HumanKind

What HumanKind does

HumanKind Ministries is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in Wichita, Kansas, founded in 1885 as the Wichita Ministerial Alliance and now in its 135th+ year of continuous operation. It provides a housing-continuum model of social services in Sedgwick County, anchored by three physical facilities: The Inn (a 60-bed, 24-hour emergency shelter for families and women), The Studios at HumanKind (a 54-unit permanent supportive housing complex opened October 2021), and The Villas (a 101-unit low-income apartment complex). Supporting these are a year-round Homeless Outreach Team, a seasonal Emergency Winter Shelter, the Operation Holiday assistance program (running since 1960), and the Humanitarian Awards Benefit (76-year tradition). The organization reports serving 12,000-15,000 individuals and families annually and documents a 98% post-departure housing retention rate at The Studios.

The organization's technology footprint is purely operational, consisting of a Blackbaud donor management platform, SignUpGenius volunteer scheduling, a WordPress website, and standard office tools; there is no proprietary technology product, AI/ML capability, or software platform. HumanKind has no parent company, no subsidiaries, and is governed by a 16-member Board of Directors led by Board Chair Ryan Bond, with day-to-day leadership provided by President & CEO Adam Barlow-Thompson and Executive Vice President & CFO Kristina Mille.

HumanKind's revenue model is diversified across individual donations (online, phone, in-person, mail, and stock gifts via a BAIRD Group brokerage account), corporate and foundation grants (notably $4M+ in CARES Act funding and a $1M Mabee Foundation challenge grant), corporate sponsorships (Cargill, Dillons as Operation Holiday presenting sponsors), merchandise sales (Bonfire.com, Boutique 5), retail partner programs (Dillons Community Rewards, Minted.com), and restaurant Give Back Nights. Capital and program expansion has been funded through the Forward Together capital campaign ($2.5M raised to date) and one-time federal allocations. Services are provided at no cost to clients based on need and eligibility.

Name

HumanKind

Legal name

HumanKind Ministries

Website

https://humankindwichita.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1885

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

HumanKind Ministries is a Wichita, Kansas-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit operating since 1885 that provides emergency shelter, permanent supportive housing, and wraparound services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness and poverty in Sedgwick County, serving 12,000-15,000 people annually across 155 housing units and a 60-bed shelter.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Homeless and Housing Social Services

NAICS

Community Housing Services (62422), Temporary Shelters (624221), Other Community Housing Services (624229), Community Food and Housing, and Emergency and Other Relief Services (6242)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Housing Assistance & Homeless Services (BPAGAEAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Homelessness Prevention, Shelter & Supportive Housing Services (BPAIANAC), Public & Affordable Housing Programs (Subsidies, Vouchers, Public Housing) (BPAIANAA), Faith-Based Social Services & Community Outreach (Food Pantries, Shelters, Counseling) (BPAGAJAG)

Keywords

• Homeless shelter services
• Permanent supportive housing
• Affordable housing programs
• Community outreach services
• Nonprofit social services

Headquarters

HQ city

Wichita

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations & Monetary Gifts: HumanKind accepts monetary gifts from individuals via online donation portal (Blackbaud), phone, in-person, and mail. Donations support shelter, housing, and supportive services. The organization has a BAIRD Group brokerage account for receiving stock gifts, and offers memorial/honorary gifts and planned giving through the 1885 Legacy Society.
2. Corporate & Foundation Grants: HumanKind receives grant funding from foundations including the Mabee Foundation ($1 million challenge grant) and federal CARES funding ($4+ million for The Studios acquisition and renovation). Grants are a significant component of capital campaign funding.
3. Corporate Sponsorships: Corporate sponsors support specific programs and events, including Operation Holiday presenting sponsors Cargill and Dillons, and event sponsors for Par for the People golf tournament and Humanitarian Awards Benefit.
4. Merchandise Sales: HumanKind sells branded merchandise through Bonfire.com (nationwide) and Boutique 5 in the Douglas art district (local), providing a small revenue stream while also serving as a marketing tool.
5. Retail Partner Programs: Dillons Community Rewards program allows shoppers to link their Plus Card to HumanKind, generating donations based on purchases. Minted.com fundraising program donates 15% of orders to HumanKind.
6. Restaurant Give Back Nights: Local restaurants host Give Back Nights where a percentage of orders is donated to HumanKind when patrons mention the organization. Past hosts include Chicken & Pickle, Freddy's, Il Vicino, and Ziggy's.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

