Growing Together nonprofit builds affordable homes in Kendall-Whittier

As housing costs continue to rise across Green Country, a Tulsa nonprofit is working to ensure longtime residents of Kendall-Whittier aren’t left behind.

Growing Together is teaming up with community partners to provide more affordable housing in the neighborhood. The initiative centers on an approach called a “mixed-income neighborhood trust” that aims to create lasting affordability for current and future residents.

A New Model for Affordability

Instead of focusing only on short-term fixes, Growing Together is implementing a long-term solution through the Kendall-Whittier Neighborhood Trust.

The trust is modeled after a Kansas City program and works by reinvesting local rent dollars directly into the community. Executive Director Kaitlin Garrett says the trust is part of a larger plan to make affordable housing both accessible and sustainable in Tulsa.

“It’s going to take all different types of partnerships and innovative tools such as the mixed-income neighborhood trust,” Garrett said. “We are working long term to preserve a sense of affordability as we move into the future.”

Progress So Far

In the last three years, the Kendall-Whittier initiative has added 47 affordable housing units to the neighborhood, according to Garrett.

The homes are a mix of rental properties and renovated units designed for long-term stability. Many are already occupied, but a few are currently available to families in need.

“It’s important for us to also think about sustainability,” Garrett said. “This model is really an innovative tool that allows and demonstrates that we can still, in this environment, do quality renovations for our residents here in Tulsa.”

The Path to 100 Units

Growing Together isn’t stopping at 47 units. The organization’s goal is to more than double that number, reaching close to 100 affordable homes in Kendall-Whittier over the next few years and then grow even more beyond that.

Leaders say ongoing partnerships, additional funding, and community support will be critical to scaling the program.

How to Get Involved

Garrett said some of the affordable housing units may be available now for families in Tulsa. Interested residents can learn more through Growing Together’s website or by contacting the nonprofit directly.