte County, with continued support from the Home Builders Charitable Foundation.
An Investment in Long-Term Stability
Over the past five years, the Foundation has invested $18,000 in Build WyCo’s work, including a $4,000 grant awarded last fall. These dollars support programs that often fall outside of traditional funding.
“Unrestricted funds like the Foundation’s grant offer us flexibility,” said Build WyCo Communications Manager Rebekah Swank. “They allow us to meet families where they are and provide support that doesn’t always fit neatly into traditional funding categories.”
That flexibility drives a comprehensive approach. Housing development works alongside education and counseling. It helps families prepare not just to buy homes, but to succeed in them.
“We’re focused on long-term success,” Swank said. “Making sure families are set up to stay in their homes and build stability over time.”
Guiding Families From Uncertainty to a Clear Path
Build WyCo’s HUD-certified pre-purchase counseling program guides families through the homebuying process, including budgeting, credit readiness, lender selection and inspections. The goal is to replace uncertainty with a clear plan and support long-term housing affordability.
“Pre-purchase counseling bridges that readiness gap,” Swank said. “It turns uncertainty into a plan.”
Many families aren’t sure if homeownership is even possible.
“When we walk through the process, they realize there’s a path forward,” Swank said.
As HUD funding has declined, philanthropic partners have stepped in. Support from the Charitable Foundation helps keep these services available.
Expanding Access Through Smart Solutions
Foundation funding has also helped make down-payment assistance and community land trust subsidies possible. These tools lower barriers and create realistic entry points for working families.
“Flexible Foundation support provided consistently allows us to tackle the complex affordable housing crisis ,” Swank said.
Build WyCo continues to adapt to market conditions. Rising costs require new approaches, including expanding housing strategies to include modular homes alongside traditional builds.
When they are appropriate for the build site, modular homes can be built faster and at a lower cost. They offer more options for buyers seeking affordable housing solutions.
“We have to test and prove a variety of strategies to address such a complex challenge,” Swank said. “Modular construction gives us another tool to keep costs down while still delivering quality homes.”
Building Workforce and Economic Opportunity
Build WyCo partners with Wyandotte High School to offer construction training programs that address workforce shortages and introduce students to careers in the industry.
“We’re building more than homes,” Swank said. “We’re helping build a workforce and creating opportunities for the next generation.”
The organization is also investing in community revitalization, including the planned restoration of a historic building in downtown KCK. Projects like this strengthen the area and support economic growth.
Measurable Impact, Lasting Change
The results reflect a comprehensive, community-driven approach.
In its lifetime, Build WyCo has:
Behind each number is a family with greater stability, expanded opportunity and a stronger connection to their community.
“That’s what drives the work,” Swank said. “It’s seeing families succeed and knowing they have a place to call home.”
If you agree, sign up to receive communication on our efforts toward mitigating the housing attainability crisis.
