Kansas City Introduces New Affordable Housing Development: The Mabion
Kansas City is buzzing with excitement as plans unfold for a new affordable housing project called the Mabion. This development is set to transform a long-time prayer site into a neighborhood haven. On a sunny Thursday, city officials and developers gathered for a groundbreaking ceremony at 2732 Forest Ave, marking the beginning of what promises to be a significant milestone for the community.
What is the Mabion?
The Mabion will provide 57 affordable housing units ranging from one to three bedrooms. Among these, 11 units are dedicated to families grappling with homelessness. This initiative aims to offer much-needed shelter for those who will benefit greatly from a secure and stable living environment. Residents will enjoy comfortable living spaces equipped with community rooms and inviting outdoor green areas to relax and socialize.
Homes Plus Support
Beyond just providing housing, the Mabion is committed to enhancing the lives of its residents through a range of on-site services. These include health care, mental health support, job training, transportation assistance, recreational activities, and even life skills training. This holistic approach is designed to support residents as they work toward a brighter future.
A Community Effort
This project is a collaboration between several generous partners, including the Nash Group, The Vecino Group, social services agency SAVE Inc, and the Bethlehem Kingdom Center. This partnership brings together expertise in housing development and social services to ensure the utmost care for residents. The project will replace the former home of the Bethlehem Kingdom Center, a place known as the Kansas City Prayer Dome, founded by Ray and Opal Mabion in 1984.
Ray Mabion II, the current pastor of the Bethlehem Kingdom Center, expressed his enthusiasm for the project: “This is a major milestone for our church, but even more so for the broader community.” He continued, “Our vision goes beyond being a place of worship; we want to help build up our community and support those in need.”
Aiming for Accessibility
The Mabion will cater to individuals living at or below 60% of the area median income. This equates to about $43,320 for a single person and $61,860 for a family of four, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Ed Lowndes, executive director of the Housing Authority of Kansas City, stated that some units will be set aside for families with very low incomes using housing vouchers. This focus ensures that the project meets the needs of the most vulnerable community members.
Funding the Future
With a budget of $19.3 million, the project is funded through diverse sources, including tax credits from the Missouri Housing Development Commission, federal housing funds from both state and city levels, Kansas City’s Housing Trust Fund, and bank loans. This blend of funding underscores the community’s commitment to providing quality affordable housing.
Bringing Opportunities Closer
During the groundbreaking ceremony, Kansas City’s Mayor Quinton Lucas highlighted the importance of affordable housing in the area. He mentioned that this project would not only provide secure homes but would also bring residents closer to public transportation and vibrant local amenities. “This allows us that opportunity,” he noted, referring to the renewed potential in the Troost corridor, where several affordable developments have blossomed in recent years.
What’s Next?
The Mabion project is expected to reach completion in early 2026. As the community anticipates this new chapter, residents can look forward to the resources and support that will accompany these homes, fostering a thriving atmosphere full of promise and opportunity.
In summary, the Mabion represents a collective effort to not only house people but to uplift a community. It stands as a beacon of hope, symbolizing the power of collaboration and the importance of creating a supportive environment for everyone.
