Year founded:
1979
Tell us about the mission of your non-profit
Habitat for Humanity of Kansas City empowers individuals and families through affordable housing solutions. With rising housing costs, a significant affordable housing shortage, and communities still recovering from decades of disinvestment, the need for Habitat KC's work has never been greater. Since 1979, we’ve built alongside the community, supporting more than 1,000 families each year to create safe, stable homes that will impact generations to come.
Central to our mission is the unwavering commitment to building a more equitable and inclusive Kansas City. We are proud to be a member of the Mid-America LGBT Chamber of Commerce because we believe that safe, stable housing is a fundamental need for every person — including LGBTQ+ individuals and families who continue to face disproportionate housing instability and discrimination. Our partnership with the Chamber reflects our commitment to serving all of Kansas City, and to building a city where everyone has a place to call home.
What's a recent success story or milestone you're proud of?
This year, we completed our first-ever Women Build Blitz, bringing together 300 volunteers from 31 companies and organizations across Kansas City.
More than 80% of the families served through Habitat KC are single mothers or women-led households. During this impactful three-day volunteer effort in Kansas City’s historic Lykins neighborhood, we helped empower women and female-led families to achieve strength, stability, and independence through affordable homeownership.
Together, we constructed 102 walls for future Habitat homes, completed interior work on two homes, and built three sheds for future homeowners. We’ve already completed 11 new homes in the Lykins neighborhood, and the momentum from Women Build Blitz carries into our work ahead—six more homes to be completed in the neighborhood and more families on the path to homeownership.
What do you love most about being part of this Chamber?
Being part of the Mid-America LGBT Chamber connects us with businesses and organizations that share a values-driven approach to community investment. Housing justice and LGBTQ+ equity are deeply linked. LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly those with intersecting identities, experience housing instability at higher rates than the general population. This Chamber gives us the opportunity to connect with partners who understand that building an inclusive Kansas City means addressing those intersecting needs together.
How can our Chamber and members best support and be involved with your non-profit?
There are several ways Chamber members can get involved with Habitat KC:
1. Volunteer on a build or at our Habitat KC ReStore. We welcome corporate and community volunteer groups throughout the year. Whether you're swinging a hammer on the construction site or sorting donations at our discount home improvement store, no experience is required to make a difference.
2. Shop or donate to ReStore. Our ReStore locations are open to the public and accept donations of gently used furniture, appliances, and building materials. If you're remodeling your office, clearing out inventory, or looking for great deals on furniture and appliances, consider Habitat KC ReStore and support local affordable housing.
3. Spread the word. Many LGBTQ+ individuals and families may not know they could qualify for our services. We offer educational opportunities, home repair assistance, affordable homeownership, and down payment assistance. Helping us reach people who need stable housing is one of the most powerful things a partner can do.
4. Partner with us on events or campaigns. We're always looking for aligned businesses that want to co-create fundraising or awareness opportunities that connect their customers and networks to the mission.
We'd love to start a conversation about what partnership could look like with Habitat KC!
Learn more at their website: https://habitatkc.org/