Habitat for Humanity International receives $1.25M grant to support long-term disaster recovery work in Kentucky
ATLANTA (July 10, 2023) — Habitat for Humanity International recently received a $1.25 million grant from the American Red Cross that will help support long-term disaster recovery in Western Kentucky. More than a year later, communities across the state are still recovering from a severe, long-track tornado that crossed 11 counties in three hours, leaving catastrophic damage in its wake.
The tornado destroyed thousands of homes, exacerbating an existing housing shortage in the state. With fewer available homes for rent or purchase, prices have skyrocketed, which has been especially devastating for low- to very-low-income households.
To help address the shortage and support tornado-impacted families, three Habitat affiliates — Habitat for Humanity Bowling Green/Warren County, Habitat for Humanity of Fulton & Hickman County Kentucky and Habitat for Humanity Pennyrile Region — will use the donation to support staff capacity and training, subsidize the cost of adding a FORTIFIED roof to 21 new homes, and fund the construction of safe rooms in five homes.
The funding also will support Bowling Green/Warren County Habitat’s efforts to build a community center that can withstand 250 mph winds. The center will be tied into the city’s emergency management system and serve as a shelter for residents during extreme weather events.
Funding received by Kentucky Habitat for Humanity will enable the state support office to continue providing long-term disaster recovery programming and resources such as resilient construction training and disaster preparedness instruction for communities across Kentucky.
“As we contend with increasingly severe weather events, it is imperative that we build stronger, more resilient homes. But these homes can’t just be safe. They also need to be affordable. Low-income households are the least able to recover when disasters like this strike,” said Adrienne Goolsby, senior vice president of U.S. and Canada at Habitat for Humanity International.
“We are incredibly grateful for the American Red Cross’ commitment to providing resources and support that will allow Habitat to help these communities build back stronger and more resilient.”
About Habitat for Humanity
Driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity began in 1976 as a grassroots effort on a community farm in southern Georgia. The Christian housing organization has since grown to become a leading global nonprofit working in local communities across all 50 states in the U.S. and in more than 70 countries. Families and individuals in need of a hand up partner with Habitat for Humanity to build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. Through financial support, volunteering or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. Through shelter, we empower. To learn more, visit habitat.org.
About American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.