The Work

Focused on affordable housing and neighborhood revitalization, volunteers completed:

• 102 walls for future Habitat homes
• Interior work on two homes, now ready for final inspection
• 3 sheds for future homeowners

Why Women Build?

More than 80% of the families served through Habitat KC are single mothers or women-led households. Women Build helps empower women and female-led families to achieve strength, stability, and independence through affordable homeownership while creating stronger neighborhoods and communities

 

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What’s Next

We’ve already completed 11 homes in Lykins, 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.

Together, we’re creating a community where every woman has a secure and loving home. Find a volunteer opportunity and join us on the construction site to support Kansas City families.

Find a volunteer opportunity

The post Our First Women Build Blitz appeared first on Habitat for Humanity KC.

The Habitat KC volunteer awards celebrate the heart of our mission—our volunteers. Whether swinging a hammer, sorting donations at ReStore KC, or lending a helping hand, their dedication drives our mission forward.

Over the past year, 4,324 dedicated volunteers have given an extraordinary 45,797 hours in service to our mission. Because of that commitment, 8,219 individuals in our community have been impacted—building unity through shared purpose, advancing equity by removing barriers, creating legacy through generational wealth, and opening doors to opportunity for brighter futures.

That’s why we honor the incredible individuals and partners who make our work possible through the Habitat KC volunteer awards. Their collective impact builds a stronger, more connected Kansas City.

Watch the video to meet some of these inspiring individuals. 

At our annual Volunteer Appreciation Event, we recognize the outstanding contributors whose dedication truly exemplifies what it means to build a stronger future together. Check out the photos from this year’s Habitat KC Volunteer Awards.

Meet this year’s Habitat KC volunteer award recipients and nominees.

Emerging Volunteer Award

The Emerging Volunteer Award recognizes a volunteer who has been with the organization for less than four years. Throughout that time, this volunteer has shown leadership and growth in their skill set and always exudes positivity. This volunteer has an infectious passion for Habitat’s mission and shares that with others.

Mark Schmitz: 2026 Recipient

Since beginning his volunteer journey in 2023, Mark has contributed an impressive 568 hours of service—and as a generous financial donor, his commitment to Habitat KC’s mission runs deep. Mark is known for his attention to detail and strong work ethic, qualities that shine through in everything he does. No matter the task, he approaches it with care, pride, and thoughtfulness. Dependable and hardworking, Mark is the kind of person every team hopes to have on site—and for those reasons, among many others, he was named this year’s Emerging Volunteer Award recipient.

Mike McGeehan: 2026 Nominee

Since joining us in 2024, Mike has already made a meaningful impact—contributing 250 hours of service as a regular construction volunteer and even stepping beyond our local work to participate in a Global Village build in the Dominican Republic. Mike brings a calm, kind presence to every build site, naturally connecting with fellow volunteers and the homeowners whose lives are being changed through this work. Wherever he goes, he doesn’t just help build homes—he helps build community.

Doug Johnson: 2026 Nominee

Since joining Habitat for Humanity of Kansas City in 2023, Doug has contributed an impressive 524 hours as a regular volunteer and is a generous donor. While he may be an emerging volunteer at Habitat KC, he is certainly not new to the mission—Doug has been part of the Habitat family since 1996, volunteering with five different affiliates and even participating in an international build in South Africa in 1999. His nearly 30 years of dedication tell a powerful story, and we are fortunate he’s now building alongside us here in Kansas City.

Visionary Partnership Award

The Visionary Partnership Award honors a bold and innovative corporate or community partner who, through collaborative volunteer efforts, is a visionary in creating solutions to meet the affordable needs of Kansas City.

Johnson County, Kansas Government: 2026 Recipient

Johnson County, Kansas has made a meaningful impact through both action and advocacy—contributing 283 volunteer hours in support of our mission and consistently showing up for our community. Their commitment spans every level of leadership, from the Board of County Commissioners to their housing team, with individuals rolling up their sleeves on build sites and dedicating full days of service together. But their impact extends far beyond volunteerism. Johnson County has been a powerful advocate for attainable housing—engaging municipalities across the county and helping move forward real, lasting solutions. They were instrumental in bringing the Pathway at Heritage Park development to life, and have committed substantial funding to support Home Preservation projects across Johnson County—ensuring more families can remain safely and securely in their homes.

