HOPE CDC Home Ownership
A path to owning your home and building your community.
Healthy families who put down roots are essential to thriving neighborhoods. HOPE CDC Home Ownership makes ownership a reality for more aspiring homeowners who are dedicated to community revitalization — with financing, coaching, and support at every step.
The selection process
Application
Start your application — ecosystem and partner referrals are strongly considered.
Application is handled through Sycamore Equity.
Apply now →Homeownership Conversation
A conversation with the HOPE CDC team about your goals, your "why," and this neighborhood.
Financial Review
Review of financial readiness and asset-stewardship indicators.
Selection Committee
Evaluation by the selection committee using both quantitative and qualitative indicators.
Select Property and Move Forward
Choose your home or lot and begin the journey — we'll help you find the right fit in the neighborhood where you want to put down roots.
View properties →Please note: once a property is selected, build time can take up to 3 months.
Who this is for
HOPE CDC Home Ownership serves aspiring owners on the north side of Wichita — the 67214 ZIP code and surrounding areas — who are committed to putting down roots and helping their neighborhood flourish. The program is built for two groups:
Aspiring homeowners
People with real ties to the neighborhood who want to make a long-term impact where they live — teachers, first responders, ministry workers, entrepreneurs, and many others.
Aspiring multifamily homeowners
Owning, living in, and operating a duplex or triplex can build long-term wealth, add income, and create safe, affordable housing for renters. We're looking for owners committed to their tenants' empowerment and to the flourishing of the whole neighborhood.
A good fit looks like
- Local ties — you live, grew up, work, or worship in the neighborhood
- A heart for community revitalization and block-level impact
- Plans to occupy the home as your primary residence for 5+ years
- Ready to grow — willing to engage in coaching, preparation, and ongoing support
Meeting the selection criteria does not guarantee selection — but everyone who's a fit is encouraged to apply.
How it works
Financing through Sycamore EquityHOPE CDC partners with Sycamore Equity and local lenders to make ownership affordable. We help you get into a home with a smaller mortgage, a competitive rate, and support building equity from day one.
Help getting a loan
We connect you with lending partners and walk with you through qualifying, so the mortgage side is not something you navigate alone.
Pick your home
Pick your home, find a lot, build your future. We'll help you find the right property — an existing home or a lot to build on — in the neighborhood where you want to put down roots.
View Properties →Down payment assistance
Through the Wichita Home Ownership Fund with Sycamore Equity, the fund invests alongside you — up to 30% of the home price.
Learn More Here →The key requirement
A referral — or complete the readiness path
To enter the program, applicants take one of two paths:
Partner referral
Be referred by an Every Person Empowered (EPE) partner organization with a track record of personal growth and commitment to community flourishing.
Complete the readiness path
Not referred by a partner? Complete the Getting Ahead class with HOPE CDC, then work toward the selection criteria listed below.
Sign Up for Getting AheadSelection Criteria
Applicants work toward the following. HOPE CDC believes financial history matters — but financial trajectory matters more. Good character paired with demonstrated growth can outweigh an imperfect financial past.
Referral or readiness path
Partner referral (Path A) or completion of the Getting Ahead class with HOPE CDC (Path B).
Financial empowerment class
Save. Match. Grow. or an equivalent, plus building an emergency savings reserve.
Learn more & sign up →Savings
Regular savings behavior with a target of at least $2,000 saved, demonstrating consistency and reserve-building.
3% down payment
A 3% down payment toward the purchase of your home.
Live in the home 5+ years
Occupy the home as your primary residence, with missional purpose in the neighborhood, for at least five years.
Sustainable income
Sufficient income to sustain monthly housing costs — mortgage, taxes, insurance, and utilities.
Ongoing partnership
Quarterly Thrive Lights check-ins, plus neighborhood participation and property upkeep.
Ready to begin?
Apply for HOPE CDC Home Ownership.
Start your application today, or reach out with questions — we're glad to talk through whether it's a fit.
HOPE CDC is committed to equal housing opportunity. All qualified applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, or familial status.