Council approves $10M public‑housing sales proceeds and 50 project‑based vouchers for Second Light non‑congregate shelter and supportive housing project

Sally Stang, director of Housing and Community Services, presented a development subagreement with Petra Inc. to build 25 non‑congregate shelter units and 50 permanent supportive housing units on parcels adjacent to the Second Light Multi Agency Center (the former Park Elementary School at 1025 N. Main). The housing component is tied to federal and local funds, including $4,182,117 in HOME‑ARP funds, $1,000,000 in CDBG, and up to $10,000,000 in public housing sales proceeds restricted to public housing or Section 8 projects.

Stang said the development budget totals up to $15,182,117 and includes construction, site work, rooftop solar to reduce operating costs, access controls, laundry rooms on each floor and built‑in, durable furnishings. Because federal funds are involved, the project will comply with Davis‑Bacon prevailing wage and Section 3 requirements. The city also intends to request 50 project‑based vouchers to cover ongoing rental assistance for the permanent supportive housing units; Petra would be responsible for design, construction and management under the subagreement.

Stang told council the HOME‑ARP allocation plan and the community development annual action plan approved by council previously included these funds, and that the Wichita Housing Authority board action is required to allocate the public housing sales proceeds and issue the 50 project‑based vouchers. She also reported the Continuum of Care (CoC) staff had selected the project to apply for HUD’s COC Builds grant; staff planned to submit that competitive application as well.

During public comment, advocates and service providers asked for clarity about operations, referral pathways and access for people with health or behavioral needs. Stang said the permanent supportive housing units will be leased and managed under project‑based vouchers; referrals will flow through the coordinated entry system and target people with behavioral health or medical vulnerabilities who need intensive services. Council members pressed for operational clarity, service coordination with Second Light, and confirmed that units would remain affordable for at least 15 years under HOME‑ARP requirements; project‑based vouchers may be awarded for an initial term and renewed, potentially extending rental assistance beyond the initial period.

Council member Ballard moved to approve allocation of $10,000,000 in public housing sales proceeds, award the 50 project‑based vouchers and authorize the development subagreement with Petra in an amount not to exceed $15,182,117; the motion passed 7‑0.

Council members and staff emphasized that the housing component will remain under the city’s compliance requirements and that supportive services and security plans would be coordinated with Second Light and Comcare. Staff committed to continued community outreach and to bring operational details as construction and financing proceed.