Multivac: 2026 Nominee

Since 2020, Multivac has been a dedicated and reliable volunteer partner—regularly bringing teams to our build sites and showing up ready to make a difference. Together, their employees have contributed an incredible 2,500 volunteer hours, helping build homes and hope across our community. Beyond their hands-on impact, Multivac has also supported Habitat KC as a financial partner since 2021, demonstrating a level of commitment that goes beyond any one form of giving. Through both action and generosity, Multivac exemplifies what it means to be a visionary partner.

PNC Bank: 2026 Nominee

Since 2021, PNC Bank has been a dedicated annual funder, supporting both our Neighborhood Revitalization efforts and our Home Preservation Services program. They’ve been a proud participant in Women Build each year since 2023 and have engaged their teams in volunteer opportunities since 2022, contributing over 435 hours on our build sites. Their impact doesn’t stop there—PNC Bank also strengthens our mission through education, providing workshop presenters who help equip families with the knowledge and tools for long-term success. Through generosity, engagement, and a commitment to sharing expertise, PNC Bank truly exemplifies what it means to be a visionary partner.

Pritchard Legacy Award

The Prichard Legacy Award. This award recognizes and celebrates an individual who has shared their skills through volunteerism and positively impacted the community throughout their lifetime. This volunteer has been with the organization for many years, continues to show up and suit up every week, and will continue to build homes, community, and hope into the future.

Bret Gustafson: 2026 Recipient

Bret Gustafson has been a dedicated part of Habitat KC since 2014, contributing an incredible 6,734 hours of service. Beyond his countless hours as a regular volunteer on our build sites, Bret is also a donor, a member of our Workforce Development Campus Committee, and a ReStore volunteer supporting special projects. Known for always showing up ready—paintbrush in hand and a great attitude to match—he approaches every day with care, pride, and a willingness to serve wherever he’s needed. What truly sets Bret apart is the way he builds more than homes. He builds relationships—with homeowners, with fellow volunteers, and with our staff. His patience, reliability, and positive spirit make him a constant and welcome presence, week after week.

Gary Beauchamp: 2026 Nominee

Since joining Habitat KC in 2019, Gary Beauchamp has contributed an impressive 1,638 hours of service. As both a donor and a volunteer organizer and recruiter for his church, his influence extends far beyond his own time on the build site. Gary is known for his caring presence and remarkable patience—especially with new volunteers—creating an environment where people feel comfortable, confident, and welcomed. He’s also incredibly multi-talented, bringing strong construction skills to the job site while stepping in with calm and care when needed, thanks to his medical background. Simply put, he makes every workday better.

Jim Phelps: 2026 Nominee

Since joining Habitat KC in 2017, Jim Phelps has contributed an incredible 2,243 hours of service in our ReStores, while also supporting our mission as a donor. A true self-starter, Jim brings a positive attitude to everything he does—equally at ease welcoming and assisting customers as he is working behind the scenes to keep the store running smoothly. When he noticed an opportunity to improve the customer experience, he took it upon himself to remerchandise the cabinet doors, making them easier to browse and shop. His initiative, attention to detail, and deep commitment to service make him an outstanding member of the Habitat KC family.

Interested in building with us?

Anyone can join us on a construction site or at any of our ReStore KC locations. No experience is necessary. We’ll provide you with the tools you need to make a positive impact in your community.

Find a volunteer opportunity

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That’s when her own mother partnered with Habitat for Humanity and changed the trajectory of their entire family. She was raising six kids in Kansas City, quietly struggling, never letting on how hard things were.

Barbara’s mom partnered with Habitat for Humanity and built a brighter future. “Once we got our home, she was able to breathe and provide for all six of her children.”

