Some anniversaries are measured in years. Others in the differences they have made.
As Humanity House prepares to celebrate its 10th anniversary on July 25, the Iola nonprofit is reflecting on what began with the simple goal of helping neighbors in need and has grown into an organization that provides food, emergency assistance and opportunities for families to build a more stable future.
The story of Humanity House began with a conversation founder Tracy Call has never forgotten. While organizing a Santa’s Toy Shop event, Call noticed a young boy struggling to choose a Christmas gift. When she asked what he wanted most, his answer was simple.
“All I want for Christmas is food in my house.” The response stayed with her.
As she researched local needs, Call discovered that food insecurity, utility assistance and housing support were among the greatest needs in Allen County. Determined to do something locally, she partnered with Georgia Masterson to create Humanity House.
Call served as executive director until retiring in June 2023, while Masterson became board treasurer and still helps manage the organization’s daily operations. Together, they built Humanity House from the ground up, steadily expanding its services as new needs emerged throughout the community.
Barbara Button became executive director in February 2024 and has continued building on that foundation.
TODAY, Humanity House serves hundreds of area residents each year. The numbers from 2025 tell part of the story.
Last year, Humanity House distributed 75,000 pounds of food, provided $87,420.95 in hardship assistance and prevented or restored more than 300 utility shutoffs, helping families remain safely in their homes during difficult times.
The organization’s work also received community recognition in November 2025 when Thrive Allen County presented Humanity House with its Excellence in Health & Wellness Award, recognizing the meals, emergency assistance and support the nonprofit has provided throughout the county.
While those milestones mark the organization’s growth, its mission has remained unchanged.
“It started out just paying utility bills and providing food,” Masterson said. “And we definitely offer a lot more now than originally. I think that’s positively impacted the community.”
Masterson said the support of donors, volunteers and community partners helps keep their doors open.
THEIR FOOD pantry at 110 East St., is open to anyone.
The pantry requires no proof of income, identification or residency. Pantry volunteers receive staples from the Kansas Food Bank, local donors and Humanity House’s own community garden. Fresh produce, canned goods, pantry staples, frozen protein when available, and hygiene and household items are provided.
Deliveries from the Kansas Food Bank arrive monthly, with Humanity House ordering what it needs based on demand. Last month, the non-profit received 6,000 pounds of food. Button said volunteers are essential on delivery days to help unload thousands of pounds of food by hand because pallets cannot be brought directly into the building.
