Housing That Builds Stability, Health, and Opportunity
Housing Is Not
Just Shelter
It is the foundation for health, education, and long-term economic mobility. Stable, dignified housing allows families to put down roots, children to stay in the same schools, and neighborhoods to move from crisis toward lasting health.
When housing is designed with care, safeguards, and community at the center, it strengthens people without displacing them. From curb appeal projects to new construction and long-term neighborhood development, each SENT program plays a distinct role in creating pathways to stability.
Housing Is Not
Just Shelter
It is the foundation for health, education, and long-term economic mobility. Stable, dignified housing allows families to put down roots, children to stay in the same schools, and neighborhoods to move from crisis toward lasting health.
When housing is designed with care, safeguards, and community at the center, it strengthens people without displacing them. From curb appeal projects to new construction and long-term neighborhood development, each SENT program plays a distinct role in creating pathways to stability.
Returning abandoned homes to productive, dignified use.
Remodels & Housing Rehabilitation
Much of Topeka’s housing stock is aging, and years of disinvestment have left many homes vacant, unsafe, or unlivable. SENT’s remodeling and rehabilitation work focuses on acquiring abandoned or severely distressed properties and bringing them back to life so that they can re-enter the neighborhood as dignified rental housing or accessible homeownership opportunities. This approach reduces blight, strengthens blocks, and expands the supply of quality housing without changing the character of the neighborhood.
Remodels & Housing Rehabilitation
Much of Topeka’s housing stock is aging, and years of disinvestment have left many homes vacant, unsafe, or unlivable. SENT’s remodeling and rehabilitation work focuses on acquiring abandoned or severely distressed properties and bringing them back to life so that they can re-enter the neighborhood as dignified rental housing or accessible homeownership opportunities. This approach reduces blight, strengthens blocks, and expands the supply of quality housing without changing the character of the neighborhood.
Adding homes without breaking neighborhoods.
New Infill Housing
Housing scarcity drives instability. SENT’s new construction of infill housing work focuses on adding homes where they are needed most, using approaches that respect neighborhood scale and long-term affordability.
By building on vacant or underutilized lots, we increase housing supply while strengthening block-by-block stability. Our designs emphasize durability, energy efficiency, and dignity, paired with safeguards that discourage speculation and prioritize owner occupancy.
New Infill Housing
Housing scarcity drives instability. SENT’s new construction of infill housing work focuses on adding homes where they are needed most, using approaches that respect neighborhood scale and long-term affordability.
By building on vacant or underutilized lots, we increase housing supply while strengthening block-by-block stability. Our designs emphasize durability, energy efficiency, and dignity, paired with safeguards that discourage speculation and prioritize owner occupancy.
A mixed-income neighborhood built with safeguards.
Fremont Hill
Fremont Hill is a flagship example of SENT’s approach to mixed-income development done with care. Designed to support stability rather than displacement, Fremont Hill combines affordability, homeownership pathways, and long-term protections that keep housing connected to community health.
This development reflects years of listening to neighbors and applying research-backed safeguards, including resale protections and owner-occupancy requirements. The goal is not rapid change, but steady, sustainable neighborhood health.
Fremont Hill
Fremont Hill is a flagship example of SENT’s approach to mixed-income development done with care. Designed to support stability rather than displacement, Fremont Hill combines affordability, homeownership pathways, and long-term protections that keep housing connected to community health.
This development reflects years of listening to neighbors and applying research-backed safeguards, including resale protections and owner-occupancy requirements. The goal is not rapid change, but steady, sustainable neighborhood health.
Small exterior improvements. Big neighborhood impact.
Curb Appeal Projects
Sometimes dignity begins with the exterior of a home. The Curb Appeal Project focuses on visible, practical improvements that help homes and blocks feel cared for and lived in.
By addressing exterior repairs and cosmetic upgrades, this program helps reduce code issues, improve neighborhood pride, and support homeowners who may not have the resources to make these changes on their own.
Curb Appeal Projects
Sometimes dignity begins with the exterior of a home. The Curb Appeal Project focuses on visible, practical improvements that help homes and blocks feel cared for and lived in.