What Stability Made Possible

With a safe, stable home, Barbara and her siblings could focus on what mattered. All six children graduated from high school. Two went on to earn college degrees — milestones Barbara credits directly to the foundation that Habitat home provided.

But it wasn’t just about grades. It was about what home felt like. Barbara’s mom decorated for every holiday, handed out cards and candy to mark every occasion, and cooked big meals that brought the whole family together. The house became a gathering place. A tradition. A constant.

My favorite room was my bedroom,” Barbara remembers, “because it faced the west. I was able to see the sunset every evening.

Dreaming Bigger for Her Own Kids

Now, Barbara is building that same sense of possibility for her own children.

Her daughter is working toward her bachelor’s degree — she already earned her associate’s degree alongside her high school diploma. Her son wants to pursue plumbing. Barbara’s stable, affordable mortgage means she can support both of them as they figure out their paths.

And she’s thinking even bigger than that. With a mortgage that doesn’t consume her entire paycheck, she’s ready to invest in experiences, not just shelter.

“I want to see the world. I want to travel with my children and make new memories.”

No Matter What, There’s Always Home

Barbara wants her children to take risks, chase big dreams, and know there is always somewhere solid to land.

“No matter what they do in life, they’ll always have a home to come back to. They’ll never have to worry about where they’re going to live.”

She’s already planning the traditions she’ll start — the holiday decor, the DIY projects, the cards and small gifts she watched her mother give every year and has been waiting to pass down herself.

“I’m going to start new traditions with my kids. My mom passed down gifts and cards every holiday to make it special. Now I will make it a tradition in my home.”

My mother used to say, “My home is not for sale.”

Barbara feels exactly the same way. She’s a homeowner, and she’s not going anywhere.

The post Barbara’s Story appeared first on Habitat for Humanity KC.

As a great-great-grandma, her house is rarely quiet. Her days are filled with laughter, Bible stories, and neighbors stopping by, knowing she’s always there. This is the place where great-grandkids run across the street to the school playground, where everyone still knows Grandma’s landline number by heart, and where hospitality comes standard—candy, a small gift, or a kind word, always ready to be shared.

When Homes Age

Homes need care over time. After more than five decades, Ogeal’s home needed attention — repairs and accessibility updates that were beyond what she could take on alone.

Home maintenance is costly, and sometimes hard decisions have to be made in order to make ends meet. That’s where Habitat KC came in.

What We Built Together

Through Habitat KC’s Home Repair Services, Ogeal received critical safety, functionality, and cosmetic updates to her main bathroom and kitchen. These changes made daily life safer, easier, and more comfortable for Ogeal.

Our Home Repair Services exists for exactly this reason: to help homeowners who own and occupy their homes maintain safe, decent conditions so they can stay in the communities they’ve invested in for years. Services can include roof repair and replacement, HVAC, minor plumbing, and minor electrical work — whatever it takes to keep a home standing and a homeowner stable.

For Ogeal, it meant she didn’t have to weigh the costs and risks or consider moving.

Preserving Ogeal’s Legacy

Homeownership isn’t just about getting into a home. It’s about being able to stay.
We’re honored to help care for the home that has cared for so many. With these repairs in place, Ogeal’s home is ready for the next chapter — and the generation after that.

Is your home in need of minor or critical repairs? Habitat KC’s Home Repair Services serves eligible homeowners in Johnson, Wyandotte, and Leavenworth counties in Kansas, and Clay, Platte, and Jackson (west of I-435) counties in Missouri. Complete a service request to find out if you qualify.

The post Ogeal’s Home Repair Story appeared first on Habitat for Humanity KC.

The need for housing in Lenexa and across Johnson County is significant. Today, 40% of renters in Johnson County pay more than 30% of their income on housing. With the average home price exceeding $500,000, many hardworking families have been priced out of the community they serve. This includes teachers, office support professionals, social service workers, and others who are essential to Lenexa’s strength and future. 

