Wichita is on the brink of a transformative approach to addressing homelessness with the establishment of the Multi-Agency Center (MAC).
At the helm of this initiative is Steve Dixon, the Chair of MAC Board Inc., the nonprofit poised to operate the city’s forthcoming year-round, low-barrier homeless shelter.
Steve Dixon serves as the President and CEO of P.B. Hoidale, a company founded by his great-grandfather in 1946.
Under Dixon’s leadership, P.B. Hoidale has expanded its footprint across Kansas and Oklahoma, specializing in building and servicing retail fueling locations, among other projects related to the storage, pumping, measuring, and dispensing of fluids.
Beyond his corporate role, Dixon has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to community service. His involvement includes serving on the boards of the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Coalition of Sedgwick County and United Way of the Plains.
Additionally, he has engaged in nonprofit work focusing on leadership and re-entry programs for formerly incarcerated individuals.
Formation and Mission of MAC Board Inc.
The Multi-Agency Center Board Inc. was established to oversee the operations of Wichita’s new homeless shelter, located at the former Park Elementary School at 1025 N. Main.
The MAC aims to provide comprehensive services to individuals experiencing homelessness, facilitating their transition into permanent housing.
The facility is set to operate 24/7, offering a centralized location where unhoused residents can access essential resources.
Board Composition
The MAC Board Inc. comprises a diverse group of leaders from various sectors:
| Board Member | Position |
|---|---|
| Steve Dixon | Chair; CEO of P.B. Hoidale |
| Robyn Chadwick | Chair of the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Coalition; former president of Ascension Via Christi St. Joseph Hospital |
| Jason Gregory | Commercial real estate specialist with InSite Real Estate Group |
| Kent Miracle | Director of sales and marketing at The Print Source; individual with lived experience of homelessness |
| Moji Rosson | Director of growth strategies and community impact at Meritrust Credit Union; former board member of United Way of the Plains |
| Gary Schmitt | Managing director of Government Affairs at INTRUST Bank; former board member of United Way of the Plains |
| Lily Wu | Mayor of Wichita |
This assembly of professionals brings a wealth of experience and perspectives to the board, ensuring that the MAC addresses the multifaceted challenges associated with homelessness.
Funding and Financial Outlook
The primary funding for MAC Board Inc. originates from the city of Wichita. In December 2024, the city allocated $5 million in federal COVID relief funds to support the homeless center’s operations and maintenance for 2025 and 2026.
Additionally, the city committed $500,000 toward its operations in 2025, with future contributions for 2026 to be revisited during the budget cycle.
The estimated annual operating cost for the MAC is approximately $4.5 million. This projection does not account for potential offsets from donations or reductions in personnel demands by service providers.
Current funding is anticipated to sustain operations through the end of 2026, contingent upon budget adjustments related to construction and staffing expenses.
To bolster financial stability, the MAC Board and Homelessness Task Force are actively seeking private donors and applying for grants, aiming to supplement funding without diverting resources from existing nonprofits in Wichita.
Operational Transition and Future Plans
Pending approval from the Wichita City Council on March 4, 2025, MAC Board Inc. will assume operations of the current emergency winter shelter on April 1, 2025. This transition marks the initial phase in establishing the comprehensive multi-agency center.
The immediate focus includes hiring a CEO and preparing for construction as the MAC undergoes development.
Under the leadership of Steve Dixon, the Multi-Agency Center Board Inc. is poised to make a significant impact on Wichita’s approach to homelessness.
By consolidating resources and services, the MAC aims to provide a holistic solution to support individuals in their journey toward stable housing and improved well-being.