News:
New Beginnings-Image Courtesy Reno County Housing
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — For over 30 years, New Beginnings has been helping individuals transition out of homelessness and poverty.
Now, they’re taking a bold step forward with the Small House Project, a unique initiative that combines affordable housing, job training, and environmental sustainability.
The project features regenerative housing that revitalizes vacant lots, reduces labor costs by 55%, and increases energy efficiency by 60%—all while offering affordable homes to those in need. The first two homes, built using SIPs (Structurally Insulated Panels), are designed for individuals and small families, providing them with a fresh start and an opportunity for homeownership.
Thanks to funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), this project is not just about housing—it’s about creating long-term community impact, from workforce development to economic opportunity.
With plans for future panel manufacturing and local job training, this is just the beginning! Learn more about this exciting project and how it’s helping build a brighter, more sustainable future!
See the video on the New Beginnings project here.
For over 30 years, New Beginnings has been at the forefront of helping individuals transition out of homelessness and poverty. What began as a shelter has evolved into a comprehensive system designed to support individuals on their journey toward stability, independence, and full community integration. Today, New Beginnings is embarking on an innovative initiative that combines affordable housing, workforce development, and sustainability: the Small House Project, with the first two homes being built on one lot near 8th and Main in Hutchinson.
The Concept of Regenerative Housing
The Small House Project emerged when New Beginnings’ Transitional Jobs Program intersected with its Housing Development Program. After five years of planning and design, the idea of affordable, easily assembled homes that could also provide valuable job training was born. The project aims to solve multiple challenges at once, addressing the housing crisis, providing job opportunities, and promoting environmental sustainability.
"The idea behind regenerative housing is simple: use vacant lots within the core of downtown, places that already have electricity and water, so we're not consuming more land but revitalizing areas that can benefit from new investment,” said Shara Gonzales, President & CEO, New Beginnings. “By using SIPs, we’re able to reduce labor costs by 55%, increase energy efficiency by 60%, and create homes more quickly. This is how we make affordable housing possible—faster and more sustainably."
Innovative Design with SIPs Panels
One of the standout features of the Small House Project is the use of SIPs (Structurally Insulated Panels), an innovative building material that replaces traditional framing and insulation. SIPs are prefabricated in a factory to meet design specifications, and then transported to the building site.
Each of the homes in the Small House Project will be 588 square feet with a single bedroom, designed for individuals or small families seeking a fresh start. The homes are intended to be sold to individuals who are ready to move into stable housing, providing them not only with a roof over their heads but also an opportunity to build individual wealth through homeownership.
Leveraging ARPA Funding to Make it Happen
The Small House Project was made possible thanks to funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which covered three-fourths of the project’s cost. In addition, a small loan has been secured in partnership with the Hutchinson Community Foundation, helping to close the gap.
The financial support from ARPA is a crucial part of New Beginnings’ ability to make this project a reality. It’s not just about building houses—it’s about creating economic opportunities and long-term community benefits. By securing this funding, New Beginnings can bring affordable homes to the market faster and make them accessible to those who need them most.
Workforce Development and Community Impact
New Beginnings sees this project as a prototype for future development, not only in terms of housing but also in terms of creating training and employment opportunities. The long-term goal is to establish a local panel manufacturing facility and workforce development program, which would allow New Beginnings to train individuals in construction trades and other skills necessary for the production of SIPs.
“Through this initiative, we aim to help individuals gain stable, sustainable employment while simultaneously addressing the region’s housing needs. By integrating job training into the building process, we want to ensure that people who are coming through this program gain not only a roof over their heads but also the skills and knowledge to secure long-term, well-paying jobs,” said Shara.
By combining ARPA funding, cutting-edge building technology like SIPs panels, and a focus on regenerative housing, New Beginnings is taking bold steps toward creating a more equitable and sustainable future. The Small House Project is a tangible solution to the complex problem of affordable housing, and it’s doing so in a way that builds community, creates opportunities, and supports individual wealth-building.