The Clear Creek Development will include 50 single-family homes, connected green space, and direct access to Lenexa’s trail system. It is designed to fit naturally within the community while creating new opportunities for families. The future City park and existing stormwater and trail facilities will remain under City ownership and will continue to be available for public use. 

Through Habitat KC’s homes and zero-interest mortgages, families will have the opportunity to achieve stable homeownership, build equity, and establish lasting roots. This development represents our continued commitment to ensuring everyone has a place to call home. 

We thank the Lenexa City Council and City of Lenexa for their partnership and vision. Together, we are building stronger families, stronger neighborhoods, and a stronger Lenexa. 

The post Clear Creek Development: Lenexa City Council Vote appeared first on Habitat for Humanity KC.

On January 21, we reached a major milestone at our Pathway at Heritage Park neighborhood in Olathe. As dozens of local officials and advocates gathered for the ribbon-cutting, we officially welcomed our very first homeowner, Maura, to her brand-new three-bedroom home!

A new chapter begins

For Maura, owning a home marks a first for her family. After a five-year journey through housing instability, Maura and her six-year-old daughter, Rory, finally have a place to truly call their own.

As a lifelong Johnson County resident, Maura always dreamed of staying in the community she loves. However, with the skyrocketing costs of the local market, that dream often felt out of reach. Pathway at Heritage Park offered the perfect opportunity. Maura was able to purchase her home for about 250,000, less than half of the average home price in the county.

“There’s no way I would have owned a home in Johnson County or Olathe without Habitat KC,” Maura said.

Great progress in Pathway at Heritage Park

With Maura officially moved in, Pathway at Heritage Park has transformed from a construction site into an active neighborhood. We’re on track to complete construction on time and welcome more families to their new homes.

• 3 Homes Completed: Including Maura’s, the first three homes are officially finished.

• 2 More Nearing Completion: We have two additional homes that are close to being move-in ready.

• Full Home Completion by Year-End: Construction crews are working hard to finish the remaining homes, with all 14 expected to be complete by the end of 2026.

• Neighborhood Amenities: We’ll begin construction on a new neighborhood playground and green space.

How we keep this neighborhood affordable

This project is special because it utilizes a Community Land Trust (CLT).

Community land trusts (CLTs) are nonprofit organizations governed by a board of CLT residents, community residents, and public representatives that provide lasting community assets and shared equity homeownership opportunities for families and communities. CLTs develop rural and urban agriculture projects, commercial spaces to serve local communities, affordable rental and cooperative housing projects, and conserve land for urban green spaces. However, the heart of their work is the creation of homes that remain permanently affordable, providing successful homeownership opportunities for generations of lower-income families.

A typical community land trust for affordable housing works like this:

• A family or individual purchases a house that sits on land owned by the community land trust.
• The purchase price is more affordable because the homeowner is only buying the house, not the land.
• The homeowners lease the land from the community land trust in a long-term (often 99-year), renewable lease.
• The homeowners agree to sell the home at a restricted price to keep it affordable in perpetuity, but they may be able to realize appreciation from improvements they make while they live in the house.

What’s Next?

As we celebrate in Olathe, we are continuing to partner with communities across Kansas City, including the Lykins and Marlborough neighborhoods in Jackson County and the Armourdale neighborhood in Wyandotte County.

Thank you to the City of Olathe, Johnson County, and the countless volunteers and supporters who have joined us to make this dream a reality for Maura and her future neighbors.

The post Welcoming Our First Homeowner to Pathway at Heritage Park appeared first on Habitat for Humanity KC.

“It’s really exciting to be out here working on my own home.”

Maura is one of the first homeowners selected for Pathway at Heritage Park in Olathe, Kansas. With construction underway, she has the opportunity to build the foundation for a future she’s long dreamed of—for herself and her daughter, Rory.

“I never thought owning a home would be possible,” Maura shares. “I’m so proud to be able to provide this for my daughter. I give all the glory to our Creator, who shaped this beautiful plan for us.”

Building a Brighter Future

Living in transitional housing through Shepherds Care Ministries, Maura knew her current situation was only temporary. She was determined to find a place of her own, a place where her daughter could grow up safe, happy, and surrounded by a supportive community.

