El Dorado High School National Honor Society members helped build homes with Habitat for Humanity on Feb. 25, 2026.
Habitat for Humanity is leading Rock the Block, a project to remodel or build 16 homes on Piatt Street between 25th and 26th streets in Wichita. The project aims to provide safe, affordable housing for low-income families. The city has given Habitat until the end of June 2026 to complete all 16 houses.
Students worked on two homes during the visit. One home was nearly finished. Students removed floor protectors and equipment, installed weather trim around windows and cleaned the house and yard to prepare it for its new owners.
At the second house, students framed a carport and built the roof, installed a window and added wooden braces called ladders so the sheetrock crew could attach drywall.
This is the third time NHS has worked with Habitat for Humanity in this neighborhood. Eight houses still need to be completed before the June deadline.
"Today has been a tremendous help to getting it done," Taylor Heydman, a Habitat for Humanity staff member, said.
NHS Sponsor Todd Miller said the Habitat crew does a great job explaining what Habitat for Humanity is, how it works and how students’ efforts impact local families. Site Supervisor Dana Korkki walks students through the steps for completing various tasks and then entrusts them to do the work.
When asked what they enjoyed about working with Habitat for Humanity, many students said they appreciated knowing their efforts help others.
"It helps people and we learn how to do things we didn't know how to do before," junior Chloe Iverson said. "I didn't know how carports or roofs were put up this morning. Then we put one up, and now I do."
EHS English teacher Roger Briggs and Principal Richard Gilson also attended the workday with students.
Families seeking a home through Habitat for Humanity must apply, demonstrate need and show the ability to pay a mortgage. They must also show a willingness to partner with Habitat and provide sweat equity during construction. Families are required to complete financial literacy training and are assigned a budget coach to help them stay on track financially. The application process takes about a year to complete.
For more information about Habitat for Humanity, please visit their website: wichitahabitat.org