MLK Day of Service 2026

The 2026 Wichita Habitat for Humanity build season will kick off on the National Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service on Monday, January 19, 2026.

This is a partnership between Wichita Habitat for Humanity, Volunteer Kansas, ASM Global/
The City of Wichita, Lamphouse Photo Co., and Starbucks. In the span of one morning, more than 160 volunteers will construct and stand all of the interior and exterior walls of two three-bedroom homes inside the Expo Hall of Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center (225 W Dogulas Ave, Wichita).

Volunteers can park at the metered Century II Main Lot located at 301 S Main.
Free parking is available at the WaterWalk Lot located at 350 W Waterman.

Tentative Agenda

8:00 – 8:30 a.m. – Volunteer Registration
Once parked, look for volunteer registration tables inside the Expo Hall;
Check in there, make a name tag, and await further instructions – coffee and
pastries, courtesy of Starbucks, will be available to all volunteers. You may also enjoy the Lamp House photo booth!

8:30 – 8:45 a.m. – Mission Moment
Why are we here & what do we hope to accomplish today?

8:45 – 11:30 a.m. – Build!
Divide into teams to build the interior and exterior walls of three homes.
All volunteers are encouraged to stay hydrated, work at their own pace, take
breaks when needed, be flexible, have fun, and learn something new!

11:30 a.m. – Wall Raising & Closing Remarks
We’ll come together to celebrate our community success.
Thank you for your service!

No construction experience is necessary. Anyone 10 or older may participate. Participants 15 and younger must be accompanied by a supervising adult in a ratio of at least one adult per every four children. Groups with participants younger than 15 will work alongside their adult partners in the designated Kidstruction Zone.

What should I bring to volunteer?

• Closed-toe tennis shoes or boots are required.
• IF you have a hammer or safety glasses, bring them along! Please label your belongings.
• Clothes you don’t mind getting dirty are strongly encouraged.
• Jewelry is discouraged because it can be easily damaged or lost.
• Water is provided on site. We recommend you bring a (labeled) personal water bottle.

What can volunteers expect from Habitat and its partners?

• Safe Work Environments: Safety orientations begin the construction day, and safety equipment is provided.
• Productive Work Day: Everything you need will be provided, and you’ll see the tangible results of your work.
• A Chance to Meet New People: In the spirit of MLK, we hope to bring people together who might not ordinarily meet under the banner of service.
• A Chance to Learn New Skills: No experience is necessary. Our staff and core volunteers are here to teach you everything you need to know.
• Patience, Perspective, and a Sense of Humor: We work hard but have fun doing it!

What can Habitat expect from volunteers:

• Prompt Arrival: Having everyone at orientation makes our work sites safer and more efficient, and helps finish projects on schedule.
• Safety: Follow Habitat staff and core volunteers’ instructions for safety procedures and equipment use.
• Commitment: If you sign up to volunteer, we count on you, and so do our families!
• Flexibility: Sometimes, the weather doesn’t cooperate, a task doesn’t go according to plan, or we need to refocus our efforts. Either way, we’ll make it work and hope you will too!

Where and When

Construction will take place at 8 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. inside the Bob Brown Expo Hall at Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center in downtown Wichita – 255 W Douglas.

Volunteers can park at the metered Century II main lot located at 301 S Main. Parking is also available at 350 W Waterman.

Who Can Participate?

No experience is necessary. Site supervisors will provide training. All skill levels are welcome and appreciated.

• Anyone 10 or older can volunteer.
• Participants 15 or younger must be accompanied by a supervising adult in a ratio of at least one adult per every four children.
• Groups with participants younger than 15 will work alongside their adult partners in the designated Kidstruction Zone.