“When I got into the program at Shepherds Care Ministries, the goal was to find long-term housing. For me, the only option was homeownership,” Maura says. “Habitat was one of the paths that made sense, and I was determined to make it happen.”

Maura was determined to achieve her goals and become mortgage-ready as quickly as possible. Her dedication put her on an accelerated path—just 11 months after entering Habitat KC’s Homeowner Program, she’s estimated to close on her home once construction is complete.

It’s that determination she hopes to instill in her daughter. For Maura, becoming a habitat homeowner is proof that hard work pays off.

Creating a Legacy

As a lifelong Johnson County resident, Maura has always dreamed of owning a home in Olathe, and Pathway at Heritage Park offers the perfect community as it is close to her family and is zoned for great schools. Now, as a future homeowner in the community she loves, Maura is also looking forward to the little things that make a house a home, like decorating walls for the first time and tackling some DIY projects.

“I’ve only been a renter before this,” she says. “It’s exciting to make it our own and watch it all come together.”

Beyond providing a home for the present, Maura is focused on leaving a lasting foundation for Rory’s future.

“The most amazing feeling is being able to build generational wealth for my daughter,” she explained. “It feels great knowing she’ll have a foundation to build on.”

Pathway at Heritage Park

Maura’s home will be part of Pathway at Heritage Park, a new neighborhood featuring 14 affordable homes, a homeownership center, and shared green spaces, including walking paths and a community garden.

LEARN MORE ABOUT PATHWAY AT HERITAGE PARK

The post Meet Maura, Future Homeowner at Pathway at Heritage Park appeared first on Habitat for Humanity KC.

An accessible home wasn’t just a dream for the Suarezes; it was a necessity in order to provide Ximena with the comfort, dignity, and independence that every child deserves.

Partnering with Habitat KC

When the Suarezes joined Habitat KC’s Homeownership Program, they were starting with zero credit history.

Through hard work, determination, and guidance from Habitat KC’s housing counselors, Alberto raised his credit score from zero to nearly 700 in just six months. Their commitment and perseverance laid the foundation for their new future as homeowners.

A Home That Fits Their Needs

Now, the Suarezes don’t just have a house; they have an affordable home that was specially built to meet their family’s needs, with accessibility features designed to make everyday life easier for Ximena.

To further support Ximena’s mobility, the family’s home also includes a wheelchair lift, generously funded in part by the Olivia Bloomfield Foundation. This critical addition makes it easier for Ximena to move safely and comfortably in her new space.

“Thank you so much for getting us the wheelchair lift. It’s fantastic and has been a great help. We’re incredibly grateful for helping us improve our daughter Ximena’s mobility.” —Adriana

With an affordable, accessible home, the Suarezes can create lasting memories while also building their savings for the future. Most importantly, Ximena can enjoy her independence—playing, learning, and growing in a space that supports her needs.

The post The Suarez Family appeared first on Habitat for Humanity KC.

For nearly ten years, Lorraine made a Kansas City duplex home for herself and her two children. Working multiple jobs while pursuing her master’s degree, she built a life within those rental walls. But with limited privacy and slow-moving maintenance responses, it never truly felt like her own. When her landlord announced a rent increase, Lorraine faced a decision many Kansas City families know too well. With her lease ending soon and her daughter about to graduate from high school, it was time to put down some roots.

“I was nervous because buying a home isn’t something you can just trade in like a car,” Lorraine reflects. “Settling down felt like such a huge step because I’d never owned anything like that before.”

Finding the Right Support 

Lorraine’s employer, Swope Health, believes in fostering well-being beyond physical health. Understanding that stable, secure housing forms the foundation of overall wellness, Swope Health partnered with Habitat KC to support their team members on the path to homeownership.

This partnership connected Lorraine with a Habitat KC housing counselor who became her guide and advocate throughout the home-buying process. She soon discovered impactful resources—like down payment assistance made possible through Swope Health’s investment in its employees—that gave her the confidence to move forward. Empowered with new tools and the unwavering support from her family, college professors, and the Habitat KC team, Lorraine navigated frustrating bank delays, student loan challenges, and financing hurdles that might have derailed her dreams.

