MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
Interfaith Housing and Community Services is continuing its mission to strengthen local families and neighborhoods with new programs and partnerships aimed at building skills, repairing homes, and expanding affordable housing.
Chief Operations Officer Lacey Staffacher said the organization, which operates independently with a long-standing staff of 11, has recently joined forces with Hutchinson Community College (HutchCC) and USD 308 through a HUD FRAME grant — Fostering Residential Advancement through Mentoring and Education. The initiative provides apprenticeships for students to learn construction skills while working on affordable housing projects.
“Our first project will be a new single-family home in the 900 block of East 10th,” Staffacher explained. “This gives apprentices valuable, hands-on experience while addressing the community’s need for affordable housing. Interfaith will be the first to employ the apprentices, but our hope is they’ll go on to build strong careers with other employers as well.”
Repair and Accessibility Programs
Beyond new construction, Interfaith continues to provide home repair services across the region. With the help of an FHLB grant, the organization will oversee 20 to 25 repair projects in Sterling and Alden. Seniors also benefit through Interfaith’s long-running Home Repair (HR) program, which provides accessibility modifications such as wheelchair ramps to help older residents remain in their homes safely.
“This program is the foundation Interfaith was built on,” Staffacher said. “It gives seniors 55 and up the opportunity to make essential repairs so they can continue living independently.”
Financial Education and Tax Credit Program
Interfaith also empowers individuals to build long-term financial stability through its Kansas Individual Development Account (IDA) program. Funded through the sale of 75% state tax credits, the program matches participants’ savings two-to-one. Participants who save up to $3,000 can receive as much as $6,000 in matching funds to purchase a home, pursue higher education, start a business, or make major home repairs.
“The financial education component is just as valuable as the matching dollars,” Staffacher said. “Participants complete training in credit building, budgeting, and asset-specific planning, giving them the tools to succeed.”
Affordable Housing and Transitional Programs
Interfaith currently manages more than 30 affordable housing units for seniors at Evergreen Townhomes and Woodland Park Townhomes in Hutchinson, with income-based rents ranging from about $300 to $700.
For younger residents, the Lighthouse program provides safe, fully furnished housing for 18- to 25-year-olds experiencing homelessness. The program offers not only shelter but also resources and support to help young adults transition into stability.
“Homelessness doesn’t always look like living on the streets,” Staffacher noted. “For many young people, it means couch surfing or not having a safe place to sleep. Lighthouse gives them stability and support to achieve their goals.”
Continuing the Mission
Staffacher emphasized that Interfaith’s programs reflect its core mission — equipping individuals and families with tools to achieve financial independence and housing stability.
“Whether it’s apprentices learning construction, seniors modifying their homes, or young adults finding safe housing, we are building stronger families and communities every day,” she said.
For more information or to apply for programs, visit interfaithks.org.