A Hutchinson nonprofit is taking a bold new approach to housing and community development. After more than 30 years of helping individuals transition out of homelessness and poverty, New Beginnings is now launching the Small House Project, an initiative that aims to revolutionize affordable housing while fostering job training and promoting sustainability.
The first two homes have been completed near 8th and Main, marking the start of a project that could redefine how communities approach housing and economic development.
“This is how we make affordable housing possible—faster and more sustainably,” said Shara Gonzales, President & CEO of New Beginnings. “We’re not just building houses. We’re building futures.”
A Regenerative Approach to Housing
At the heart of the Small House Project is a commitment to regenerative housing—a strategy that transforms vacant lots in the urban core into energy-efficient, cost-effective homes. By building on existing infrastructure, the project reduces environmental impact and revitalizes underused areas.
Each 588-square-foot home is constructed using Structurally Insulated Panels (SIPs)—an advanced material that streamlines construction, cuts labor costs by 55%, and increases energy efficiency by 60%. Designed for individuals and small families, these homes will be available for purchase, offering an affordable path to homeownership and wealth-building.
Powered by ARPA Funding
The project is primarily funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which covers 75% of the costs. A supplemental loan, made in partnership with the Hutchinson Community Foundation, is helping to close the funding gap.
Gonzales emphasized that ARPA funding is about more than construction. “It’s about long-term community impact—from economic opportunity to job creation.”
Training the Next Generation of Builders
One of the most innovative aspects of the Small House Project is its integration with New Beginnings’ Transitional Jobs Program. The homes are built by individuals receiving on-the-job training, giving participants hands-on experience in construction and the emerging green building sector.
Looking ahead, New Beginnings plans to establish a local SIPs panel manufacturing facility and expand its workforce development efforts—training more people for sustainable careers in the trades and helping meet regional housing needs.
“This project is a prototype,” Gonzales said. “We’re demonstrating that it’s possible to meet the housing crisis head-on while building a stronger, more inclusive economy.”
Building Toward a Sustainable Future
Now that the first two homes are completed, the Small House Project stands as a model for how thoughtful design, strategic funding, and community-centered planning can converge to create lasting change.
New Beginnings invites the community to learn more and support the initiative as it grows. With an eye toward future expansion and replication, the organization is laying the foundation for a brighter, more sustainable future—one small house at a time.
Note: New Beginnings held a “Doughnuts on the Driveway event on Saturday, May 31, at the small homes at 15 West Eighth Avenue.