Second Light Thanks Community for United Way Match

WICHITA, Kan., Sept. 9, 2026 – On Wednesday morning, Second Light thanked multiple donors for their historic generosity in meeting and exceeding the $1 million transformative match from United Way of the Plains. The three-year grant was designed to help Second Light ramp up operations to achieve the vision of serving Wichita’s unhoused community.

Second Light announced it has more than matched the United Way of the Plains goal with a total of $1.7 million to help fund operations. The total includes significant donations from the private sector and the $1 million in additional funds from the City of Wichita, all to help support operations. With these generous donations, Second Light is fully funded for the remainder of 2026 and has a strong foundation for 2027 and 2028.

“We are extremely grateful to the private donors and public leadership who responded to help us reach and exceed the United Way of the Plains generous match,” said Steve Dixon, Board Chair of Second Light. “This funding provides the foundation for Second Light to continue its fundraising to serve our most vulnerable neighbors and provide Emergency Winter Shelter. Homelessness is a community issue, and we are thankful the community is stepping up to help.”

Second Light expressed special thanks to the City of Wichita, Credit Union of America, Fidelity Bank Foundation, Meritrust Credit Union and P.B. Hoidale along with several other individual private donors for making pledges to help them reach and exceed the match.

“Seeing our community come together to meet and exceed this match is a powerful reflection of our strength and commitment to one another. By investing in solutions like Second Light, we’re creating the capacity to help more people move from homelessness to stability and, ultimately, toward a better future. This investment reflects our belief that lasting change is possible when we share a vision for a stronger community, and we’re grateful to see so many others step forward to make that vision a reality,” said Pete Najera, President and CEO of United Way of the Plains.

“Second Light formed because the community believed a model of coordinated care and service can reduce the cost to public safety, hospitals, and jails. At the same time, it can help people find housing more effectively and efficiently,” said Dixon. “Through collaboration and shared commitment across our community, together we can reach functional zero. The important work continues and so does the fundraising. With these generous donations, Second Light is fully funded for the remainder of 2026 and has a strong foundation for 2027 and 2028. We know this is a community priority and only by working together to expand and further coordinate services can we meet the increasing need.”

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.

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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. 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.

United Way of the Plains mobilizes our community to action so all can thrive. From strengthening local resilience to advancing health, youth opportunity, and financial security, we’re working towards a future where every person in south-central Kansas can reach their full potential. Follow us on these social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and TikTok.