In July of 2022, flood waters filled Clova Short’s home of 35 years in eastern Kentucky. In the storm’s wake, walls grew mold and mildew and floors collapsed. Yet her family of three couldn’t move out, even enduring more flooding in successive months.
Renting proved a challenge, partly because of Clova’s fixed income. Also, a handicapped accessible home was hard to find, a necessity due to her granddaughter’s disability. Relocating out of the county, where a support system helps with daily care for her granddaughter, wasn’t an option, and the family home was navigable thanks to some earlier renovations.
Clova, her daughter, and her granddaughter remained in the disintegrating structure for three years before moving into a new home with the help of HOMES, Inc.
“We kept praying and putting it in God’s hands,” Clova said. “My home was where all of my memories were, but I brought them with me.”
HOMES, Inc., provides housing solutions for low-income families in Letcher and surrounding counties through new construction, financial resources like low-interest loans and grants, home repairs, and 60 affordable rental units. Clova’s new home is in the Chestnut Ridge Neighborhood in Knott County, one of several high-ground communities addressing the crucial need for safe housing after the flood.
With state funding from the Kentucky Housing Corporation and philanthropic gifts through the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky, the first 57 of Chestnut Ridge’s anticipated 200 homes are being developed by four nonprofits that work in the region: HOMES, Inc., Housing Development Alliance (another Fahe member), Samaritan’s Purse, and Appalachian Service Project. The master plan for the 100-acre community includes walking trails, outdoor recreation areas and more.
Clova already knew of HOMES, Inc., from renovations they had completed on her home. When a local aid group shared her critical need with them, HOMES staff reached out. They knew of her financial situation and gave her the support she needed to purchase her house. The family moved in almost a year later.
Clova’s new home is clean, safe, and accessible. It’s also affordable. Her mortgage payment is less than the cost of renting. The electric bills in her compromised house were $400-500 a month; now she pays less than half of that. After three months in Chestnut Ridge, the newness had not worn off.