Collaborators:

• Habitat for Humanity of the Northern Flint Hills
• Kansas State University and The Net Positive Studio
• Manhattan Area Technical College
• Flint Hills Job Corp
• The Home Builders Institute at Ft. Riley
• The Manhattan Housing Authority
• The Flint Hills Renewable Energy and Efficiency Cooperative

Location: Manhattan KS Metro & Riley County, KS

Area of Focus: Workforce Education, Construction

Departments Involved: Architecture

Project Funding: Various

Executive Summary: The Workforce Solar Housing Partnership (WSHP) demonstrates new approaches to sustainable, affordable housing in Manhattan and surrounding communities for a diverse, skilled, and critical workforce. The unique partnership of educational and
non-profit organizations works to introduce innovative design and construction methods to the local market. The organization’s projects show how the financial, environmental, and wellness benefits of affordable, sustainable housing support working households and the greater community.

The WSHP’s innovates on multiple fronts. The first is with affordable, sustainable housing, using construction methods and building technology that improves home energy efficiency while realizing high-quality homes that positively impact homeowners. The second innovation is in the area of community land trusts (CLTs), a shared equity model that supports affordable homeownership while expanding the resources and strategies for community development. WSHP leadership were responsible for launching the area’s first CLT (the Good Steward Community Land Trust) in 2023.