Mayor Knight and Council Member Bill Gale represented the City of Wichita, Wednesday, August 29, at the dedication of four homes constructed during Wichita Habitat for Humanity's two-week Blitz Build. The Blitz Build joined the efforts of Senator Brownback's office, Koch Industries, Eastminster Presbyterian Church, Sedgwick County and the City to provide these new homes to four Wichita families. Families selected to receive a Habitat home must meet certain income guidelines and complete homeownership courses set forth by Habitat as well as provide more than 400 hours of sweat equity. More than 150 City employees provided nearly 2,000 hours of labor to turn a vacant lot into "The House the City Built" within a matter of weeks. The houses are located at 27th Street South and Millwood, which is between Seneca and Meridian, in the Southwest area of our community. The recipient of this home is Chess Ridge, a single father of 5 children, who was actively involved in its construction and looks forward to having a new home and neighborhood for his family. To finalize the project, Park and Recreation staff will assist in seeding the properties and planting eight trees donated by the Wichita Tree Trust as a part of the Greening of Wichita initiative.

While this effort involved many people from various departments, Central Inspection, Park and Recreation, Police, and Public Works are recognized for providing significant amounts of help to ensure the success this project. In addition, a special Thank You is extended to all employees who dedicated their time (and sweat!) to building this home.