Second Light Announced United Way of the Plains Challenge Grant

On Thursday morning, Second Light announced a $1 million transformative investment from United Way of the Plains, given over three years, to support the future of Second Light. The capacity-building grant is designed to help Second Light ramp up operations to achieve the vision of serving Wichita’s unhoused community.

“In the spirit of a community issue that requires a community solution, United Way of the Plains is proud to lead our city’s philanthropic movement with a $1 million challenge grant to be matched by business, government, and private donors,” said Pete Najera, United Way of the Plains President and CEO. “The success of Second Light is critical to our collective fight to end homelessness, and we’re excited to help them advance their vision into reality.”

Recent community data shows that housing affordability and homelessness continue to be significant challenges in the region, reinforcing the need for strategic investments in proven solutions like the multi-agency center being created by Second Light.

The success of Second Light is critical to our collective fight to end homelessness.”

Pete Najera, United Way of the Plains President and CEO

“We are extremely grateful for this donation, and for the leadership United Way is showing to our community with the challenge grant,” said Steve Dixon, Board Chair of Second Light. “No single organization can solve homelessness alone, which is why strategic partnerships and coordinated investments like this one are so important.”

The Coalition to End Homelessness in Wichita/Sedgwick County is working collaboratively to make homelessness rare, brief, and non-recurring through critical assets like Second Light.

“This $1 million-dollar gift, along with other private and public donations, will go a long way toward keeping Second Light as an asset in our community,” said Dixon. “Let me put that in human terms. Hundreds of people will have a safe place to sleep instead of a sidewalk. They will have warm meals and the support of a case manager. They will start on a path back toward stability, dignity, and home. You didn’t just write a check, United Way—you saved lives.”

“For 104 years, United Way of the Plains has seen this community rise to the occasion to help our neighbors in need. Today is no different,” said Najera. “We have every confidence that this grant will be matched and allow Second Light to achieve its mission and collectively strengthen our community.”

For questions reach out to: info@secondlightwichta.org.

Second Light is a community-driven initiative designed to provide comprehensive services and support for individuals experiencing homelessness. Second Light speaks to renewal, hope, and the moment when darkness gives way to possibility. It represents a fresh start for those seeking stability, a guiding path toward healing and housing, and the reassurance that every life has another chance to shine.