MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON — The Hutchinson Community Foundation is taking aim at Reno County’s housing shortage with a new multi-year initiative, awarding its first $600,000 in grants to two local organizations at the forefront of housing development and support.
CEO Aubrey Abbott Patterson announced that Interfaith Housing & Community Services will receive $450,000 and New Beginnings, Inc. will receive $150,000, both distributed over three years. The grants are part of a $1.5 million Housing Initiative Fund, created through donor contributions to strengthen the capacity of local nonprofits working to expand housing access.
“These are the first two grants we’re making out of that pool of money,” Patterson said. “We wanted to make sure Interfaith and New Beginnings have the staff and expertise they need to take on the projects this community is asking for. It’s about building sustainability so they can continue addressing the housing shortage long-term.”
Data-Driven Action on a Growing Challenge
According to a recent housing needs assessment commissioned by the City of Hutchinson, the area will need 1,100 new housing units over the next decade. The study also showed that 45% of renters in Hutchinson are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of their income on housing.
“That kind of blows my mind,” Patterson said. “We know there’s a shortage, and people can’t afford what’s available. That’s why we have to take a strategic approach to add housing that works for every income level.”
Nonprofit Innovation and Infill Development
New Beginnings has already taken a lead role in developing small, affordable homes on infill lots within Hutchinson. The organization has partnered with local high school and college students in building trade programs to construct the homes — projects that also double as workforce training opportunities.
“These homes are energy-efficient and much more affordable to live in,” Patterson said. “Not only do they reduce upfront construction costs, but the tight building envelope means lower utility bills, which makes a big difference for renters.”
The city’s land bank program has made infill lots available at no cost to developers, and both Interfaith and New Beginnings are using these opportunities to reduce overall project expenses.
“When we build on lots where infrastructure already exists, it’s smart growth,” Patterson said. “It revitalizes neighborhoods and sparks reinvestment by surrounding homeowners.”
Building on Donor Trust and Community Momentum
Patterson credited local donors for stepping up quickly to launch the initiative, raising $1.5 million in just six weeks. Many contributions came through existing donor-advised funds or charitable IRA distributions.
“That kind of trust is powerful,” she said. “It’s what allows us to move fast when the community needs it.”
The housing initiative aligns with data and priorities from the city’s housing assessment, the Love Where You Live community empowerment plan, and the Reno County Economic Development Strategic Plan, all of which emphasize housing as key to retaining and attracting residents.
Looking Ahead: Low-Interest Loans and Housing Entrepreneurs
Beyond the initial grants, the Community Foundation plans to use its assets to offer low-interest loans to small-scale developers — people who want to build one or two homes but face upfront financial barriers.
“Maybe it’s a small developer who just wants to build one home on an infill lot,” Patterson explained. “We want to help them take that risk by offering lower-interest working capital loans.”
The foundation also plans to work with StartUp Hutch, Interfaith Housing, and Hutchinson Community College to support what Patterson called “housing entrepreneurs” — individuals or small businesses ready to tackle local housing needs in innovative ways.
A Collaborative Path Forward
Partnerships remain at the core of the foundation’s strategy. Patterson highlighted how organizations like New Beginnings integrate workforce training and job development into housing construction, creating a “win-win” for residents and students alike.
“We want students to stay here and build their careers here,” Patterson said. “By working together — education, nonprofits, donors, and the city — we’re creating opportunities for that to happen.”
The Hutchinson Community Foundation’s housing initiative is planned as a three-year effort, with continued investments, loans, and new grant announcements expected in the coming months.