Second Light Announces Executive Director

As the community prepares for Second Light construction to be completed in early 2026, another step in the collaborative effort was made this week. The nonprofit board announced Dan Clifford as the Executive Director who will work with the board and community partners to provide ongoing and expanded services to those experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless.

Clifford comes to Second Light with deep understanding of and experience in public health and complex community issues. He has a Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology and Master of Psychology from Wichita State University and his Master of Public Health from the University of Kansas Medical Center. Clifford has previous work experience with Hunter Health Clinic, The University of Kansas Medical Center, the Sedgwick County Health Department, and the City of Wichita. Most recently he was supporting outreach coordination with homeless encampments through the City of Wichita Housing & Community Services department. 

We are excited to add Dan’s outstanding skills and background combined with his passion for healing and housing.”

“We are excited to add Dan’s outstanding skills and background combined with his passion for healing and housing to Second Light,” said Steve Dixon, Second Light Board Chair. “We conducted a national search for this important position and Dan stood out with his impressive educational background combined with real-life, local and statewide nonprofit work experience. We think he is a great fit for this critical community work alongside many nonprofit providers and local partners.”

Clifford will oversee the Second Light campus at 1025 N. Main. Currently this includes the 24-7 shelter managed by HumanKind and additional services and providers will be added in early 2026. 

Construction is being phased so that essential services, including food, physical and mental health and housing navigation, can be combined while shelter remains available. In addition to many other providers, The Lord’s Diner, has agreed to increase the meals served and will now be serving a meal 7 days a week with additional lunch meals 5 days a week at Second Light. 

“This collaborative effort is a new approach our community is taking to help our neighbors most in need. For it to be a success, it will take all of us. We look forward to continuing our important partnership with Second Light and are excited to work alongside Dan to see what we can accomplish together,” said Emily Thome, Executive Director for The Lord’s Diner. “I believe that his local experience and understanding of the complex issues surrounding homelessness will be an asset to this innovative project.”

Clifford will start his role at Second Light on August 18. 

About Second Light

Second Light is a one-stop model to provide shelter and services to those experiencing homelessness or those at risk of homelessness in Wichita.Formerly known as the MAC (Multi-Agency Center), Second Light’s mission is to provide a path toward healing and housing for those in need. Construction is underway to achieve the vision of providing additional year-round, 24-7 low-barrier shelter beds co-located with services designed to move people from homelessness to housing. 

When fully operational in early 2026, Second Light will be a one-stop resource hub, bringing together multiple service providers offering wrap-around support, adding additional services to ensure people have a safe place to stay while accessing the services they need. This initiative aligns with Wichita’s goal of achieving “functional zero” homelessness which is when the number of people entering homelessness is never more than the community’s ability to house them.

The City of Wichita has committed $6 million in ARPA funds to the development and construction of the new center and an additional $5 million toward establishing an operating model and providing ongoing services for the first two years to be combined with private dollars.

As Second Light moves toward a shelter + services model with the long-term goal of achieving functional zero homelessness, this is just part of a much larger community effort towards reaching that goal. Once construction is complete, the shelter + services model will provide guests of Second Light year-round shelter plus wrap-around services such as food, medical, mental health, substance abuse support and much more all at one location. Second Light guests participating in the shelter + services model will be assigned a bed each night as they work toward healing and housing. 

Thank you to these providers who have committed to supporting Second Light with their expertise and services. HumanKind, Lord’s Diner, Breakthrough/EES, City of Wichita, City of Wichita Housing Department, Coalition to End Homelessness in Wichita / Sedgwick County, GraceMed Health Clinic, Hunter Health, ICT Street Team, Mental Health America of South Central Kansas, Sedgwick County COMCARE, Sedgwick County Health Department, Substance Abuse Center of Kansas, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Union Rescue Mission, United Methodist Open Door, United Way of the Plains.

For more information on Second Light, or how you can donate or volunteer, go to secondlightwichita.org

Media Contact

For questions, reach out to info@secondlightwichita.org 

Second Light is a community-driven initiative designed to provide comprehensive services and support for individuals experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless.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.