Housing

Housing

Housing is a fundamental social driver of health, and a critical need identified in Cowley County through the 2024 Community Health Needs Assessment. The assessment highlighted ongoing challenges in the availability of safe and affordable housing for residents across all income sectors, including the local workforce, elderly, students, and special populations. The 2025-2028 Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) aims to increase the availability of safe and affordable housing by focusing on strategies such as promoting new housing development, addressing housing quality, and enhancing existing housing assistance programs. Collaborative efforts, spearheaded by organizations like the City-Cowley County Health Department, Cowley County Economic Development Partnership, and RISE Cowley, are dedicated to fostering a strategic framework for future housing development that meets the diverse needs of Cowley County residents and improves overall community well-being.

Demographic Profile

Total Housing Units (2020)

(Source: U.S. Census Bureau, referenced in CHIP)

15,558

Total Households (2020)

(Source: U.S. Census Bureau, referenced in CHIP)

13,339

Households with severe housing problems (2022)

(Source: County Health Rankings & Roadmaps)

12%

Social Drivers of Health

Population living at or below 125% of Federal Poverty Level

(Source: SEK-CAP Community Needs Assessment 2022-2024, if applicable to Cowley County)

17.8%

Individuals spending 30% or more on rent

(Source: SEK-CAP Community Needs Assessment 2022-2024, if applicable to Cowley County)

39.8%

Homes 80 years or older

(Source: SEK-CAP Community Needs Assessment 2022-2024, if applicable to Cowley County)

2,239

Community Perception Highlights

"Finding affordable housing was a significant struggle"

(Source: SEK-CAP Community Needs Assessment 2022- 2024, if applicable to Cowley County survey data)

33% of respondents

"Affordable housing was the number one concern/need in the county"

(Source: SEK-CAP Community Needs Assessment 2022-2024, if applicable to Cowley County survey data)

100% of respondents

Initiatives

Goal 1: Increase the availability of safe and affordable housing options for Cowley County residents.

Objective 1.1: Develop and implement a county-wide housing plan to identify current housing stock, future needs, and strategies for new development and rehabilitation by [DATE].

  • Strategy 1: Conduct a comprehensive housing study to assess housing demand, current housing stock, and identify gaps for various populations (e.g., workforce, elderly, students).
  • Strategy 2: Develop incentives and streamlined processes for developers and builders to encourage new construction and renovation of affordable and market-rate housing.
  • Strategy 3: Promote public-private partnerships to leverage resources for housing initiatives.

Goal 2: Improve the quality and safety of existing housing units in Cowley County.

Objective 2.1: Increase the number of housing units that meet health and safety standards by [PERCENTAGE] by [DATE]. 

  • Strategy 1: Promote awareness and access to existing housing rehabilitation programs and financial assistance for homeowners and landlords.
  • Strategy 2: Collaborate with local code enforcement and health departments to identify and address substandard housing conditions.
  • Strategy 3: Provide educational resources to residents on maintaining healthy and safe home environments.

Goal 3: Enhance access to housing assistance programs and resources for vulnerable populations

Objective 3.1: Increase the utilization of housing assistance programs (e.g., rental assistance, first-time homebuyer programs) by [PERCENTAGE] by [DATE].

  • Strategy 1: Conduct outreach and awareness campaigns to inform residents about available housing assistance programs.
  • Strategy 2: Partner with social service agencies and community organizations to provide navigation support for residents seeking housing assistance.
  • Strategy 3: Advocate for policies that support increased funding and availability of housing assistance programs at local, state, and federal levels.

Organizational Partners Lead Organization(s)

  • Area Colleges/Universities (e.g., Cowley College)
  • Banks/Financial Institutions
  • Chambers of Commerce (Arkansas City, Winfield)
  • Churches
  • Community Health Center of Cowley County (CHCCC)
  • Cowley County Acts Housing Committee
  • Cowley County Council on Aging
  • Cowley County House of Hope
  • Habitat for Humanity
  • Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC)
  • Law enforcement / first responders
  • SCK Foundation
  • William Newton Healthcare Foundation
  • Legacy Regional Community Foundation
  • City of Arkansas City
  • City of Winfield
  • Cowley County
  • Realtors
  • RISE Cowley
  • Rural Representatives (Dexter, Burden, Udall, Cambridge)
  • Safety-net agencies
  • SEK-CAP (Southeast Kansas Community Action Program)
  • Social Service Organizations
  • USD 465 (Winfield)
  • USD 470 (Arkansas City)