On Higher Ground
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.
A Home for Two: Jessica’s Path to Stability in London, Kentucky
Jessica, a resilient and determined resident of London, KY, walked into Highlands Housing Corporation in October 2023 with a clear goal: she wanted a home of her own.
Angie Allen, President, Highlands Housing Corporation (KY)
Highlands Housing Corporation in rural KY, is proving that homeownership is possible—and transformational—for families who have long felt left behind.
Cassie Hudson, Executive Director, Partnership Housing, Inc. (KY)
Partnership Housing, Inc. is a nonprofit housing development organization working to change lives in Eastern Kentucky’s Owsley County by creating more safe, affordable homes and rental units.
New Foundations
Bill Sizemore’s 100-year-old house filled with 18 feet of water in the July 2022 Eastern Kentucky floods. The foundation completely washed away and the structure was demolished just days later. Finding a rental took months. Bill wrestled with his next steps, not knowing what he would be able to afford. HOMES, Inc., made owning a new home possible.
Scott McReynolds, Executive Director, Housing Development Alliance (KY)
Housing Development Alliance (HDA), led by Executive Director Scott McReynolds, has been addressing housing challenges in Eastern Kentucky for over 30 years. Serving Perry, Breathitt, Knott, and Leslie counties, HDA confronts issues like substandard housing with “bad water, suspect heat systems, and rotting floors,” McReynolds describes.
Rising Above
Farmer Baker has felt lost since the devastating 2022 floods in Eastern Kentucky. That July night, a wall of water swept through his holler in Lower River Caney, tragically killing his wife and washing away their home. For two years after, he has lived nearby with his oldest son.
Seth Long, Executive Director, HOMES, Inc. (KY)
HOMES, Inc. strengthens Eastern Kentucky communities by addressing housing challenges with innovative and sustainable solutions.,” says Seth Long, Executive Director.
Investing in the Future
Elda Bowen was paying $1600 a month in rent out of her modest social security and retirement income. Purchasing a home significantly reduced her monthly payment. The move to Bath County also brought her and the three great grandchildren in her custody closer to relatives and the chance for a fresh start.
First-Time Homebuyers Save Time and Money by Eliminating Long Commute
Newlyweds Bobbi McSwine and Tyran Price didn’t think they would qualify for a home loan because of student loans and lack of a down payment. Both traveled over an hour each way from their home in Shelbyville, Kentucky to Lexington for work, and they dreamed of saving both money and time by living closer to their jobs.