Governor announces $16 million to provide up to 300 new homes for tornado survivors

On Tuesday, Gov. Andy Beshear joined local officials in Mayfield to announce that $16 million from the Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund will help provide up to 300 homes for families in 13 Western Kentucky counties.

Nonprofit organizations The Fuller Center for Housing,  Homes and Hope for Kentucky and Habitat for Humanity submitted proposals to help build up to 100 homes each. In addition, homes can be built in the counties that were eligible for individual and household assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency. 

The Fuller Center agreed to administer $4 million to help with down payment assistance on up to 100 homes. Fuller Center hopes to build 11 homes in Graves County and indicated its willingness to expand to other counties.

"The Mayfield/Graves Fuller Center for Housing is committed to bringing back Mayfield, restoring families and providing affordable housing to assist those who have been severely impacted by the devastating tornadoes," said Dave Wright, board chair of the Mayfield-Graves Fuller Center for Housing.

Homes and Hope for Kentucky have agreed to administer $8 million to pay for materials to construct houses. In addition, they have partnered with Mennonite Disaster Services and Amish groups in the region to build and repair up to 100 homes without labor costs. Currently, they have 15 homes under construction in Graves County.

Habitat for Humanity has agreed to administer $4 million to help with down payment assistance for the mortgage on a home. They said they hope to build 10 homes in Bowling Green and 10 in Dawson Springs by the end of 2022 and 30 new homes in Bowling Green and 50 in the Pennyryile by the end of 2023.

Families impacted should contact each nonprofit directly to determine which program will best meet their needs and apply. They said the organizations would collaborate on the review and approval of applicants. 

Photo courtesy of Homes and Hope for Kentucky.