Lexington Habitat for Humanity begins construction on 500th homebuyer household

LEXINGTON, Ky. (via press release) –  Lexington Habitat for Humanity is excited to announce that this fall, it is serving its  500^th homebuyer household. Since its founding nearly 40 years ago, Lexington Habitat has worked toward a world where  everyone has a decent place to live. This month, the organization begins work on a townhome for its 500^th homebuyer  household and celebrates a long history of providing safe, affordable, decent housing for homebuyers in Lexington. 

Lexington Habitat couldn’t be more thrilled to partner with homebuyer Marsha for this milestone. Marsha is a longtime  food service employee at Fayette County Public Schools. Her life has not been without extreme challenges, but her tenacity and resilience have led her through difficult times. Now, she enjoys spending time with her daughters and  grandchildren, gardening and volunteering at her church of over 71 years. Marsha looks forward to moving into her new  home and having a place of her own for family to gather. She grew up in Lexington’s east end community and is excited to  return. “I’m going home,” she said of the neighborhood. “I’m thankful, I’m prayerful, I’m joyful.”  

Marsha has completed a series of homebuyer classes that cover financial literacy, basic home repair skills and more. She  will also spend time participating in the construction process. The kickoff celebration for Marsha’s home will take place on  Tuesday, September 17^th, at 8:30 a.m. 

Lexington Habitat is grateful to the homebuyer sponsors who have made this project possible: the University of Kentucky  Federal Credit Union, Jean and Gene Cravens, Calvary Baptist Church and dozens of wonderful individual donors.  

“We are proud to reach this milestone in Lexington Habitat’s history, and we look forward to the future as we continue to  deliver on our mission of empowering individuals and families in our community through affordable homeownership,” said  CEO Darryl Neher. “This is not just a number; it represents 500 stories of resilience, hope, and community. We are  excited for what lies ahead as we continue to build and empower even more families.” 

The impact of Habitat homeownership extends far beyond the straightforward benefits of shelter. The strength and  stability of an affordable home is often a starting point for better health outcomes, better educational outcomes for  children, building generational wealth and so much more. As recent homebuyer Gale said, “That is my grandson’s  inheritance.” 

Since breaking ground on its first home in 1987, Lexington Habitat has adapted to Lexington’s changing housing  landscape by expanding its offerings — from single-family residences to townhomes — all while staying true to its  mission: building homes, communities and hope. As Lexington Habitat celebrates this 500^th milestone, it looks forward to  a future filled with 500 more success stories. 

ABOUT LEXINGTON HABITAT FOR HUMANITY 

Driven by the vision that everyone deserves a decent place to live, Lexington Habitat for Humanity has built and repaired homes in Lexington for over 30 years. Lexington Habitat homebuyers help build their own homes and pay an affordable mortgage. Homeowners with low income have the opportunity to repair and preserve their homes. Through financial support, volunteering, donating to or shopping at the Lexington Habitat ReStore or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help individuals, families and our entire community achieve strength, and stability.