TOPEKA (KSNT) – Communities across the country are feeling the strain of a nationwide affordable housing shortage, and Topeka is no exception.
Local leaders say the challenge is not only the number of homes available, but also whether families can realistically afford them. Trey George, president and CEO of the Topeka Housing Authority, said the need for quality affordable housing has existed for years but has now reached a critical point.
“There has always been a need for additional affordable housing in Topeka,” George said. “And when we talk about affordable housing we need to make sure we are talking about quality affordable housing.”
A recent study found Topeka needs roughly 10,000 additional housing units to meet current demand. That includes everything from affordable single family homes to higher end apartments.
City releases latest point in time homeless count for Topeka
George points to new developments such as The Hutch. While not classified as affordable housing, he said projects like it still help by creating a trickle down effect.
“Some people may move into those homes which then makes more affordable homes available,” George said.
The Hutch is one of five housing projects currently under construction in Topeka that received city-approved tax incentives. City leaders said the multi-million dollar investment is expected to result in more than five hundred new housing units.
Officials said the goal is to increase overall housing availability across all price ranges, which they hope will ease pressure on families searching for affordable options. Even with new construction underway the need remains overwhelming. George said hundreds of families are waiting for a place to live.
“On the public housing side we have about three hundred people on our waitlist,” George said. “On the Section 8 side when we closed it in 2023 we had more than two thousand people on it.”
That is where SENT, Inc. steps in. The neighborhood based nonprofit, led by Executive Director Johnathan Sublet, works to expand housing options and support families across Topeka.
“Affordable housing does not mean low income housing,” Sublet said. “It means affordable housing for everyone.”
In addition to helping bridge the housing gap, SENT also offers education for families preparing to become homeowners.
“The reason we are doing housing is for family stability and economic mobility,” Sublet said. “We started a buyer education course this year … to help families get ready to buy a house.”
Approval error leads to delayed payment for City of Topeka staff
Both organizations said the need is urgent and growing. Without more investment, more partners and more innovation, they warn Topeka risks falling further behind.
“It is important to bring awareness to the affordable housing shortage because it affects everything … a kid loses six months of learning every time they have to move,” Sublet said.
Local leaders said the progress underway now is only the beginning. They hope current projects will pave the way for larger investments and long term change in how Topeka approaches housing.
For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our storm track weather app by clicking here.