For Lorraine, down payment assistance wasn’t just helpful—it was essential. “I didn’t have any money for a down payment,” she explains. “That extra assistance made a huge, huge difference.” 

The timing was perfect. Just as her daughter prepared to graduate from high school, Lorraine closed on her family’s new home.  

Moving out of the duplex, Lorraine took full advantage of her new fenced-in yard and detached garage by throwing her daughter’s graduation party at home. It was a celebration not just of her daughter’s achievement, but of everything Lorraine’s family had accomplished together.

Looking Forward 

Today, when asked how she feels in her own home, Lorraine’s answer comes without hesitation: “I feel at home. I feel amazing.” 

She now gets to sit in a house that she chose with her children. Down to the paint color on the walls and the appliances in the kitchen, it’s a space that’s entirely her own and will someday be her legacy to pass down.

This is the impact we strive for at Habitat KC—not just empowering families to become homeowners, but removing barriers so more families can access the stability and opportunity that homeownership makes possible.

Lorraine’s message to others considering homeownership is simple but powerful: “Do it. Just go ahead and do it. Yes, it’s work, but it’s totally worth it.” 

The post Lorraine’s Homeownership Journey appeared first on Habitat for Humanity KC.

Habitat KC’s Global Village build is fueled by the belief that everyone deserves a safe, stable place to call home, both in our local communities and around the world. 

Meeting Urgent Needs, One Floor at a Time

The Dominican Republic is facing a housing deficit of more than 1.4 million units. In many rural areas, families live in precarious conditions. According to the 2022 National Census, more than 69,000 households still have dirt floors, which puts children and older adults at an increased risk of illness and injury.

Our Global Village build was part of the 100,000 Floors to Play On initiative, focused on replacing dirt floors with concrete in homes where the need is greatest. Priority is given to households headed by women, with children under age 6, older adults, or individuals with disabilities.

By working side by side with local residents, the Habitat KC team helped improve health, increase comfort, and create a safer space for families to thrive.

What We Accomplished

During our one-week Global Village build, the Habitat KC team worked alongside local families to:

• Install six concrete floors in homes that previously had dirt surfaces.
• Complete two full exterior painting projects, adding protection and pride to local homes.
• Improve the living conditions of 29 individuals across six households.

Meet the Families We Partnered With

We partnered with six local families, each with their own unique story and needs. They welcomed us into their homes, worked alongside our team, and reminded us why we build.

• Marianela lives with her husband, who works informally in agriculture, and their three children. She has spent her entire life in Los Guineos.

• Arelis is a homemaker. She lives with her elderly mother, who has a physical disability, and her partner, who works informally in agriculture. Through great effort, they have gradually built their home.

• Rosa lives with her husband, their young son, and her elderly father, who struggles with memory loss. Her husband also works informally in agriculture.

• Marielis and her husband are raising two daughters in their home. Marielis is a homemaker while her husband works as a store clerk in the local community.

• Ana has lived in Los Guineos her entire life. She works informally as a domestic worker and shares her home with her elderly mother and young granddaughter.

• Juan Carlos lives with his wife and their ten children, eight of whom are minors. He works as a store clerk in a neighborhood shop, and his wife is a homemaker.

Committed to Affordable Housing

After just one week in the Dominican Republic, the Habitat KC Global Village team returned with a clear message: safe and stable housing truly changes lives. Our Global Village build shows that whether we’re in KC or the DR, when we come together, we can create a lasting impact.

We’re already planning our 2026 Habitat KC Global Village trip. Together, we’re building a world where everyone has a safe, stable place to call home.

Donate today to make a global impact.

Want to join us next year?

Submit your information to stay informed about future Global Village opportunities with Habitat KC.

The post Global Village 2025: Safe Homes in the Dominican Republic appeared first on Habitat for Humanity KC.