HumanKind Ministries provides a continuum of housing and supportive services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness and poverty in Sedgwick County, Kansas. Core offerings include emergency shelter (The Inn, 60 beds), permanent supportive housing (The Studios, 54 units), long-term affordable housing (The Villas, 101 units), a year-round Homeless Outreach Team, Operation Holiday seasonal assistance, and case management with life skills classes. All services are provided at no or subsidized cost to clients based on need and eligibility.

Product overview

HumanKind Ministries operates a unified social services platform centered on a housing continuum approach. The core offering comprises three residential facilities: The Inn (60-bed emergency shelter), The Studios at HumanKind (54-unit permanent supportive housing for those moving from homelessness), and The Villas (101-unit long-term affordable housing). Supporting these housing programs are wraparound services including a Homeless Outreach Program, Emergency Winter Shelter, and Operation Holiday seasonal assistance. The organization also runs the Humanitarian Awards Benefit as an annual fundraising event. All facilities provide case management and supportive services aligned with individual client needs.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Humanitarian Awards Benefit: Annual awards benefit celebrating individuals and groups whose kindness and work to help the less fortunate, also serving as a fundraiser for HumanKind's mission
• Operation Holiday
• Par for the People

Products and services

• The Inn A 60-bed, 24-hour, low-barrier emergency shelter for families and women in Wichita, KS, providing shelter, meals, clothing, basic living essentials, and case management support to help guests address unique challenges and work toward permanent housing stability.
• The Studios at HumanKind A 54-unit permanent supportive housing facility specifically for individuals moving directly from homelessness. Offers low barriers to entry, fully furnished units with utilities included, compulsory on-site case management, and life skills classes.
• The Villas A 101-unit low-income apartment complex with studios, lofts, 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom units designed for longer-term affordable living. Open to households earning below 200% of the federal poverty guideline, with on-site supportive services from HumanKind case management staff.
• Operation Holiday Wichita's largest holiday assistance program since 1960, providing food, coats, blankets, winter wear, basic needs, and toys to Sedgwick County's most vulnerable residents during the holiday season. Served 16,251 people including a record 5,929 children in 2025.
• Homeless Outreach Program Year-round outreach team that travels across Wichita bringing water, food, toilet paper, and basic necessities to unsheltered clients. Partners with local healthcare providers for first aid and basic medical care, building trust and creating a bridge to shelter and stability.
• Emergency Winter Shelter Seasonal emergency shelter providing safe, warm space for individuals in need during winter months, offering warm meals, sleeping accommodations, and essential services.
• Humanitarian Awards Benefit Annual awards benefit (76-year tradition) celebrating individuals and groups whose kindness helps the less fortunate, while raising critical funds to support HumanKind's mission.

Quantifiable outcome

• 98% of residents who move on from The Studios remain housed
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered major, core, minor and flagship.

• BlueTreemajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Marketing partner serving as the fundraising auction sponsor for the 2025 Humanitarian Awards Benefit, helping maximize event impact and raise critical funds.
• Empty Bowls WichitamajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Donor organization making a second consecutive $20,000 donation to support meal provision at HumanKind's Emergency Winter Shelter and The Inn.
• Ascension Via ChristicoreOthersHealthcare provider partner offering medical services to HumanKind clients. Part of a network of over 50 community partners across healthcare, government, education, and social services.
• City of Wichita Housing & Community Services DepartmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCity department allocating CARES Act funding to HumanKind for affordable housing projects including The Studios. Partnership also involves the Multi-Agency Center (MAC) governance board providing centralized services near HumanKind's campus.
• United Way of the Plains – Continuum of Care (COC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKey partner in the Continuum of Care system coordinating homelessness response in Sedgwick County. Provides data (e.g., Point in Time Homeless Count) and systemic support for housing-first approach.
• Sedgwick County COMCAREcoreOthersCounty mental health authority partner providing behavioral health services to HumanKind clients. One of several mental health and substance abuse partners in the network.
• Kansas Department of Children and FamiliescoreOthersState agency partner assisting with Food Stamp/SNAP and Health Insurance Assistance (including KanCare/Medicaid expansion advocacy) for HumanKind clients.
• Hunter HealthcoreOthersFederally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) partner providing primary healthcare services to underserved populations including HumanKind clients.
• GraceMed HealthcoreOthersHealthcare partner providing clinical services to HumanKind clients. One of multiple healthcare providers in the partner network.
• Dondlinger ConstructionminorOthersConstruction company that performed renovations on the former 316 Hotel at a discount to transform it into The Studios at HumanKind (54-unit permanent supportive housing facility).
• CargillflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate presenting sponsor of Operation Holiday 2025, helping bring hope and joy to thousands of individuals and families in need during the holiday season.
• DillonsflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor of Operation Holiday 2025. Also participates in Dillons Community Rewards program where shoppers can link their Plus Card to generate donations for HumanKind.
• Goodwill IndustriesminorOthersEmployment and job placement partner helping HumanKind clients achieve self-sufficiency through workforce development services.
• Wichita State UniversityminorOthersEducational institution partner contributing to the network of over 50 community partners supporting HumanKind clients.
• Veteran's Administration / Veteran Providers' Coalition of Sedgwick CountycoreOthersFederal and local veteran services partners providing targeted support for veteran clients experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity.
• KU School of MedicineminorOthersMedical education partner in the community partner network supporting HumanKind clients.
• Chicken & Pickle, Freddy's, Il Vicino, Ziggy's (Give Back Nights restaurants)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal restaurants that have hosted Give Back Nights, donating a percentage of order value to HumanKind when patrons mention the organization.
• International Rescue CommitteeminorOthersRefugee resettlement organization partner providing services to refugee clients in the HumanKind community partner network.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Others

• National Alliance to End Homelessness: National policy and research nonprofit advancing housing-first approaches and federal funding for homelessness programs. Comparable thematically as a homelessness-focused organization, but operates as an advocacy/research entity rather than a direct service provider.

Broad incumbents

• United Way of the Plains: Regional umbrella funder and convener of the Continuum of Care for Sedgwick County. Comparable as a community-resource aggregator and homelessness-systems coordinator, but operates as a grantmaker rather than a direct service provider.
• Sedgwick County Housing Authority: Local public housing agency administering federal subsidized housing programs and vouchers in Sedgwick County. Comparable as a major affordable-housing provider in the same geography, though it is a government entity rather than a nonprofit.

Emerging players

• Hope for the Children (Wichita): Local Wichita nonprofit focused on family and child welfare, including housing and basic-needs support. Comparable in serving low-income families in Sedgwick County and relying on donations and community partnerships.

Direct peers

• Brother Bill's Helping Hand: Wichita-based nonprofit offering food, clothing, household goods, and case management to families in poverty. Comparable in donation-driven revenue model, volunteer-heavy GTM motion, and focus on basic-needs stabilization in the same service area.
• Habitat for Humanity Wichita: Affordable housing nonprofit operating in Sedgwick County with a volunteer- and donor-driven model. Comparable in mission (housing stability for low-income households) and reliance on corporate sponsors and faith-based community partners.
• The Salvation Army Wichita: Operates emergency shelter, transitional housing, and basic needs programs in Wichita. Comparable service continuum (shelter + supportive services), similar faith-based nonprofit funding model, and overlapping client population in Sedgwick County.
• YWCA Wichita: Provides emergency shelter, housing, and supportive services — particularly for women and families fleeing domestic violence. Comparable as a Wichita-based shelter/housing provider with wraparound case management and a nonprofit funding model.
• Catholic Charities of Wichita: Faith-rooted Wichita nonprofit providing emergency assistance, housing support, and case management to low-income residents. Directly comparable to HumanKind in target population, funding model (donations/grants), and service mix (shelter, rent help, basic needs).

Regional players

• City Union Mission (Kansas City): Kansas City-area faith-based nonprofit operating emergency shelter, transitional housing, and basic-needs programs. Comparable operating model and continuum of services, but serves a different metropolitan market than HumanKind.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/HumanKindWichita
• Instagraminstagram.com/humankindwichita
• Xx.com/HumanKindICT
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/humankindwichita

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles14 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about HumanKind