200 homes. 200 families. 200 dreams.
Highlands Housing Corporation, a nonprofit lending and construction organization established in 2009, celebrated the milestone of helping 200 families achieve the dream of homeownership.
Funders, volunteers, contractors, staff, board members, mentors and homeowners gathered to celebrate at the 200th home, which was built in McCreary County.
“This is more than a milestone,” said Angela Allen, president of Highlands Housing. “It’s a moment to reflect on what’s possible when vision, hard work and community come together.”
“We’re reminded that a home is never just about walls and rooflines. It’s about what happens inside—meals around the table, children doing homework, neighbors waving across the yard. A sense of safety. A sense of future.”
Its 200th home was built in partnership with Cooperative Baptist Fellowship Kentucky through its Extreme Build program—making it all the more meaningful.
And it isn’t just the families themselves who benefit from safe, stable housing. An estimated average of $800 per new home is contributed to the tax bases for the region or an annualized $158,000.
Kentucky Highlands Investment Corporation provided a $455,000 loan to Highlands Housing, which is being used as working capital to construct homes.
“An inability for workers to find affordable housing is an obstacle for any prospective large employer that is considering bringing jobs to our region,” said Jerry Rickett, president and CEO of KHIC. “That’s why housing affordability is an economic development issue. Through strong regional partnerships with nonprofits, community colleges and private business, Highlands Housing is providing safe, affordable housing for families in the region.”
In addition to KHIC and Highlands Housing Corporation, other partners provided funding for permanent financing — USDA Rural Development, Kentucky Housing Corporation, Federal Home Loan Bank, Cumberland Valley National Bank and Commercial Bank.
If you or someone you know would like to apply for the program, visit https://hhfirst.org/pre-application/.