By addressing exterior repairs and cosmetic upgrades, this program helps reduce code issues, improve neighborhood pride, and support homeowners who may not have the resources to make these changes on their own.
Housing stability in the face of extreme temperatures.
Beat the Heat Initiative
Extreme heat is a growing public health risk, especially for families living in older homes with inefficient or failing cooling systems, like many in Southeast Topeka. The Beat the Heat Initiative addresses this urgent need by helping residents stay safe and cooler during dangerous heat events in the summer months.
By supporting access to discounted and subsidized portable A/C units, this program reduces health risks and keeps families cool during the hottest months of the year.
Beat the Heat Initiative
Extreme heat is a growing public health risk, especially for families living in older homes with inefficient or failing cooling systems, like many in Southeast Topeka. The Beat the Heat Initiative addresses this urgent need by helping residents stay safe and cooler during dangerous heat events in the summer months.
By supporting access to discounted and subsidized portable A/C units, this program reduces health risks and keeps families cool during the hottest months of the year.
Connecting people to the right support at the right time.
Housing Resources
& Navigation
Not every housing need requires a build or a repair. SENT’s Neighbor Advocacy team helps neighbors navigate complex systems, understand their options, and access the right support for their situation.
Through education, referrals, and coordinated navigation, we help individuals and families move from crisis toward stability, whether that means preventing eviction, finding safer housing, or preparing for future homeownership.
Housing Resources
& Navigation
Not every housing need requires a build or a repair. SENT’s Neighbor Advocacy team helps neighbors navigate complex systems, understand their options, and access the right support for their situation.
Through education, referrals, and coordinated navigation, we help individuals and families move from crisis toward stability, whether that means preventing eviction, finding safer housing, or preparing for future homeownership.
Homeownership is possible — and we’re here to help you get there.
Homebuyer Pool & Education Pathway
SENT’s Homebuyer Pool is the first step for individuals and families interested in purchasing an affordable SENT home. Our goal is to help neighbors prepare for long-term, successful homeownership through education, guidance, and clear expectations.
This pathway applies to all SENT housing opportunities, including new construction, infill homes, rehabs, and major developments such as New Heights in Fremont Hill.
Homebuyer Pool & Education Pathway
SENT’s Homebuyer Pool is the first step for individuals and families interested in purchasing an affordable SENT home. Our goal is to help neighbors prepare for long-term, successful homeownership through education, guidance, and clear expectations.
This pathway applies to all SENT housing opportunities, including new construction, infill homes, rehabs, and major developments such as New Heights in Fremont Hill.
Get Started
To join the SENT Homebuyer Pool, applicants must complete the following steps:
Get Started
To join the SENT Homebuyer Pool, applicants must complete the following steps:
Supporting educators. Strengthening schools. Stabilizing neighborhoods.
Teacher Housing Stability & Retention
Housing stability is a critical factor in teacher retention. When educators are able to put down roots in the communities they serve, students benefit, schools grow stronger, and neighborhoods thrive.
SENT’s Teacher Housing Stability and Retention Initiative supports committed teachers who purchase SENT-developed homes and make a long-term commitment to teaching in local schools. By reducing housing-related barriers, the initiative helps educators remain in the classroom and in the community where they are needed most.
Teacher Housing Stability & Retention
Housing stability is a critical factor in teacher retention. When educators are able to put down roots in the communities they serve, students benefit, schools grow stronger, and neighborhoods thrive.
SENT’s Teacher Housing Stability and Retention Initiative supports committed teachers who purchase SENT-developed homes and make a long-term commitment to teaching in local schools. By reducing housing-related barriers, the initiative helps educators remain in the classroom and in the community where they are needed most.
A Connected Housing Ecosystem
Each of these programs is part of a larger, integrated strategy. Housing stability works best when it is paired with health care, education, workforce development, and strong relationships.
That is why SENT’s Housing Pillar is deeply connected to our broader wraparound model. Together, these efforts help neighborhoods move from instability toward health and ensure that growth strengthens people, not just properties.