Dozens of REALTORS® gathered in the new Pathway at Heritage Park development on Wednesday to build new affordable homes with Habitat for Humanity of Kansas City. While this was the ninth REALTORS® Rock the Block since the event’s creation in 2016, this year marked the first year that REALTORS® worked on constructing new homes for future homeowners.
“I was proud to work alongside other Kansas City region REALTORS® for the common purpose of building attainable housing for our community,” said Andrew Mall, 2025 KCRAR President. “I’m excited to see what Pathway at Heritage Park will do for the community here in Johnson County.”
This new development in Olathe, Kansas will ultimately include 14 affordable homes alongside community green space and a future Homeownership Resource Center, but at this point in time, it is a handful of homes in various states of construction, and Kansas City region REALTORS® helped to bring it to life at REALTORS® Rock the Block.
“Johnson County is facing a pressing affordable housing crisis,” said Lindsay Hicks, President & CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Kansas City. “Nearly 40% of renters and 20% of homeowners are spending more than 30% of their income on housing, and homes priced under $300,000 have virtually disappeared from the market. By building 14 attainable homes in Johnson County, we’re creating a pathway for local workers and families to live, work, and raise their children in the communities they serve.”
REALTORS® Rock the Block shifted to new construction to meet the demands of a shifting market. Up until this year, REALTORS® Rock the Block focused on increasing and sustaining home value for homeowners through the revitalization of existing homes across the region. Today, with low inventory and high demand driving up home value, Kansas City REALTORS® are working to increase attainable housing inventory.
This year’s REALTORS® Rock the Block event was supported by sponsors including Realtor.com, Rocktops Granite & Stone Fabrication, Continental Title Company, Secured Title of Kansas City, Bell Bank, Home Warranty Inc. and Central Bank of the Midwest.
Jeff Carson • September 19, 2025 at 2:10 pm
Great event, thank you to all of the volunteers!