HUTCHINSON, Kan. – September 29, 2026– Four local healthcare professionals are now homeowners through the Elevate Housing Assistance Program, marking an exciting early milestone for an initiative designed to strengthen both the local workforce and the Reno County community.
Established through a transformational gift to the Hutchinson Regional Medical Foundation, Elevate Housing provides $25,000 in down payment assistance to eligible, credit-qualified employees purchasing a home in Reno County.
The program was made possible by a Hutchinson couple who chose to remain anonymous. After building their family, careers and businesses here, they wanted to give back in a way that would help others build a lasting connection to the community while supporting Hutchinson’s continued growth.
“Helping professionals put down roots in our community benefits all of us,” said Benjamin Anderson, President & CEO of Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System.
“When people choose to purchase a home and build their lives here, they become more deeply invested in the community while contributing to our local economy and supporting its long-term growth. Elevate Housing gives us another way to attract and retain talented professionals while helping make Reno County a place they are proud to call home.”
Elevate Housing helps address a gap experienced by many working professionals who may not qualify for traditional housing assistance, but still face the challenge of saving enough for a down payment.
Eligible participants include Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System employees, Hutchinson Police Department officers serving at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center, and Hutchinson Community College educators working at the Medical Center.
Participants must meet established income and credit qualifications, purchase a single-family home in Reno County as their primary residence and commit to remaining employed by HRHS for at least three years.
The program also supports efforts to expand middle-income housing opportunities throughout the community. Priority is given to developments and initiatives including Plum Creek, Wildcat Landing, Interfaith Housing and properties available through the Hutchinson Land Bank.
“This gift reflects the tremendous difference philanthropy can make when it responds to a meaningful community need,” said Ann Bush, Board Chair of the Hutchinson Regional Medical Foundation Board of Directors. “The generosity behind Elevate Housing is helping individuals and families take an important step toward homeownership while contributing to the long-term vitality of Hutchinson and Reno County. These first four closings are a wonderful example of that impact already taking shape.”
The future of Elevate Housing remains promising. In addition to the four completed home purchases, several additional applicants have been approved and are currently in the market to purchase a home, extending the program’s potential impact across Reno County.
Through Elevate Housing, the Hutchinson Regional Medical Foundation is turning philanthropy into meaningful investment in our workforce and community. The Foundation matched the initial gift, further extending the program’s reach and impact.
Additional donors are invited to support Elevate Housing and help create more opportunities for local professionals to put down roots, achieve homeownership, and build their futures in Reno County.
With its first homeowners now settling in, and more participants preparing to follow, Elevate Housing is helping turn an extraordinary act of generosity into a lasting investment in the people and future of Reno County.
